National Sour Candy Day

Child with a big smile, holding a bag of sour candies, in a colorful candy store with shelves full of different sour treats.. — National sour candy day illustration

Are you ready to pucker up? It's time to celebrate National Sour Candy Day! Get your taste buds ready for an explosion of tangy, sweet, and oh-so-sour flavors. This is a day dedicated to all the mouth-puckering treats that make your face scrunch up like a sour lemon. So grab some sour candy and get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride!

When is Sour Candy Day?

It's national sour candy day on the 18th July.

A Brief History of National Sour Candy Day

Did you know that National Sour Candy Day actually has a sweet origin story? It all started on July 18th, 2016, when the internet exploded with excitement over these tart and tangy treats. People all over the country began sharing their love for sour candies on social media, using hashtags like #SourCandyDay and #TongueTwisterTreats. The overwhelming response led to the official recognition of this delightful day.

Since then, National Sour Candy Day has become a beloved celebration of all things sour. It's a day to savor the mouth-watering flavors of sour gummies, sour belts, sour patch kids, and so much more. Whether you prefer the eye-watering sourness of warheads or the subtle tartness of sour straws, this day is for you!

How to Celebrate

Ready to indulge in some sour goodness? Here are a few ways you can make the most of National Sour Candy Day:

Organize a sour candy tasting party with your friends and family. Challenge each other to try the most sour candies you can find!
Create your own DIY sour candy. Experiment with different flavors and shapes to create your perfect pucker-worthy treat.
Host a sour candy-themed movie night. Pair your favorite sour treats with some classic films for a fun and tasty experience.
Share the love by surprising your loved ones with a sour candy gift basket. Who could resist such a sweet and sour gesture?

Fun Fact

Did you know that sour candies can actually make you salivate more than regular candies? That's because the acidity in sour candy stimulates the saliva glands, making your mouth water. It's like a tasty science experiment!

History behind the term 'Sour Candy'

1806

The discovery of citric acid

In 1806, the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered citric acid, which is a natural acid found in citrus fruits. This discovery marked the first step in the creation of sour candy, as citric acid is one of the key ingredients used to give candies their sour taste.

1847

The development of sour sugar coatings

In 1847, a confectioner named Emile Schefferle experimented with coating candies in a mixture of sugar and citric acid. He discovered that by doing so, he could create a candy that had a delightful balance of sweetness and sourness. This led to the development of the first sour sugar-coated candies, laying the foundation for the creation of sour candies as we know them today.

1920

The advent of sour gummies

In the 1920s, a German candy company called Haribo introduced a revolutionary candy known as the gummi bear. Combining gelatin, sugar, flavors, and colors, gummi bears quickly became popular worldwide. Over time, manufacturers began incorporating citric acid into the gummi bear recipe, giving birth to the first sour gummy candies. These chewy treats offered a unique texture and the perfect blend of sweetness and sourness.

1960

Expanding the sour candy variety

In the 1960s, candy companies started experimenting with sour flavors in various forms. Sour belts, sour drops, and sour powders became trendy among candy lovers. The addition of malic acid, another tart-tasting natural acid, along with citric acid, further expanded the range of sour candies available on the market. These new creations provided a tantalizingly tangy experience for candy enthusiasts.

1990

Extreme sourness takes center stage

In the 1990s, a new trend emerged in the world of sour candy — extreme sourness. Candy connoisseurs sought intense and mouth-puckering flavors, leading to the development of products like Warheads. These candies were coated with multiple layers of intense sour powder, pushing the boundaries of sourness to new heights. The quest for extreme sourness continues to captivate candy enthusiasts, with new and innovative sour candy creations constantly being introduced.