Food never stops evolving, and Skittles are no exception to this rule. From the bag to the freezer, these colorful sweets have taken on a new form. But if you’ve ever encountered frozen Skittles online, you must have wondered: what’s the deal with freeze dried Skittles?
Tasting the rainbow was already pretty flavorful, but now, you can indulge in your favorite multicolored snack in a unique and possibly more delicious way. The biggest perk of this innovative method to munch on Skittles is that you’ll be creating an unconventional snack that will last for a very long time.
So, without further ado, this is our attempt at answering your burning questions: what’s the deal with freeze dried Skittles?
What are freeze dried Skittles?
When you think of the term, “freeze dried food”, your mind most likely wanders to astronauts, but now it has become a common technique that provides a fleet of tasty benefits for candy and other types of food. In a nutshell, freeze drying is a technique used to preserve food items for long-term storage.
We know what you’re thinking; Skittles taste so good that they are usually consumed instantly. Why would anyone want to preserve Skittles for that long?
Well, the answer is that freeze drying Skittles makes them crunchy instead of chewy. Moreover, it amplifies their iconic flavor and prevents them from sticking to your teeth (literally the only downside to munching on Skittles).
What do freeze dried Skittles taste like?
Of course, this must be your primary question; the flavor! Because if they don’t taste good, what’s the point? Luckily, freeze dried Skittles taste fantastic.
Freeze dried Skittles have a prominent tangy taste that pairs beautifully with a myriad of other snacks. Enjoy them with salted peanuts or other freeze dried food like mini marshmallows to balance out the citrus goodness of Skittles.
How many calories are in freeze dried Skittles?
Freeze dried Skittles contain approximately 160 calories per serving. That’s a little bit more compared to their original versions, but once you taste the difference, it will be completely worth it.
How are freeze dried Skittles made?
As is the case with other freeze dried food, making freeze dried Skittles isn’t complicated at all. Here’s a basic freeze dried Skittles recipe:
All you have to do is place the candies in a single layer on a dryer tray and pop them in your home freeze dryer. You’ll know they’re ready when the Skittles expand and their shells crack. A huge bonus is that you’ll have fun with all of the different shapes and sizes that they form.
How to freeze dry Skittles without a machine?
For Skittles to be truly freeze dried, a freeze drying machine or other similar home appliance is required. Freeze drying candies without a proper machine will give you an end result that isn’t completely freeze dried. While it’s best to use a freeze dryer, it’s still possible to make freeze dried Skittles without a freeze drying machine.
A simple home freezer and dry ice, which are accessible options to most homeowners, can be used to make freeze dried Skittles. Simply pack the candies in freezer-safe bags. Place them in your home freezer and completely cover the bags with dry ice. Leave it for about 24 hours and check if they have completely freeze dried. If they did, remove the bags and store them.
How long does it take to freeze dry Skittles?
As mentioned above, it takes about 20 to 24 hours to completely make freeze dried Skittles using a freeze dryer.
Can you freeze dry Skittles in a dehydrator?
No. You cannot freeze dry Skittles in a dehydrator. A dehydrator and a freeze dryer work differently from one another. According to Candyjan.com, a freeze dryer uses cold to preserve food, retaining much of the original taste and nutritional value of freeze dried foods by about 97 percent. A dehydrator, on the other hand, uses low heat to preserve food, and in the process changes the flavor of the food and reduces the nutritional value by about 60 percent of the original.
How long do freeze dried Skittles last?
The art of freeze drying is a wonderful way to preserve food for amazingly long periods of time. The shelf life of food items gets extended tenfold when subjected to this preservation process.
When it comes to freeze dried Skittles, in particular, they can last several years when stored properly. It is important to note that when the candy starts to discolor or change in flavor, it is no longer safe for consumption.
Where can I buy freeze dried Skittles?
Making your own freeze dried Skittles is fun, but for those times when you don’t feel like going DIY (or if you aren’t very crafty), you can purchase freeze dried Skittles at Walmart for $18.99 per 9oz pack.
Freeze drying brings a new life to the candies you love. The method makes them light and airy, gives them a nice crunch, and intensifies their flavors. Freeze drying takes this big bag of Skittles to a whole new level, turning them into extremely sour candies.
Is it legal to sell freeze dried Skittles?
Skittles and other brand names used by businesses that sell candies are trademarked. People who use these names without permission from the rightful owners are infringing on their trademark rights. This can land them into legal issues if they are selling freeze dried candies with trademarked names.
The origin of (regular) Skittles
Skittles were initially developed back in 1974 by a British company and later imported to North America in 1979. By 1982, the candy began to be produced in the U.S. Today Skittles are produced by the Wrigley Company, which is a part of Mars, Inc.
Each Skittle is made of a hard sugar candy shell that has an “S” imprinted on it. There are many Skittles flavor collections available, but some of the most popular flavor collections include wild berry, sweet heat, sour, dessert, and tropical. All of the flavor varieties can be transformed into freeze dried Skittles.