Pucker Up! Today is National Sour Candy Day
Ready to make your taste buds tingle? July 18th is National Sour Candy Day, and it’s time to celebrate the mouth-puckering, eye-watering treats that have captured hearts (and faces) across America.
The Sweet (and Sour) Origins
National Sour Candy Day might be young, but its impact is mighty. The holiday was established in 2015 by the American Licorice Company, makers of the popular Sour Punch brand, with a simple mission: to celebrate all the deliciously tangy varieties of sour candies and encourage everyone to give them a try.
While the holiday itself is relatively new, sour candy has a fascinating history that dates back much further. The sour candy craze really took off in the mid-20th century, beginning with the introduction of Atomic Fireball in 1954. This sweet-and-hot candy paved the way for other iconic sour treats like Lemonheads (1962), Sour Patch Kids (originally called Mars Men in the early 1970s), and the legendary Warheads, which hit the market in 1993 and took sourness to a whole new level.
The Science Behind the Pucker
Ever wonder why sour candy makes your face scrunch up in that unmistakable way? It’s all about the acids! Sour candies contain various acids – primarily citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and fumaric acid – that stimulate the sour taste receptors on your tongue. These acids can drop the pH level of sour candy to around 1.8, which is nearly as acidic as battery acid!
When these acids hit your taste buds, they trigger an involuntary response in your facial muscles, causing that classic “pucker face” we all know and love. The more acidic the candy, the more intense the sour sensation – and the bigger the pucker!
Popular Sour Sensations
The sour candy world is vast and varied, offering something for every level of sour tolerance:
- Sour Patch Kids – The “sour then sweet” classic that’s been delighting taste buds for decades
- Warheads – Known for their extreme sourness and devoted fanbase
- Toxic Waste – Living up to its name as one of the sourest candies on the market
- Sour Punch – Available in straws, bites, and twists since 1990
- Cry Baby Tears – Gummy candies that deliver a serious sour punch
- Sour Nerds – Tiny but mighty in the sour department
How to Celebrate National Sour Candy Day
1. Host a Sour Candy Tasting Party Gather friends and family for a pucker-worthy experience. Buy various sour candies and rate them on sourness level. See who can handle the most extreme flavors without flinching!
2. Take the Sour Challenge Time yourself eating different sour candies and see how long you can go without making a face. Document your best (or worst) pucker faces for social media.
3. Share the Sour Love Bring a variety of sour candies to work or school. Nothing brings people together quite like watching someone try their first Warhead!
4. Get Creative in the Kitchen Try making homemade sour candies or incorporating sour candy into desserts. Sour gummy worms make fantastic cake decorations, and crushed sour candy can add a tangy twist to cookies or ice cream.
5. Create a Sour Candy Bouquet Arrange different sour candies into a colorful bouquet for a friend or family member. It’s a sweet (and sour) gift that’s sure to bring a smile!
Sweet Memories, Sour Faces
National Sour Candy Day isn’t just about the candy itself – it’s about the memories and experiences these treats create. Whether it’s watching a friend try their first super-sour candy or bonding over shared childhood favorites, sour candy has a unique way of bringing people together through shared (slightly painful) joy.
Join the Celebration
This July 18th, embrace your inner child and indulge in some deliciously sour treats. Whether you’re a sour candy veteran or a curious newcomer, National Sour Candy Day is the perfect excuse to pucker up and enjoy the tangy side of life.
Don’t forget to share your sour candy adventures on social media using #NationalSourCandyDay and #SourCandyDay. Show off your best pucker faces, favorite sour combinations, and maybe even challenge your friends to see who can handle the sourest candy!
Remember: While sour candy is delicious, moderation is key. The high acid content can be tough on tooth enamel, so enjoy responsibly and maybe brush your teeth afterward!
What’s your favorite sour candy? Will you be celebrating National Sour Candy Day today? Let us know in the comments below!