The Most Sour Candy in the World Ranked
Our Proprietary Ranking System for the Sourest Candies
Do you walk on the sour side of candy? Have you tried the most sour candy in the world? Our proprietary ranking system reveals the top ten sourest candies.
When we get going down a rabbit hole, we go deep. So when an argument broke out in the office about which candy was the most sourest-est, we couldn't help but break it down and get systematic.
Using a unique ranking system, we measured five important factors and characteristics of sour candy. That way we could systematically compare and contrast in the most methodical and definitive way.
The results are below. Use them wisely, and be prepared to sweat.
This is the ultimate guide to the top 10 most sour candy in the world.
The Allure of the Most Sour Candy
Some people might question the allure of finding the food that makes you pucker and cry the most, but we actually get it. It's the rush. That jolt to the taste buds that screams "WAKE UP!"
It's an extreme sport for your mouth. Sour candy isn't just a taste, it's an experience, a challenge, a badge of honor for those bold enough to venture into the world of delightful pucker power.
At least that's what I tell myself.
So whether you're a prolific sour candy lover buying bulk candy or a curious newbie wanting to test your taste buds, strap in for the ride.
The Secret to Sourness
Unwrapping the secret behind the sourness of candies reveals a blend of acids like citric, malic, and tartaric. These guys tango with your taste buds, setting off the "SOUR!" fireworks in your brain!
This sourness is more than just a taste--it's an ancient alert system designed by evolution and seen throughout candy history that warns us about potentially harmful food. Now, we use this to enjoy the thrilling ride of sour candies.
Variables Used to Rank the Most Sour Candy
Before we dive into the depths of sourdom, we need to establish some ground rules. Just like you wouldn't judge a salsa competition without knowing your mild from your hot, we can't dive into the world of sour candy without a way to measure that face-squishing, eye-watering sour power.
Enter the Pucker Power Index (PPI), our very own, in-house candy store designed ranking system to gauge the sour-ocity of your chosen treats.
But this system isn't just about how much a candy makes you squint. It's way more sophisticated than that.
The PPI takes into account five essential sour candy elements:
- Sour Intensity (SI): That immediate POW! when the candy hits your tongue. This measures the shock factor on a scale of 1-10. The higher the score, the bigger the initial punch.
- Sour Duration (SD): How long does the sour sensation last? Does it fizzle out faster than a firecracker, or does it linger like the beat of a top chart song? Again, we'll be using a 1-10 scale.
- Sour Coating (SC): We'll be taking a close look at the candy's armor -- its sour coating. Is it consistent, or does it leave patches of sweetness? Rated 1-10, where 10 means the candy is dressed to impress in a full sour suit.
- Acidity Level (AL): Here we're going all scientific and looking at the pH levels. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity - meaning a higher score on our 1-10 scale.
- Sour Variety (SV): Sourness can come in all sorts of flavors. Lemon, apple, berry -- how many does your candy bring to the party? This one's rated on a 1-5 scale for a dash of diversity.
And there you have it -- our Pucker Power Index. Let's dive in!
Top Ten Most Sour Candies in the World
10. Sour Skittles
Sour Skittles may not be the sourest candy in our list, but they still pack a decent enough punch of sourness that's good for those who want a mild experience. With a variety of flavors in each pack, they bring a fun twist to the traditional Skittles.
The lower sour intensity, duration, coating, and acidity level make Sour Skittles a good option for those who prefer a gentler introduction to the world of sour candies. Plus, the high sour variety ensures a delightful and diverse taste experience.
9. Taveners Sour Lemon Drops
Taveners Sour Lemon Drops deliver a classic, tangy lemon flavor that many candy aficionados love. Ranking ninth on our list, these hard candies offer a modest sour experience with a short duration and a light sour coating.
The simplicity of this candy, with its single flavor and low acidity level, makes it good for those who enjoy a more traditional sour lemon treat without the intense kick of other candies on the list.
8. Juicy Drop Gum
Juicy Drop Gum ranks eighth in our list, offering a unique combination of sour and sweet flavors. The sour gum comes with a separate sour gel that allows you to control the intensity of the sourness in each piece, making it a customizable experience.
Although the sour intensity and acidity level from Juicy Drop are relatively low, the longer sour duration and variety in flavors make this candy a fun choice for those who enjoy a mild, yet long-lasting sourness.
7. Sour Punch Straws
Coming in at number seven, Sour Punch Straws are a popular choice among sour candy enthusiasts. With a decent sour intensity and an array of fruity flavors, these chewy straws deliver a satisfying combination of sour and sweet.
The duration is moderate, and the acidity level is relatively low, making Sour Punch Straws a great snack for those who appreciate a good balance of sour and sweet without over-the-top intensity.
6. Sour Patch Kids Extreme
Sour Patch Kids Extreme takes the classic Sour Patch Kids experience to the next level by ramping up the sour. With a higher intensity, duration, and coating than some of the previous candies on our list, this treat is for those who crave a more intense experience.
The acidity level is moderate, and the variety of flavors remains high, making Sour Patch Kids Extreme a great choice for fans of the original who are ready for an extra sour kick.
5. Toxic Waste Mega Slime Licker
Toxic Waste Mega Slime Licker offers an unconventional sour candy experience that ranks fifth on our list.
This roller candy has a sour liquid gel that you apply by rolling it onto your tongue. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy the candy.
The intensity, duration, and acidity level are all higher than many of the candies ranked below it, and with a variety of flavors available, Toxic Waste Mega Slime Licker is great for adventurous candy lovers looking for a unique and potent sour treat.
4. Barnett's Mega Sour
Barnett's Mega Sour candies take the sour game up a notch, earning the fourth spot on our list. These hard candies feature a generous sour coating that delivers a strong initial punch, followed by a long-lasting sour flavor that lingers on your taste buds.
With a higher intensity, duration, and acidity level than some of the previous candies, Barnett's Mega Sour is great for those who enjoy a potent and enduring sour experience. Although the sour variety is lower, with fewer flavor options, the intensity of the sourness more than makes up for it, delighting those who crave a seriously tangy treat.
3. Cry Baby Tears
Cry Baby Tears claim the third spot on our list, offering a powerful sour punch that's sure to make your eyes water. These small, hard candies come in a variety of fruit flavors and boast a high intensity, long duration, and a substantial sour coating.
The acidity level is also quite high, ensuring that Cry Baby Tears deliver a memorable and mouth-puckering experience. For those who love a bold and intense sour candy, Cry Baby Tears are a must-try.
2. Warheads Extreme Sour
Warheads Extreme Sour candies are the runner-up in our sour candy rankings, and for good reason. Known for their incredibly potent initial sour burst, this extreme sour candy is not for the faint of heart.
With an impressive sour intensity, duration, and coating, Warheads Extreme Sour delivers a powerful punch followed by a sweet and fruity flavor that brings relief once the sourness subsides. The high acidity level and variety of flavors make Warheads Extreme Sour a popular choice among those seeking a thrilling and intense sour candy experience.
1. Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour
Taking the crown as the most sour candy in the world is Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour. These small, hard candies are the ultimate test for sour candy aficionados.
With the highest sour intensity, duration, and coating on our list, Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour lives up to its name by delivering an incredibly potent and long-lasting sour experience.
The high acidity level and diverse flavor options only add to the intensity, making this candy the ultimate challenge for those brave enough to take it on. If you're searching for the sourest of the sour, look no further than Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour.
Graphic and Data Table
Putting it all together, this downloadable graphic and data table below give you a quick way to compare the results for each contestant.
| Candy | SI | SD | SC | AL | SV | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #10. Sour Skittles | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 |
| #9. Juicy Drop Gum | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 14 |
| #8. Taveners Sour Lemon Drops | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| #7. Sour Punch Straws | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 20 |
| #6. Sour Patch Kids Extreme | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 24 |
| #5. Toxic Waste Mega Slime Licker | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 27 |
| #4. Barnett's Mega Sour | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 29 |
| #3. Cry Baby Tears | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 34 |
| #2. Warheads Extreme Sour | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 40 |
| #1. Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 43 |
If you need more sour sweetness to explore, there are plenty of great sour candy brands out there. Make your own top 10 list!
Toxic Waste Candy Facts and Rumors
So, we've crowned Toxic Waste as the king of the sour hill, but what does that mean for our brave taste buds?
Toxic Waste brings a sour onslaught that can feel like it's dissolving your tooth enamel. But fear not, it's more likely just challenging the hardiness of your mouth! After all, it's the sourest candy ever, by our reckoning. Yet, if you can endure the first 30-45 seconds of tart torture, you'll be rewarded with a sweet fruity flavor that'll have you forgetting the acidic ambush you just experienced.
Sure, Warheads pack a wallop of sourness from the get-go, but the sour sensation fades quicker than it does with Toxic Waste. And while the name "Toxic Waste" might suggest a taste experience that's more dare than delight, these treats defy expectations with a tantalizing blend of hazardously tart yet refreshingly fruity flavors.
But remember, sour candy is not for the faint of heart--or faint of mouth, we should say. In extreme cases, it can cause tongue burns, mouth blisters, and damaged taste buds. Don't fret, though--the damage isn't permanent, but maybe take a breather if things start feeling a bit too fiery!
Always consult a doctor with health concerns, not a candy blog :)
FAQs About Toxic Waste Candy
What's the sourest flavor of Toxic Waste?
Toxic Waste candy comes in a variety of mouth-puckering flavors, all of which deliver an intense sour kick. While the "sourest" flavor can vary based on personal perception, many fans have reported that the Lemon flavor tends to deliver the sharpest and most enduring sour blast. But whether you're reaching for Lemon, Watermelon, Black Cherry, or any other flavor, brace yourself for a seriously tart treat!
”What age are Toxic Waste sweets for?”
Not for 3 and under. Says right on the package.
Personal, non-professional opinion: 4 is still a little young lol.
Can I eat Toxic Waste while pregnant?
While Toxic Waste candy is not inherently harmful to pregnant women, it's important to note that all candies, especially those high in sugar and acidity, should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. Also, due to the extreme sourness of Toxic Waste, it could potentially exacerbate morning sickness or heartburn, common symptoms in pregnancy.
As with all food intake during pregnancy, it's always wise to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Is Toxic Waste candy banned?
Toxic Waste candy itself is not banned; however, there was a specific product, "Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge Chew Bars," imported from Pakistan that was recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to lead contamination.
This particular product raised significant health concerns and was taken off the market. Nonetheless, the classic Toxic Waste sour candies that we know and love continue to be available, providing that teeth-clenching, eye-watering sour experience to brave candy enthusiasts worldwide.
Is Toxic Waste candy FDA approved?
While the FDA doesn't explicitly "approve" foods and confections in the way they approve drugs, they do enforce regulatory standards to ensure food safety. In general, Toxic Waste candies are compliant with these standards and thus are sold freely in the U.S.
However, a specific product, the "Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge Chew Bars," was recalled because it did not meet these safety standards due to lead contamination. But rest assured, the core Toxic Waste sour candy that we've been discussing is still widely available for all those sour candy connoisseurs out there.
Eating Sour Candy Responsibly
As thrilling as it is to test our tastebuds' mettle against a formidable sour candy, it's important to remember that safety comes first. After all, we want our love for sour candies to be a marathon, not a sprint!
The sour power of sour candy comes from acids, as we've discovered, and while these are generally safe in the amounts found in candies, they can still pack a punch. Eating too many sour candies, especially in a short period of time, can lead to minor but uncomfortable issues like mouth sores or tooth sensitivity. This is due to the acidic content which, in large amounts, can wear down tooth enamel and irritate the sensitive lining of your mouth.
Some extremely sour candies even come with a warning label. Take our top-ranking candy, Toxic Waste, for example. Its packaging advises against eating multiple pieces within a short time period due to the risk of temporary irritation to sensitive tongues and mouths.
Additionally, while it's rare, some people may have an allergic or sensitive reaction to the types of acid or other ingredients used in sour candies.
So, how to enjoy the tangy rollercoaster of sour candies safely? Moderation is key. Treat sour candies like a special occasion, not an all-you-can-eat buffet. Savor the experience and give your mouth a break between candies. Remember, it's all fun and games until someone gets a sour-induced mouth sore!