Can You Dehydrate Candy?

Dehydrating food is a popular method of preservation, allowing you to store items for long periods without refrigeration. While we commonly dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and even meats, have you ever wondered if you can dehydrate candy? The process of dehydrating candy can be both fun and practical, though it requires a bit of consideration to ensure that the candy maintains its texture and flavor. Let’s dive into the world of candy dehydration and explore whether it’s possible and what you need to know.

What Does Dehydrating Candy Involve?

Dehydrating is the process of removing moisture from food, which prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast that could cause the food to spoil. It’s usually done by using a food dehydrator, an oven, or air drying. When it comes to candy, the goal is not to remove all the moisture (as we do with fruits or vegetables), but to alter the candy’s texture and shelf life in a way that maintains its sweetness and appeal.

Can You Dehydrate Different Types of Candy?

The answer is yes, you can dehydrate some types of candy, but not all candies are suited to dehydration. Here’s a look at how different types of candy fare when dehydrated:

1. Gummy Candies:
   • Dehydration Works Well: Gummy candies (like gummy bears, gummy worms, or fruit snacks) are among the easiest candies to dehydrate. When exposed to low heat, they lose moisture and become firmer and chewier. They can take on a new, denser texture, which some people find more enjoyable.
   • How to Dehydrate: Simply place the gummies in a dehydrator or an oven set to low heat (around 135°F or 57°C). Spread them out evenly and allow them to dehydrate for a few hours until they become firm to the touch.
2. Hard Candies:
   • Dehydration May Not Be Effective: Hard candies, such as lollipops or Jolly Ranchers, are generally not suitable for dehydration. These candies are already low in moisture content and don’t benefit from the dehydration process. Trying to dehydrate hard candies could lead to melting or an undesirable texture.
   • Alternative Uses: Rather than dehydrating, hard candies can be crushed into powder and used in other recipes or for decorating purposes.
3. Chocolate and Caramel Candies:
   • Chocolate Doesn’t Dehydrate Well: Chocolate-covered candies, like chocolate bars or chocolate-covered nuts, don’t fare well in a dehydrator. Chocolate can melt at low temperatures, and this could ruin the candy’s shape and texture. The process of dehydrating caramel can also affect its consistency.
   • How to Handle: If you want to try dehydrating chocolate or caramel-based candies, consider separating the chocolate and caramel from the rest of the candy before dehydration to avoid issues.
4. Marshmallows:
   • Dehydration Works: Marshmallows are another candy that dehydrates well. Once dehydrated, they become crunchy and lighter in texture, which can make for an interesting snack. In fact, some marshmallows are specifically manufactured for this purpose, and you may find dehydrated marshmallows in cereals and trail mixes.
   • How to Dehydrate: Place marshmallows in the dehydrator or on a baking sheet in the oven. Dehydrate at a low temperature (around 120°F or 49°C) for several hours until they are dry and crispy.

Why Dehydrate Candy?

While candy isn’t traditionally dehydrated for preservation like fruits and vegetables, there are some fun and practical reasons to dehydrate candy:

1. Texture Transformation: Dehydrating candy can change its texture in interesting ways. For example, gummies become denser and chewier, marshmallows become crunchy, and some hard candies can become more concentrated in flavor.
2. Snack Variety: Dehydrated candy can make for a unique snack, offering a twist on familiar flavors and textures. Dehydrated gummies and marshmallows are popular for trail mixes, hiking, and camping because they take up less space and are lightweight.
3. Storage: While candies are often shelf-stable, dehydrating certain types (like gummies and marshmallows) can extend their shelf life even further, especially if you’re storing them in airtight containers. Dehydration can reduce the risk of mold and moisture build-up, keeping the candy fresh for longer.
4. Candy Experiments: For candy lovers, dehydrating candy can be an exciting experiment. You can create your own versions of crunchy, chewy, or unique-textured candy by modifying the dehydration time and temperature.

How to Dehydrate Candy

If you want to try dehydrating candy yourself, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Gather the Candy: Choose the type of candy you want to dehydrate, keeping in mind that gummies, marshmallows, and soft, chewy candies work best.
2. Prepare the Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, set it to the lowest temperature setting. If you’re using an oven, set it to around 135°F (57°C) or as low as it can go.
3. Arrange the Candy: Spread the candy evenly on the dehydrator trays or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure that the candies aren’t touching each other to allow proper airflow during the dehydration process.
4. Start the Process: Dehydrate the candy for several hours. Gummy candies may take 4-6 hours, marshmallows may need 6-8 hours, and the time will vary depending on the candy’s size and thickness.
5. Check for Dryness: Test the candy for the desired texture. Gummies should be firm but chewy, marshmallows should be crunchy, and other candies should feel lighter and less sticky.
6. Storage: Once the candy is properly dehydrated, store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to prevent moisture from getting in and ruining the texture.

Conclusion

While not all candies are suitable for dehydration, certain types, such as gummy candies and marshmallows, can undergo the process and take on new textures that can be both fun and flavorful. Dehydrating candy is an enjoyable experiment that can offer unique snacks, extend shelf life, and provide a twist on familiar candy favorites. Just remember that not every candy will react well to dehydration, so be sure to choose wisely and have fun exploring the possibilities!