Candyology 101: A Candy Podcast

42: Summertime Candies

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Candy can be eaten throughout the year, but there are issues with some candy when the weather gets warmer. In this episode, we discuss what makes a candy summer-safe and share our favorites.

Links to the products we talk about can be found at candyology101.com/42/.

Thanks for listening!

41: Mango Madness

Wed, 06 Jul 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Mango is the hot flavor this summer. In this episode we talk about our favorite mango candy and discuss what other flavors go with the tropical fruit.

Links to products we talk about during the episode are available at candyology101.com/41/.

Thanks for listening!

40: Trends at the 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:00:00 +0000

In the last episode we talked about new products at the 2016 Sweet & Snacks Expo. In this episode we discuss some of the trends we noticed at the trade show.

Links to many of the products we talk about are available at candyology101.com/40/.

Thanks for listening!

39: New Products at the 2016 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Every May, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is held in Chicago. It's America's largest confectionery trade show. Hundreds of companies from around the country display their goodies for retailers and the press. In this episode, we talk about the most interesting products showcased during this year's expo.

Links to most of the products we discuss are available at candyology.com/39/.

Thanks for listening!

38: Now and Later

Wed, 25 May 2016 10:00:00 +0000

The first Now and Later bar was produced in 1962. Its name was meant to suggest to customers that they eat some of the taffy squares right away and save the rest for another time. In this episode, we share our thoughts about the fruity chewy candy.

Show notes are available at www.candyology101.com/38/.

Also, if you want to listen to more food-related podcasts, check out our sister shows -- The Nosh Show and Let's Talk TJ's.

37: Lemonheads

Wed, 18 May 2016 10:00:00 +0000

The Lemonhead is a classic sweet and sour candy. The Ferrara Candy Company has been making it for over 50 years. In this episode, we share our thoughts about the lemon candy with a hard candy core in a soft shell and its fruity siblings.

Show notes are available at www.candyology101.com/37/.

Thanks for listening!

36: Kit Kat

Wed, 11 May 2016 10:00:00 +0000

The Kit Kat has been giving breaks for over 80 years. In this episode learn why it's produced by Hershey's in the U.S. and Nestle everywhere else in the world, find out if there's a difference between the two, discover what Kit Kat eating technique drives Cybele and Maria crazy, and much more.

Show notes are available at www.candyology.com/36/.

Also, if you want to listen to more food-related podcasts, check out our sister shows, The Nosh Show and Let's Talk TJ's.

35: Whatchamacallit

Wed, 27 Apr 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Hershey's Whatchamacallit isn't as popular as other Hershey's candy bars, but it's been around for almost 40 years. In this episode we talk about its history, advertising, packaging, and its cousin, the Thingamajig. Show notes are available at www.candyology101.com/35/.

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

34: Mike and Ike

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Mike and Ike are ubiquitous, dependable, and come in a surprisingly wide variety of flavor mixes. We talk about the many varieties and our love for these little chewy candies. Show notes for the episode are available at www.candyology101.com/34/.

33: Snickers vs Milky Way

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we debate which is better, Snickers or Milky Way?

Show notes are available below (if your podcast app allows it) or at www.candyology101.com/33/.

What We're Sweet On(starts at 00:20)

Snickers vs Milky Way Intro (starts at 03:44)

Names (starts at 05:03)

Elements (starts at 9:12)

Sizes (starts at 13:06)

Popularity (starts at 17:25)

Sales of the leading 10 snack size chocolate candy brands in the U.S. (2015)

Advertising (starts at 19:31)

Snickers Advertising 1986 - Satisfies You

Snickers Advertising 2010 - You're Not You When You're Hungry

Milky Way Advertising: 1970s - At Work, Rest & Play

Milky Way Advertising 2015 - Sorry, I Was Eating a Milky Way

Brand Extensions(starts at 32:55)

Conclusion (starts at 45:22)

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

32: Easter Candy 2016

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we discuss all the new Easter candies we've seen on shelves that will be 50 percent off on March 28th. We also talk about giant filled eggs and the clutch of new Peeps in stores.

Links to the products we talk about are below (if your podcast app allows it) or at www.candyology101.com/32/.

What We're Sweet On (starts at 00:20)

Easter Candy - Giant Filled Eggs (starts at 03:25)

Milk Chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg

New Easter Candy (starts at 12:16)

Easter Flavor Trends (starts at 21:30)

Brach's Superfruit Eggs

New Peeps (starts at 26:19)

Treat or Trick (starts at 33:50)

31: Sour Power

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we make your mouth water and lips pucker by discussing sour candies, from Lemonheads to Warheads. If your mouth can't stop salivating during the episode, we apologize in advance.

Show notes can be found below (if your podcast app allows it) or at www.candyology101.com/31/.

Thanks for listening!

Links to products we talk about during the episode:

What We're Sweet On (starts at 00:18)

Sour Candy Intro (starts at 01:54)

PDF about the acids found in candy

Warheads Warning and Challenge (starts at 07:03)

Warheads Challenge (WARNING: If you're squeamish, don't watch the video.)
Warheads Challenge aftermath (WARNING: If you're squeamish, don't watch the video.)

Dentists HATE Sour Candy (starts at 09:55)

Why Are Sour Candies So Appealing? (starts at 11:25)

Favorite Sour Candies (starts at 14:17)

Favorite Sour Gummies (starts at 17:54)

Favorite Sour Hard Candies (starts at 21:45)

Favorite Sour Jelly Beans (starts at 24:57)

Sour Candies We Miss (starts at 28:04)

Other Sour Candies (starts at 37:45)

Candies We Wish Had a Sour Version (starts at 41:00)

Treat or Trick (starts at 44:28)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

30: Valentine's Day Candy 2016

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day candies are lining the shelves. We discuss the strawberry flavor trend and a few other Valentine's candy trends.

Show notes are available below (if your podcast app allows it) or at www.candyology101.com/30/.

What We're Sweet On (starts at 00:18)

Cybele: Goetze’s Caramel Creams
Maria: Cry Baby Tears

Valentine's Day Candy Intro (starts at 02:12)

So Much Strawberry (starts at 04:21)

Masculine Valentine's Day Candy (starts at 26:36)

Pub Collection Gourmet Chocolate Bars

Giant Gummies (starts at 30:21)

Other Valentine's Day Candy Trends (starts at 37:01)

Ideal Valentine's Day Candy Assortment (starts at 41:41)

Treat or Trick (starts at 46:06)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

29: Coffee Candy

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we dive into coffee candy. We discuss our favorites, those you might've forgotten, and a few foreign brands.

Show notes are available below (if your podcast app allows it) or at www.candyology101.com/29/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starts at 00:21)

Maria: GoOrganic Hard Candy
Cybele: Mocha M&Ms

Coffee Candy Intro (starts at 01:21)

Coffee Candy Combinations (starts at 2:47)

Coffee & Chocolate (starts at 04:36)

Coffee Candy That Should Come Back (starts at 22:48)

Hard Coffee Candies (starts at 24:11)

Oddest Coffee Candy Combinations (starts at 30:21)

Hot Coffee - Ginger Coffee Chews – The Ginger People

Candy that Should Have a Coffee Version: (starts at 35:29)

Dark Chocolate Coffee Kisses

Treat or Trick (starts at 43:19)

Milk Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Crisp Dove Promises
Russell Stover Strawberries & Cream Mix
M&Ms White Strawberry Shortcake
Hershey's Carrot Cake Kisses (Rumor)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

28: Best and Worst of 2015

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 10:00:00 +0000

It's the end of the year, so we're going to share our best and worst candies of 2015.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/28/.

Thanks for listening!

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starts at 00:20)

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Mints
Unoriginal Skittles

Best and Worst of 2015 Intro (starts at 01:49)

Best Holiday Items (starts at 02:42)

Worst Holiday Items (starts at 8:25)

Best House Brand or Generic Items (starts at 13:38)

Aldi Blueberry Acai Pwerberries
Trader Joe's Ts & Js Sour Gummies (Cybele)
Trader Joe's Ts & Js Sour Gummies (Maria)
Trader Joe's Chocolate Marbles
Trader Joe's Magic Beans
Trader Joe's Mango Mango Gummies

Worst House Brand or Generic Items (starts at 22:04)

Trader Joe's Gourmet Jelly Beans (Maria)

Best Trends (starts at 23:34)

Worst Trends (starts at 31:08)

Best New Category (starts at 35:21)

Worst Category Trend (starts at 39:00)

Best Chocolates (starts at 41:40)

Worst Chocolates (starts at 44:57)

Best in Sour (starts at 47:01)

Super Cola

Best in Chews (starts at 47:58)

Worst in Chews (starts at 49:09)

Holiday Mix Skittles

Best in Packaging (starts at 50:58)

Top 3 Worst Items (starts at 55:04)

Top 3 New Items (starts at 1:00:32)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

27: Christmas Candy 2015

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:00:00 +0000

It's the Christmas season again, so we're talking about new Christmas candies and spending some time talking about many of the mint-flavored products that have returned this year.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/27/.

Thanks for listening!

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:20)

Maria: Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels
Cybele: Kopiko

Christmas Candy Intro (starting at 02:56)

New Christmas Candies in Stores (starting at 09:47)

Mint Candies (starting at 23:59)

Dum Dums Limited Edition Holiday Pops Tasting (starting at 34:37)

Dum Dums Holiday Pops

Other Holiday Products (starting at 39:10)

Treat or Trick (starting at 44:00)

26: Honey & Maple

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 10:00:00 +0000

We're well into fall so in this episode we talk about two popular fall flavors -- Honey and Maple.

Show notes can be found below or at www.candyology101.com/26/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:18)

Cybele: Halls Defense Assorted Citrus
Maria: Dubble Bubble Fizzers

Quick Halloween Recap (starting at 02:10)

Honey Intro (starting at 05:11)

Firmenich Flavor of the Year Award announcement

Honey-Related Candies & Sweets (starting at 18:06)

Favorite Honey Candy (starting at 21:29)

Go Organic Honey Hard Candies
See's Scotchmallow

Honey Flavor Combinations (starting at 23:32)

Joyva Sesame Honey Crunch

Maple Intro (starting at 25:44)

Maple Candies (starting at 29:21)

Honey & Maple as Thanksgiving Flavors (starting at 40:11)

Treat or Trick (starting at 42:08)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

25: Halloween Candy 2015

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 10:00:00 +0000

In this year's Halloween episode, we talk about new and returning Halloween candy, share what we're giving out to Trick-or-Treaters, and spend some time on candies to pass out for those who have food allergies.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/25/.

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:20)

Maria: Junior Mints
Cybele: Tic Tac Spearmint Mix

Halloween Candy Intro (starting at 02:08)

What We're Giving Out (starting at 04:20)

New and Returning Halloween Candy (starting at 07:51)

Influenster Halloween Candy Poll (starting at 14:09)

Allergy Candies (starting at 20:36)

Full Size or Fun Size? (starting at 34:48)

Treat or Trick (starting at 39:21)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

24: Candy Corn

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we're focusing on the classic fall candy -- candy corn.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/24/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:20)

Maria: Trader Joe's Mango Mango Gummies
Cybele: Gimble's Sour Jelly Beans

What is Candy Corn and How is it Made? (starting at 01:46)

Life Cycle of Candy Corn

Elements That Define Candy Corn (starting at 06:32)

How We Eat Candy Corn? (starting at 10:39)

Candy Corn Varieties (starting at 16:57)

Favorite Candy Corn Flavors (starting at 19:00)

Maria: Brach's Caramel Macchiato and Brach's Carrot Cake
Cybele: Brach’s Caramel Macchiato, Brach’s Candy Cane, and Brach’s Carrot Cake

Worst Candy Corn Flavors (starting at 23:37)

Maria: Caramel Apple Candy Corn
Cybele: Target Toffee Flavored, Sweet's Naturally Flavored

Candy Corn as a Flavor/Theme for Other Candies (starting at 29:46)

Candy Corn flavors We Wish Existed (starting at 39:50)

Other Candy Corn Makers (starting at 45:32)

Treat or Trick (starting at 49:37)

Zombie Mouth Gum (Kickstarter)

Coffee Nut, Honey Nut, and Chili Nut M&M’s

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

23: Trader Joe's Candy

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we have a discussion about Trader Joe's candy with the folks from the blog What's Good at Trader Joe's, who also do the Let's Talk TJ's podcast.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/23/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:20)

Maria: Cola Puchu
Cybele: Maple Sugar Candy (from Quebec)

Intro (starting at 01:39)

iTunes link to Let's Talk TJ's

Favorite Trader Joe's Candies (starting at 14:34)

Worst Trader Joe's Candies (starting at 33:12)

Trader Joe's Return Policy Tangent (starting at 37:18)

Discontinued Products (starting at 41:48)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

22: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 03:27:15 +0000

We get nutty with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! We talk about the history behind this iconic candy and the many Reese's variations and limited edition flavors.

Thanks for listening!

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/22/.

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:18)

Cybele: Goetze's Caramel Creams
Maria: Taffy Town Salt Water Taffy

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Intro/History (starting at 02:41)

Variations (starting at 09:38)

Limited Edition Flavors (starting at 17:15)

Other Reese's Products (starting at 29:14)

Reese's Competition (starting at 37:51)

Ingredients Changes for Reese's (starting at 45:33)

Treat or Trick (starting at 49:09)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

21: Red Licorice

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 09:54:52 +0000

This episode is all about red licorice. Are you Team Red Vines or Team Twizzlers?

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/21/.

What We're Sweet On (Starting at 00:21)

Maria: Project 7 Front Porch Lemonade Gum Cybele: Coffee Rio

Red Licorice Introduction (Starting at 03:16)

Twizzlers History(Starting at 04:47)

Red Vines History(Starting at 06:08)

Red Vines

Shapes (Starting at 09:16)

Fruity Licorice(Starting at 11:28)

Favorite Licorice (Starting at 22:38)

Flavors We'd Like to See (Starting at 35:36)

Treat or Trick (Starting at 43:10)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

20: Salt Water Taffy

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 20:58:56 +0000

In this episode Maria and Cybele take on the summertime favorite, Salt Water Taffy.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/20/.

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:18)

Cybele: See's Butterscotch Squares
Maria: Tootsie Pops

Salt Water Taffy Introduction (starting at 02:36)

One of those historical articles about candy.
Making salt water taffy video

What's In Salt Water Taffy? (starting at 04:37)

Shape Difference: Rods or Nuggets (starting at 11:32)

Favorite Flavors (starting at 14:56)

Cybele:

Banana
Molasses
Licorice
Root Beer
Peppermint

Maria:

Molasses
Peppermint
Strawberry
Lime
Lemon
Spearmint

Dewar's

Salt Water Taffy Storage (starting at 31:03)

Where Should Taffy Go? (starting at 37:09) What flavor would you want to see in taffy?

Trick or Treat (starting at 42:08)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

19: Summer Flavors

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:41:01 +0000

In this episode we spend time discussing what makes a great summer candy and go over the three iconic summer flavors: Lemonade, Cotton Candy, and Watermelon.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/19/.

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:20)

Maria: Chimes Ginger Chews
Cybele: Theo Coconut Salted Almond Dark Chocolate Squares

Summer Flavors Introduction (starting at 02:41)

Lemonade (starting at 03:18)

Cotton Candy (starting at 13:24)

Watermelon (starting at 35:23)

Treat or Trick (starting at 46:09)

Ritter Sport Vanilla Chai Latte
Cotton Candy Baby Bottle Pop
3 Musketeers and Snicker XScreams
Wolfgang Candy Company Soda Fountain Chocolate Covered Pretzels

18: Introduction to Japanese Candy

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we give an overview to three exceptional candies unique to Japan: Glico Pocky, Kasugai Gummy and Morinaga HiCHEW. This is just an introduction to Japanese candy, so we'll be talking more about other candies in future episodes.

Links to the products we talk about can be found below or at www.candyology101.com/18/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:21)

Cybele: Ogontoh Sugar Candy

Maria: Tootsie Rolls

Introduction to Japanese Candy (starting at 02:12)

Pocky (starting at 03:15)

Cybele:

Original Pocky

Matcha Green Tea Pocky

Almond Crust Pocky

Peanut Crush Pocky

Black Sesame Pocky

Candy Blog's Pocky reviews

Maria:

Adult Milk Pocky

Strawberry Heart Shaped Pocky

Sometimes Foodie's Pocky reviews

Least Favorite Pocky Flavors (starting at 08:43)

Maria: Yubari Melon Pocky

Cybele: Men's Pocky

Pocky Day

Kasugai Gummies (starting at 11:33)

Cybele:

Maria:

Hi-Chew (starting at 23:10)

Strawberry

Grape, Litchi, Apple

Grapefruit

Yuzu and Valencia Orange

Aloe Yogurt

Candied Apple and Cotton Candy

Dragonfruit, CamuCamu, Durian and White Peach

Hi-Chew Japan vs. Hi-Chew Taiwan

Favorite Japanese Candy (starting at 37:50)

Maria:

Kasugai Gummies

Kabaya Kari Pori Stick

Kabaya Ju-C Watermelon Tablets

Cybele:

Meiji Coffee Beat

Meiji Gummy Choco

Meiji Poifull

Real or Made Up (starting at 45:00)

Hi-Chew Haskap Berry

Glico Salty Tomato Chewing Gum

Pocky Roasted Corn

Hokkaido Genghis Khan Lamb Caramel

Kasugai Kabocha Gummy

Pocky Azuki Red Bean Cookie Crunch

Pocky Wasabi Nori

Let us know what your favorite Japanese candy is, or maybe what the strangest thing you've had is. Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:21)
Cybele: Ogontoh Sugar Candy Maria: Tootsie Rolls
Introduction to Japanese Candy (starting at 02:12)
Pocky (starting at 03:15)

Cybele:

Original Pocky

Matcha Green Tea Pocky

Almond Crust Pocky

Peanut Crush Pocky

Black Sesame Pocky

Candy Blog's Pocky reviews

Maria:

Adult Milk Pocky

Strawberry Heart Shaped Pocky

Sometimes Foodie's Pocky reviews

Least Favorite Pocky Flavors (starting at 08:43)

Maria: Yubari Melon Pocky

Cybele: Men's Pocky

Pocky Day

Kasugai Gummies (starting at 11:33)

Cybele:

Maria:

Hi-Chew (starting at 23:10)

Strawberry

Grape, Litchi, Apple

Grapefruit

Yuzu and Valencia Orange

Aloe Yogurt

Candied Apple and Cotton Candy

Dragonfruit, CamuCamu, Durian and White Peach

Hi-Chew Japan vs. Hi-Chew Taiwan

Favorite Japanese Candy (starting at 37:50)

Maria:

Kasugai Gummies

Kabaya Kari Pori Stick

Kabaya Ju-C Watermelon Tablets

Cybele:

Meiji Coffee Beat

Meiji Gummy Choco

Meiji Poifull

Real or Made Up (starting at 45:00)

Hi-Chew Haskap Berry

Glico Salty Tomato Chewing Gum

Pocky Roasted Corn

Hokkaido Genghis Khan Lamb Caramel

Kasugai Kabocha Gummy

Pocky Azuki Red Bean Cookie Crunch

Pocky Wasabi Nori

Let us know what your favorite Japanese candy is, or maybe what the strangest thing you've had is. Thanks for listening!
Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

17: Haribo

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 10:00:00 +0000

We're focusing on one of the most popular gummy candy companies in the world -- Haribo. We discuss their most popular products in the US and compare it with their most popular products in Haribo's home country. We also share our favorites and talk about Butt with Ears. Yes, Butt with Ears.

Show notes can be found below or at www.candyology101.com/17/.

Show Notes:

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:17)

Cybele: Charms Sweet & Sour Pops

Maria: Lifesavers Gummies Tangy Collisions

Haribo History (starting at 04:05)

Top 10 American Haribo Products (starting at 11:43)

Top 10 German Haribo Products (starting at 29:25)

Gold Bears

Juicy Gold-Bears

Happy Cola

Smurfs

Thrillist's List of 9 Amazing Haribo Candy You Can't Get in the US (starting at 40:17)

Thrillist's list

Our Top 3 and Least Favorite Haribo Products (starting at 53:26)

Cybele's Favorites: Ginger Lemon, Gold Bears, Fizzy Cola, Grapefruit (runner-up), and Sour Bears (runner-up)

Maria's Favorites: Gold Bears, Happy Cola, and Raspberries

Cybele's Least Favorites: Pontefract Cakes, Raspberries, and Pico-Balla

Maria's Least Favorites: Strawberry Wheels and Strawberries & Cream

Butt with Ears (starting at 1:02:56)

Butt with Ears

Treat or Trick (starting at 1:05:25)

Mike and Ike Shredders

Nutster Chocolate and Yogurt Snack

Minions Popping Candy

Spearmint Tic Tac Mix

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

16: Treat or Trick Revisited

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:00:00 +0000

We're looking back at all the new product announcements we’ve covered on Trick or Treat. Maria and I have gone back and tallied up what we’ve tried and how it went. There’s a full list of all the items at the bottom of the show notes, see how you did.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/16/.

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:19)

Maria: Aldi Superberries with Chia Seeds

Cybele: Storck Chocolate Riesen

Treat or Trick Revisited (starting at 02:17)

Favorite Items (starting at 03:31)

Maria:

Coconut Laffy Taffy

Minions Fart Gun Candy

Cybele:

Mike and Ike Root Beer Float

Ritter Sport Edel-Bitter 73% Kakao

Russell Stover Pecan Delight Minis

Biggest Disappointments (starting at 14:13)

Maria:

Tic Tac Minions

Cybele:

Peach Lemonade Tic Tac Mixers

Skittles Orchards

Items We're Never Going To Try (starting at 17:43)

Cybele:

Mystery Peeps

Easter Bunny Lips

Maria:

Smarties 'n Creme

Items We're Desperately Seeking (starting at 22:22)

Maria:

Trident Layers Swedish Fish Gum

Tootsie Pop Fruity Pops

Jelly Belly Bubbly

Cybele:

Tic Tac Minions - especially banana

Peeps Flavored Milk

Theo Coconut Bites

Difficulties in Finding Stuff (starting at 27:04)

Other new items we've tried in the past year (starting at 40:46)

Jelly Belly Draft

Mike and Ike Jurassic Mix

Haribo Sour Bears

Airheads Bites Berry

Brach's Red Velvet Candy Corn

Brach's Apple Pie Candy Corn

Brach's Caramel Macchiato Candy Corn

Theo Peanut Butter Cups

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

All the products we've covered on Treat or Trick

Episode #15

Belgian Boys Cone Bite

Theo Coconut Bites

Tic Tac Minions

Mars Goodness Knows Squares

Torie & Howard: Chewie Fruities

YumEarth Soft-Eating Gluten-Free Licorice

Hawaiian Host, Inc: Tropical Fruit Bites

The Lovely Candy Co.: Gluten-free licorice

Trident Swedish Fish Layered Gum

Tootsie Pop - fruity lollipops

Tootsie Sweet and Sour Pops

Charms Sweet & Sour Pops

Tic Tac Mixers

Mentos NOW Mints

Skittles Sweets & Sours

Starburst Sweets & Sours

Episode #14

DeMet’s FLIPZ® Birthday Cake Covered Pretzels

Smarties n Crème

Mentos NOW Mints

PISSA Deliclay: Sugar Based Edible Clay

Airheads Soft Filled Bites

Tic Tac Mixers

Kanro Pure Collagen

Gummy Godiva Blood Orange 50% Cacao

Lindt HELLO Bites

Episode #13

Brach’s Peanut Butter Cup Candy Corn

Ferrero Tic Tac® – Minions

HERSHEY’S Caramels – Dark Chocolate & Milk Chocolate

Episode #12

Warheads Sour Worms

Squrtz Wonka

Coconut Laffy Taffy

Episode #11

SweeTARTS Chewy Sours

Peanuts Nestle Crunch Eggs with Caramel

Peeps Reduced Fat Flavored Milks

Episode #10

Melster Marshmallow Fluffies

Easter Bobbin’ Buddies

Bunny Lip Lollipops

Episode #8

Marich Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Easter Eggs

Just Born Mystery Peeps

Hawaiian Punch Cotton Candy

Episode #7

Russell Stover Milk Chocolate Pecan Delight Minis Pouch

Chuao Cinnamon Cereal Smooch

Charms Boutique Premium Lollipops

Episode #6

Mike and Ike Root Beer Float and Cotton Candy

Ritter Sport Edel Bitter 73%

Milky Way Marshmallow Bar

Episode #5

Just Born Peeps Smores Pops

RM Palmer Ice Crème Candy Sandwiches

Episode #4

Seattle Chocolates Kris Kringle Crackle

Woodblock Chocolate Trinidad Fundare

Frankford’s Curly Candy Canes

Episode #3

Trident Black Raspberry or Pineapple Twist Gum

Candy Cane Tic Tac Mints

Pez Hedz

Episode #2

Toblerone Crushed Corn

Queen Anne Cherry Cola Cordials

Twix “New Recipe” Creamy Peanut Butter

Episode #1

Skittles Orchards

Luden’s Watermelon Lozenges

Booze Drops

15: Sweets & Snacks Expo 2015

Fri, 29 May 2015 19:29:08 +0000

In this episode, we talk about the interesting products and trends from this year's Sweet & Snacks Expo.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/15/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starts at 0:19)

Maria: York Peppermint Patties

Cybele: Good & Plenty

Sweets & Snack Expo Intro (starting at 2:07)

It’s sponsored by the National Confectioners Association and is the largest candy trade show in the U.S.

• 650 exhibitors, most featuring candy, but also some snacks and drinks

• 16,000 people will visit the show over three days

• Attendees are buyers for retail stores, chains, wholesalers, exporters and brokers

New Products Awards (starting at 3:07)

The Best in Show was presented to Ferrero USA, Inc., for its Tic Tac Minions.

Category winners are:

• Chocolate: Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Peanuts; Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc.

• Non-Chocolate: Pancakes & Maple Syrup Jelly Beans; Jelly Belly Candy Co.

• Seasonal: Roca Thins Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark; Brown & Haley

• Novelty/Licensed: BeanBoozled Mystery Bean Dispenser; Jelly Belly Candy Co.

• Gum & Mints: Project 7 Grapefruit Melon Gourmet Gum; Project 7 Inc.

Products We're Excited About from the Expo (starting at 11:16)

Belgian Boys Cone Bite

Charms Sweet & Sour Lollipops

Theo Coconut Bites - Coconut Salted Almond Dark Chocolate

Swedish Fish Layered Gum

Tic Tac Minions

Mars Goodness Knows Squares

Fun Sweets Cotton Candy - Pink Lemonade

Disappointing Product Announcements (starting at 24:33)

Skittles & Starburst

Hawaiian Punch Chews

Fudge o Bits

Better Ingredients Trend (starting at 28:21)

Theo Chocolates: Kids’ Crunch Bars & Theo Chocolates Coconut Bites

Torie & Howard: Chewie Fruities

YumEarth Soft-Eating Gluten-Free Licorice

Hawaiian Host, Inc: Tropical Fruit Bites

The Lovely Candy Co.: Gluten-free licorice

Layering or Combo Flavors Trend (starting at 40:23)

Trident Swedish Fish Layered Gum

Tootsie Pop - fruity lollipops

Tootsie Sweet and Sour Pops

Charms Sweet & Sour Pops

Tic Tac Mixers

Mentos NOW Mints

General Trends (starting at 44:39)

Mixed Berries (including using real dried fruits)

Crisps – barks and disks of chocolate

Cake Flavors – birthday cake, brownies & red velvet are still popping into different candies

Morselization – biggest category gains (successes) were for Snickers Bites, KitKat Minis and Jolly Rancher Filled Gummi Bites

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

14: Panned Candy Plus a Sweets & Snacks Expo Preview

Wed, 13 May 2015 01:14:33 +0000

Cybele & Maria talk about one of the oldest candy techniques, panning. As a bonus, they have a few teases from the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago this month.

Show notes are below or available at www.candyology101.com/14/.

What We're Sweet On (starts at 0:19)

Maria: Cadbury Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs

Cybele: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds

Panned Candy's History (Starts at 02:44)

Panned Examples: Anis d'Flavigny, Jordan Almonds, Atomic Fireballs and Jelly Beans.

Process for Making Panned Candy (Starts at 03:53)

Here's how Sconza makes their Jordan Almonds and Bruiser Jawbreakers:

https://youtu.be/PF2rngr83J4

Popular Panned Candy (Starts at 06:04)

New trend of Morselization (Starts at 06:48)

Hershey’s Drops

Clark Bites (Necco)

Airheads Bites

Favorite Panned Candies (Starts at 09:25)

Sugar Babies

Marich Sea Salt Caramels

Hot Tamales

Skittles

Good and Plenty

Cordials

Dutch Mints

Malted Milk Balls

2015 Sweets & Snacks Expo (Starts at 35:49)

The Sweets & Snacks Expo run by the National Confectioners Association

2015 Sweets & Snacks Expo Treat or Trick (Starts at 42:13)

Lindt HELLO Bites in 3 varieties: Pretzel Bites, Toffee Bites and Minty Bites

Godiva Blood Orange 50% Cacao

Kanro Pure Collagen Gummy

Tic Tac Mixers

Airheads Soft Filled Bites

PISSA Deliclay: Sugar Based Edible Clay

Mentos Now Mints

Smarties n Creme

DeMet's FLIPZ® Birthday Cake Covered Pretzels

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

13: Skittles

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 19:29:16 +0000

This episode is all about Skittles, Skittles, and more Skittles.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/13/.

What We're Sweet On (starts at 0:19)

Maria: Reese's Spread

Cybele: Pastel M&Ms Peanut

Skittles History (starting at 2:02)

Qualities That Makes Skittles Great (starting at 4:16)

Flavor Variety

Colorful & Appealing

Ability to Sort

Flavor Combinations

Durability

All Weather

Shareability

Current Skittles Varieties (starting at 10:28)

Tropical Wild Berry

Odd Varieties (starting at 12:27)

Fizzl'd Fruits

Carnival Flavors

Chocolate Mix

Skittles Vodka

DIY Lego Skittle Dispenser Machine

Flavor Invention (starting at 19:40)

We'd like to see: Sherbet Flavors, Soda Pop Flavors, Citrus Mix, Spicy, Pie Flavors or All Natural Version

Licorice from Europe

Freshmint Skittles - several versions in US Skittles Gum

Flavors we'd like to see or bring back (staring at 27:50)

Maria: Grapefruit, Red Licorice

Cybele: Pineapple, Coconut, Banana or Grapefruit

The Lime/Green Apple Issue (starting at 32:01)

2013 Flavor Swap

Our Perfect Skittles Mix of 5 Flavors (starting 36:32)

Maria: Strawberry, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lime, Cotton Candy or Red Licorice

Cybele: Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Strawberry

Treat or Trick (starting at 40:23)

Brach’s Peanut Butter Cup Candy Corn

Ferrero Tic Tac® - Minions

HERSHEY'S Caramels - Dark Chocolate & Milk Chocolate

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

12: The Sweet and the Tart (Dextrose Candy)

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 20:16:00 +0000

We examine a curious little genre known as Dextrose Candy. The best known versions are SweeTarts and Smarties, but the flavors can also range to minty flavors, soda inspired arrays and of course the sours.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/12/.

If you subscribe to the show on iTunes, we would greatly appreciate it if you took the time to rate the show. Thanks!

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starts at 0:19)

Maria: Hershey's Cookies n Creme Easter Eggs

Cybele: Wilbur Malted Milk Balls ... and some mention of Tastykake Kandy Kakes

History of Compressed Dextrose (starts at 2:35)

Dextrose as a sugar

Candy and Corn: Rich in Dextrose from the Candy Professor

Process of Compressed Dextrose (starts at 8:05)

Pucker Powder demonstration machine to make custom candy tablets. You put in a token, select your flavors, they pour into a tube and then the powder becomes your custom mix of candy tablets as the machine stamps the out and dispenses them into a container at the bottom of the machine.

Candies made from Dextrose (starts at 16:57)

SweeTarts Spree

Candy Bracelets & Necklaces

Kabaya Ju-C Gold

Cry Baby Tears (Concord)

Dingbats (and other candy coated novelty shapes)

Bleeps (coated jawbreaker tarts)

Soda Can Fizzy

Tart n Tinys

Flavor Types (starts at 32:25)

Traditional Fruit

Tropical

Mint

Soda Pop

Extinct Compressed Dextrose Candy (starts at 36:26)

Wacky Wafers

Wonka Tangy Bloops

Fleer Sour Puckers

Beech Nut Sour Bites (Fruit Stripe Gum spinoff)

Treat or Trick (starts at 39:35)

Oreo Cotton Candy

Wonka Easter Bags included Coconut Laffy Taffy

Warheads Sour Worms

Squrtz - chewy candy filled with a juicy center or a sour powder center.

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

11: Jelly Beans

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:00:00 +0000

We're continuing with our Easter topic this episode, because there are so many candies. We'll talk about our least favorite Easter candies plus jelly beans.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/11/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On (starting at 00:30)

Maria - Cadbury Mini Caramel Eggs

Cybele - Reese's Peanut Butter Egg

Our 3 Least Favorite Easter Candies (starting at 1:30)

Maria:

Gobstopper Eggbreakers

Chocolate coated or chocolate surrounded Peeps.

Off brand truffle eggs, or chocolate eggs with flavored fillings

Cybele:

House Brand Creme Eggs

Marshmallow "Hiding Eggs"

RM Palmer Foil Wrapped Eggs

Jelly Beans (starting at 9:20)

Spice vs Fruit Flavors (starting at 10:10)

Brach's Spiced Jelly Bird Eggs

Russell Stover Pectin Bean (Fruit)

Novelty Brands of Jelly Beans: To Bean or Not to Bean (starting at 17:45)

Starburst and variations (Sweet & Sour version)

Teenee Beanees (Peeps/Just Born)

Swedish Jelly Beans

SweeTART

Sour Patch

Laffy Taffy

Mike and Ike Lemonheads & Friends

Jolly Ranchers

Hot Tamales Spice Beans

Black Licorice (starting at 49:30)

Hot Tamales Black Licorice Jelly Beans

Jelly Belly Bridge Mix (with jelly beans)

Trick or Treat: (starting at 54:50)

SweeTARTS Chewy Sours Peanuts Character Themed Nestle Crunch Eggs filled with Creamy Caramel

Peep Flavored Reduced Fat Milk from Prairie Farms: Comes in chocolate marshmallow, marshmallow, and Peeps Easter Egg Nog

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

10: Easter Favorites

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 10:11:03 +0000

Easter is the biggest candy holiday, so we're tackling it in two episodes of Candyology 101. For this episode we're talking about our Easter candy favorites and the iconic chocolate rabbit.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/10/.

What We're Sweet On

Maria & Cybele: Cadbury Mini Eggs

Easter Candy Overview (Starting at 2:27)

What Makes a Great Easter Candy (Starting at 3:06)

Favorite Easter Candies (Starting at 12:14)

Maria's Top 5 Easter Favorites

1. Cadbury Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs

2. Starburst Jelly Beans

3. Cadbury Mini Caramel Eggs

4. Carrot Cake M&M's

5. Peeps. Especially Peeps Vanilla Creme Eggs

Cybele's Top 5 Easter Favorites

1. Cadbury Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs & Hershey's Eggs

2. Pastel Malted Milk Eggs

3. The Chocolate Rabbit

4. Reese's Peanut Butter Egg

5. M&Ms White Chocolate

Mystery Flavor Peeps Review (Starting at 36:43)

Mystery Peeps

Chocolate Bunnies (Starting at 40:37)

Russell Stover Dip-It Rabbit

RM Palmer Quax

RM Palmer My Little Bunny

Aldi Choceur Milk Chocolate Bunny

Lindt Bunnies: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut

Use RM Palmer Bunnies as shot glasses

Treat or Trick (Starting at 47:11)

Melster Marshmallow Fluffies

Easter Bobbin Buddies

Bunny Lip Lollipops

Thanks for listening!

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

9: House Brands

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 23:21:37 +0000

In this episode, Maria and Cybele go downmarket and pick up house brands and dollar store knock offs of popular candies.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/9/.

What We're Sweet On
Maria: Gobstoppers Heartbreakers and Mike & Ike's Strawberry Reunion

Cybele: Sconza Malted Milk Balls

Store Brands Intro (Starting at 1:38)
Target - Market Pantry
Trader Joe's
Kroger - Private Selection
CVS - Gold Emblem
Walgreen's - good & deLISH and Nice
Aldi - Choceur, Moser Roth and Grandesse
Costco - Kirkland

Mars Candy Bar Knock Offs (Starting at 3:50)
Aldi: Dreemy (3 Musketeers), Jive (Twix), Titon (Milky Way) and Romeo (Bounty), Racer (Snickers)
99 Cent Only Store: Choco Nougat (3 Musketeers), Coco Coco (Bounty), Choco Nut (Snickers) and Choco Duo (Twix) (the header image for the episode is cross sections of the bars)

Other Store/Generic Brands (Starting at 11:37)
Absolutely Divine
Trader Joe's Powerberries
Target's Choxie

Walgreen's good & deLISH and Nice! (Starting at 18:08)

House Brand Memories (Starting at 28:37)

Favorite House Brands (Starting at 33:18)
Nice! Thin Mints (identical to Haviland Thin Mints)
Whole Foods Pear Almond Dark Chocolate Bar

Dollar Store Candy (Starting at 44:51)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

8: Pick-a-Mix

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 21:43:58 +0000

In this episode, Maria and Cybele challenged each other to go to the candy store and pick out 15 different candies sold by the pound.

Show notes are available below or at www.candyology101.com/8/.

Show Notes

What We're Sweet On This Week:

Maria: Fettuccine

Cybele: Chewy Spree

What is Pick a Mix? (Starting at 3:13)

Where is it Sold? (Starting at 3:47)

What makes Pick a Mix Appealing? (Starting at 7:43)

What do you not like about Pick a Mix? (Starting at 13:58)

What We Picked up From Pick-A-Mix Stores (Starting at 18:24)

Maria (shopped at Wegman's):

Licorice Allsorts

Joyva Orange Sticks, Marshmallow Twists and Raspberry Rings

Joyva Sesame Crunch

Pressed Dextrose and candy coated heart

Gummi Grapefruit slices

Jordan Almonds

Arcor Strawberry Hard Candy

Gummi lobsters, mini gummi bears, gummi berry mixes

Cybele (shopped at Lolli & Pops):

Premium Malted Milk Balls from Koppers

Sour Belts

Trolli Gummi Os

Sour Bloops

Vanilla Cow Gummi

Toasted Marshmallow Jelly Belly

Orange and Grapefruit Sour Balls

Treat or Trick (Starting at 53:04)

Marich Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Easter Eggs

Just Born Mystery Peeps

Hawaiian Punch Cotton Candy - lemonberry flavor (sorry, the photo is of the original flavor)

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

7: Valentine's Day

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 10:20:13 +0000

Maria and Cybele talk about Valentine's Day candy and rant about Red Velvet and the definition of classic.

Show notes can be found below or at www.candyology101.com/7/.

Thanks for listening!

Show Notes:

What We're Sweet On:

Maria: Strawberry Astronaut Ice Cream

Cybele: Trader Joe's Sea Salt Butterscotch Caramel

Favorite Valentines Candies (Starting at 2:37)

Gobstoppers Heartbreakers

Limited Edition Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Squares

Gimbal's Cherry Lovers

Gimbal's Cinnamon Lovers

Other mentions: Hot Tamales Tropical Heat and Hot Tamales 3 Alarm

What Makes a Good Valentine's Candy? (Starting at 10:46)

Epicurious tries Heart Shaped Boxes

Seattle Chocolates

Candy Blog Heart Box Review

Brand Rundown: What they Do, How Well They Do It (Starting at 18:34)

Valentine's Exclusive Candies (starting at 27:04)

Brach's new Candy Corns: Strawberry Shortcake and Red Velvet

Old Man Yells At Cloud Rant about "Classic Flavors" (starts at 32:25)

Treat or Trick (starting at 40:00)

Russell Stover Milk Chocolate Pecan Delight Mini Pouch

Chuao Cinnamon Cereal Smooch

Charms Boutique™ Premium Lollipops

Music: Royalty Free Music from Bensound

6: 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:10:20 +0000

Cybele makes Maria jealous with notes and photos from the 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. Show notes are available at www.candyology101.com/6/.

5: 2014 in Review

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Maria and Cybele look back at the best and worst of 2014 and make a few new resolutions. Show notes can be found at www.candyology101.com/5/.

4: Christmas Candy

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:22:22 +0000

We're talking about candy associations with Christmas. It's all the good and bad that the season has to offer. Show notes can be found at http://www.candyology101.com/4/.

3: Chewing Gum

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:19:26 +0000

In this episode we're taking on chewing gum, all its variations and waxing nostalgic about the gums of our youth. Show notes can be found at http://www.candyology101.com/3/

2: Peanut Butter

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 08:38:32 +0000

We tackle the big wide world of peanut butter and its most perfect confectionery creation: the peanut butter cup. Links to many of the products we talk about are available at http://www.candyology101.com/2/

1: Halloween Candy

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 03:42:41 +0000

In this inaugural episode of Candyology 101, Cybele from Candy Blog, Lauren from Candy Bar Reviews, and Maria from Sometimes Foodie discuss fall flavors, Halloween candy, and trick-or-treating.