Do Freeze-Dried Skittles Have Less Sugar?

One of the questions often asked about freeze-dried candy such as freeze dried rainbow, freeze dried worm and freeze dried geek. Freeze-dried Skittles freeze-dried Skittles is whether they contain less sugar than the original candy. The simple answer is no—freeze-dried Skittles do not have less sugar than traditional Skittles. The freeze-drying process removes water from the candy but does not alter its sugar content. Here’s why: 

What Happens During Freeze-Drying?

The freeze-drying process involves freezing the candy at very low temperatures and then placing it in a vacuum where the frozen water (ice) turns directly into vapor, bypassing the liquid phase. This process removes almost all of the moisture from the Skittles, which gives them their crunchy texture and unique appearance. However, freeze-drying does not change the fundamental ingredients of the candy. The sugars, artificial flavors, and other components remain the same—only the water content is affected. 

Sugar Content in Skittles

Skittles are known for their high sugar content, which contributes to their sweet and fruity flavor. A regular serving of Skittles contains about 42 grams of sugar per 2-ounce bag. Since freeze-dried Skittles are made from the same original candies, their sugar content remains the same. The freeze-drying process may intensify the flavor by removing moisture, but it does not reduce the amount of sugar in the candy. 

In fact, the concentrated flavor in freeze-dried Skittles might even make them taste sweeter to some people, though the actual sugar content remains unchanged. 

Portion Control and Perception

Although freeze-dried Skittles have the same sugar content as regular Skittles, their crunchy texture and expanded size can give the perception that you are eating less candy. Because freeze-dried Skittles puff up during the freeze-drying process, a handful of them can appear to be more substantial than the same number of traditional Skittles. This can potentially lead to eating fewer pieces, which might result in consuming less sugar overall, depending on portion size. 

However, it's important to note that just because freeze-dried Skittles look bigger or feel lighter, the sugar content per piece remains the same as in regular Skittles. So if you eat the same amount by weight, you're consuming the same amount of sugar.