Your Guide to Pop Rocks & Why You Should Stock Them!
Posted by The Candy Man on
Ah, Pop Rocks. Simply thrilling. If you could taste a fireworks display – this would be it. Contained within every fun pouch is not only a delicious, mouth-watering candy that goes pop, fizz, and snap but also a history that has a special place in the hearts of candy lovers worldwide.
A Short Story of Pop Rocks
They've won, they've lost, they've become the stuff of myth, and proved their staying power in the process. These days, they're a relatively rare, ultra-fast seller that is only becoming more popular by the day. So let's get to know what makes Pop Rocks pop.
When were Pop Rocks Invented?
Back in 1956, food chemist William A Mitchell - who you may also know as the inventor of Tang, Cool Whip, and powdered egg whites – produced what is perhaps his most ingenious invention: Pop Rocks.
It wasn't intentional. In fact, he's been trying to create a new instant soft drink for General Foods. Despite the happy accident having happened two decades earlier, Pop Rocks did not hit the market until 1975.
A Rocky Start
And when they did – they hit it hard. General Foods went through a lot of hassle to convince people Pop Rocks were not dangerous but to no avail. So they were discontinued and have since been resurrected. Zeta Espacial S.A. now find themselves the proud owners of the Pop Rock brand names and they’ve worked wonders for the candies image, finally managing to bust the myth once and for all while marketing the delicious treat to a new generation.
Which brings us to …
Why are Pop Rocks so Popular?
Pop Rocks Candy weren't an instant hit. In fact, as we just discovered, they were removed from circulation for some time as they simply weren't selling enough. Rumors persisted that eating Pop Rocks and drinking soda together would cause a person's stomach to boil and explode.
Somewhat in thanks to this myth, Pop Rocks have become a cultural phenomenon over the years, with Myth Busters even putting the bogus theory to the test. The result? Myth busted!
Still the cult status persists, with Pop Rocks often finding itself mentioned among the “big” candy names out there. Of course, without the myth standing in the way, people were free to taste the delicious candy for themselves. Now, Pop Rocks are famous for their one-of-a-kind taste and sizzling texture that’s the stuff cravings are made out of, keeping people coming back for more.
What Makes Pop Rocks Worth Stocking?
Pop Rocks are interesting in their scarcity despite their huge popularity. Some theorize this could be due to Pop Rock's rocky (excuse the pun) history. Retailers and candy store owners simply aren't sure they can bank on Pop Rocks, or maybe they just haven't modernized their candy programs just yet.
However, the fact remains that Pop Rocks aren't going anywhere. The candy has earned a name for itself among the American candy greats. As we mentioned just a moment ago, Pop Rocks are kind of hard to come by. We all know their name, flavor, and amazing fizziness, but how often do we really see their pouches?
This is good news for retailers. Why? Well, it gives Pop Rocks an exclusive edge that's only enhanced by a competitive boost. While most candy stores stock Pop Rocks, the same cannot be said for convenience, variety, and even gift stores (where they'd really be a big hit!)
Visually & Financially Appealing
Adorn your shelves with Pop Rocks and become the local go-to place for the much-loved candy – it's really as simple as that. As well, Pop Rocks bought in bulk open up the door to huge margins on a popular product – the natural result is always a profitable one!
Becoming a Popular Ingredient?
Think your baking section is complete? Think again. In an exciting development for the fizzy candy, Pop Rocks have been adopted by the baking and cooking community. These days, you'll find them adorning ice creams, chocolates, yogurts, desserts, cookies, and even cereals.
Why do Pop Rocks Fizzle?
So, what's the secret behind Pop Rock's tantalizing fizzy properties? Don't worry – it's not explosives, and it won't do any harm to your body (any more than other candies will.)
In fact, what makes your Pop Rocks … well … pop is the stuff you breathe out every day: carbon dioxide. This gas is infused into the candy's formula under high heat and pressure conditions. And there it remains, trapped until it comes into contact with your saliva. Then, it expands, causing the candy to shatter. All the while, it takes its chance to escape while putting on a sense-tingling show for your taste buds! In short, the fizzling is pressure released by tiny bubbles trapped within the candy.
What are Pop Rocks Made out of?
Pop Rocks may seem complex when they're exploding on your taste buds. But, the truth is, the secret to their irresistible crave-worthy goodness is delightfully simple! The main ingredients of Pop Rocks are sugars, flavorings, and carbon dioxide. Also, on the ingredient list, you'll find lactose and soy.
What do Pop Rocks Taste Like?
The flavour of Pop Rocks varies by the Pop Rocks Selection. Just take a look at the following list of some of the most popular Pop Rock Candy products to see the wide selection for yourself.
Pop Rock Products & Flavors:
Pop Rocks Cotton Candy Explosion
Your Questions About Pop Rocks: Answered
Are Pop Rocks Vegan?
Pop Rocks are not considered suitable for vegans as they contain lactose, a milk-based ingredient.
Are Pop Rocks Halal?
Pop Rocks are Halal-certified.
Are Pop Rocks Kosher?
Pop Rocks are Kosher-certified.
Do Pop Rocks Contain Dairy or Soy?
Pop Rocks contain both dairy and soy.
Are Pop Rocks Gluten-free?
Pop Rocks candies are gluten-free alongside allergens such as eggs, fish, and shellfish.
Do Pop Rocks Contain Peanuts or any nut ingredients?
Pop Rocks products do not contain traces of peanuts or other nut products.