Star Blast Crunchies

Freeze-drying removes moisture from candy at sub-zero temperatures under vacuum, so the piece puffs and dries without ever melting. What comes out is lighter, crunchier and far more intensely flavoured than what went in.

Star Blast puffs differently from the rainbow bags — the pieces expand into softer, foamier shapes that break down almost immediately rather than giving a hard initial crack. It is the gentlest texture in the freeze-dried range.

The flavour is straightforwardly sweet with no sour edge at all, which makes it the easiest bag to hand to a child or to anyone who finds the sour versions aggressive. The star shapes survive the process, which is most of the appeal for younger customers.

The 1.5 oz bag is one generous serving — 42.5 g of candy that looks like far more than that once it is poured out, because freeze-dried candy is mostly air. It is the size to buy if you are trying a flavour for the first time, and the size that fits a lunchbox or a jacket pocket without being crushed.

Store it sealed in a cool, dry place. Moisture is the one thing that undoes freeze-dried candy — an open bag left out will slowly go soft, so press the seal shut properly and it will keep its snap.

• Freeze-dried fruit chew candy
• Cherry, orange, strawberry & lemon flavours
• 120 cal per serving · Contains Soy
• Snack Kings LLC, Linden NJ