A sugar rush we can get behind

Freeze-dried candy is the new cool kid on the block, racking up 1.4 billion views on Tiktok with the hashtag #freezedriedcandy. Though this trend had a rocky start, with a spike and drop in 2020, it's now back with a vengeance, proving it's here to stay.

Prior to 2020, freeze-dried candy was a little-known treat with only 785 weekly searches on Amazon. Fast forward to March 2021 and searches peaked to 25.5k weekly search spike on Amazon, despite dropping, the trend is rising again, climbing back up to that peak.

What exactly is Freeze-dried candy?

Freeze-dried candy is a type of candy that has been dehydrated using a process called sublimation. This process removes the moisture from the candy at a very low temperature, leaving behind a crunchy, lightweight treat that retains its original flavour. The result is a candy that can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration, making it perfect for camping trips, road trips, or even space travel (yes, you read that right!)

How can you join this sweet candy trend? 

Target the niches. Look into gaps that may not yet be mainstream or read top-selling product reviews to see what improvements their customers are asking for.  Experiment with variants, such as organic, vitamin-packed, melatonin, or kid-friendly sweets and gummies and even CBD (check your local laws).  We found these kiddies Freeze Dried Yoghurt and Fruit Snacks bringing in over $446k+ on Amazon with over 16k ratings. Hint - review the questions and reviews on these listings for improvements you can make or to find new customer segment opportunities. A few callouts customers frequently asked about the above product. Is it halal, kosher or vegetarian? Do they contain Dairy? What age are these for? Is it halal, kosher or vegetarian?

Sweet Business Ideas

1. Start a subscription box service for freeze-dried candy. Customers can choose from a variety of flavours and receive a regular shipment of their favourite treats.
   
   
2. Create a line of custom-branded freeze-dried candy for corporate events and trade shows.
   
   
3. Similar to the above, start a freeze-dried candy-based fundraising program for schools, sports teams, and other non-profit organizations.
   
   
4. Start a freeze-dried candy food truck business and sell on the street, at festivals, and at events.
   
   
5. Create a line of freeze-dried candy-based trail mix and sell it to outdoor enthusiasts. Play around with the ingredients to create something truly unique for this audience.
   
   
6. Start a freeze-dried candy online store and ship all over the world. Consider Marketplaces such as Amazon for a large reach and distribution.
7. Create a line of freeze-dried candy-based desserts like sundaes, cakes, and pies.
   
   
8. Start a freeze-dried candy-making classes or workshops for people interested in candy making - or take these classes online and use Tik Tok or Youtube.
   
   
9. Flip it on its head and create a healthy range using the freeze-dried method. See more examples below.
   
   
10. Open a vending machine business that specializes in freeze-dried candy. This could be a great way to attract customers at high-traffic locations like airports, malls, or amusement parks.

Set yourself apart 

With more sellers jumping on this opportunity are a few ways you can set yourself apart from your competition in the freeze-dried candy market:

1. Offer a unique flavour selection: Consider developing a line of flavours that are not commonly found in freeze-dried candy, such as exotic fruits, savoury spices, or unusual combinations.
   
   
2. Create a unique packaging design: Use eye-catching packaging that stands out on store shelves or online.
   
   
3. Use high-quality ingredients: Use premium ingredients that are not commonly found in other freeze-dried candy brands.
   
   
4. Create a strong brand identity: Develop a strong brand that resonates with customers and differentiates your product from the competition.
   
   
5. Offer custom packaging and labelling: Offer customers the option to create custom packaging and labelling, such as for corporate gifts, weddings or other special events.
   
   
6. Be transparent: Make sure that your customers know where your ingredients are sourced and how your product is made.
   
   
7. Invest in marketing: Develop a solid marketing strategy to promote your brand and your unique selling points. Utilize social media platforms, influencer marketing, and online ads to reach your target audience.
   
   
8. Engage with your customers: Listen to your customer feedback and use it to improve your product and service. Respond to customer inquiries, and address any complaints promptly.
   
   
9. Offer a diverse range of products: Expand your product line to include other products that are complimentary - consider freeze-dried snacks and desserts, such as energy, trail mix or freeze-dried shake mixes.
   
   
10. Offer exceptional customer service: Go above and beyond to ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchases. Offer a money-back guarantee or a loyalty program to incentivise repeat customers.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and the most important thing is to understand your target market and what they are looking for. Once you understand that, you can tailor your approach accordingly and stand out from your competition. Don't be afraid to think outside of the (dehydrated) box!

What are people searching for? 

Some keywords customers might use when searching for freeze-dried candy include:

• "Freeze-dried candy"
• "Dehydrated candy"
• "Crunchy candy"
• "Shelf-stable candy"
• "Lightweight candy"
• "Dried candy"
• "Long-lasting candy"
• "Camping candy"
• "Road trip candy"
• "Space candy"
• "Freeze-dried treats"
• "Dehydrated snacks"
• "Candy subscription box"
• "Vending machine candy"
• "Custom branded candy"
• "Trail mix with candy"
• "Dried candy-based desserts"
• "Freeze-dried candy-making classes"
• "Freeze-dried candy-flavoured ice cream"
• "Fundraising candy"

Use these when brainstorming ideas - and be sure to include these keywords in your website, product descriptions, tags, and meta tags to help your target audience find you online.

The opportunity isn’t limited to candy

The list of foods you can freeze-dry is seemingly endless, and monthly searches for “freeze-dried food” are continuously increasing.

• Freeze Dried Dog food + Toppers - Freeze dry raw ingredients for the optimal dogs health. 

• Cocktail Garnishes - think florals, dried fruit toppers and other editable ingredients you can use in cocktails.