The Best Sour Candy Brands Ever Sold

Last updated 4 months ago | Originally Published: July 23, 2024

If you’re looking for the best sour candy brands, you’ve come to the right place! This mega list connects sour candy fans with top emerging brands known for their intense flavors. If you’re searching for new favorites, the perfect gift, or planning an event, our list has you covered. Discover beloved classics, forgotten favorites, and the best brands everyone is talking about.

Our forever-evolving list below consists of brands that are strictly known for being sour as hell. However, some are popular for other flavors but also make a highly sought-after sour version of their original, best-selling flavors, such as Jolly Rancher Sour Gummies! So, if we missed your favorite brand of sour candies, please share it in the comments below to help us grow the most accurate list of sour candy brands the internet has ever seen! Here’s what we know so far…

Sweetarts

First launched in 1962 by Sunline Inc., Sweetarts began as a response to the growing popularity of Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid (Fun Dip). The brand was initially created to expand the tangy, sweet-and-sour flavors market. Sweetarts have undergone several ownership changes, from Rowntree Mackintosh in the 1980s to Nestlé and now the Ferrara Candy Company. The brand offers various products, including Sweetarts Extreme Sour Chewy, Sour Gummies, and Ropes, all beloved for their intense sour flavors​ you know and love!

Sour Patch Kids

Introduced in the 1980s by the Jaret International company, Sour Patch Kids has become one of the most recognized sour candies globally. Known for their distinctive sour-then-sweet taste, these chewy candies come in various fruity flavors. The brand, now owned by Mondelez International, continues to captivate consumers with innovative product variations, including Sour Patch Watermelon and Sour Patch Kids Crush. Sour Patch Kids are a go-to choice for those who love a strong sour kick followed by a sweet finish, making them popular among all ages!

Warheads

Warheads were first imported from Taiwan to the United States in 1993 by the Foreign Candy Company. Known for their extremely sour flavor, these candies quickly gained a reputation for being among the sourest on the market. Available in various formats, including hard candies, chewy cubes, and sour sprays, Warheads are particularly popular among those who seek a bold and intense sour experience. The brand continues to push the boundaries of sourness, appealing to adventurous eaters and those looking for a challenge in their candy choices.

Sour Power

Launched in 1985 by Dorval Trading Co., Sour Power quickly established itself in the candy market with its bold and tangy flavors. Known for its iconic sour belts and straws, Sour Power offers a variety of flavors, including green apple, pink lemonade, strawberry, and watermelon. These candies are beloved for their intense sour taste, followed by a sweet finish, making them a favorite among sour candy fans. Sour Power continues to innovate with new flavors and products, maintaining a solid presence in the sour candy market​.

Toxic Waste

Introduced by Candy Dynamics, Toxic Waste candy is known for its extreme sourness and reputation as one of the most challenging sour candies. These candies in distinctive drum-shaped containers include apple, lemon, watermelon, and blue raspberry flavors. Toxic Waste has built a loyal following among those seeking an intense sour experience, often featuring in sour candy challenges. The brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sourness keeps it popular among adventurous candy consumers nationwide and around the globe!

Cry Baby

Cry Baby candies, produced by the iconic Double Bubble company, are known for their intense sour kick that can make even the bravest candy lovers wince. Available in various forms, including gumballs and chewy candies, Cry Baby offers flavors such as lemon, cherry, apple, and strawberry. Their powerful sour flavors are designed to challenge taste buds, and they remain a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong sour candy experience. Cry Baby remains a top brand among sour candies in the United States and beyond.

Sour Punch

Launched by the American Licorice Company in the early 1990s, Sour Punch has become a popular choice for those who love sour candies. Famous for their Sour Punch Straws and Bites, these candies come in various flavors, including blue raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon. The brand is known for its signature sour coating, which delivers a strong punch of sourness and a sweet finish. Sour Punch continues to innovate with products like Ghost Pepper Roulette, adding a spicy twist to their lineup. The brand’s fun and flavorful offerings ensure its popularity in the candy market​​.

Too Tarts

Too Tarts is a brand known for its liquid sour candies, offering a unique twist on the traditional sour candy experience. Manufactured by Innovative Candy Concepts, Too Tarts products are designed to be fun and portable, often in squeezable bottles. Popular products include Too Tarts Goo and Spray Candy, which deliver intense sour flavors in a liquid form. These candies are especially popular among younger audiences who enjoy the novelty and convenience of a sour candy that can be consumed on the go.

Sour Strips

Sour Strips, created by social media influencer Maxx Chewning, entered the market with a mission to deliver high-quality, intensely sour candies. These candies are known for their vibrant colors and strong sour flavors that pack a punch. Sour Strips come in flavors like tropical mango, strawberry, and rainbow mix. The brand emphasizes its use of high-quality ingredients and aims to provide a satisfying sour experience that stands out in the crowded candy market. Sour Strips has quickly gained a following among candy lovers looking for consistent, intense sour candy flavors that deliver!

Aftershocks

Aftershocks, produced by The Foreign Candy Company, is best known for its popping candies that add an explosive twist to the candy experience. Launched in the 1990s, Aftershocks candies come in various flavors, including blue raspberry, cherry, and cotton candy. These candies often include a tongue-coloring feature, making them a fun and interactive candy for kids and adults alike. Aftershock products are popular in novelty candy sections and are ideal for party favors or concession sales​.

Slime Licker

Known for its interactive rollerball applicator, Slime Licker is a popular sour liquid candy from the Toxic Waste brand by Candy Dynamics. The candy gained immense popularity through TikTok, where its intensely sour flavors like Blue Razz and Strawberry captivated audiences. Recently, Sour Apple and Black Cherry flavors were added to the lineup, expanding its appeal. Packaged in 2-ounce bottles, Slime Licker provides a unique and tangy experience, making it a favorite among both kids and adults who enjoy a fun and intense sour candy.

Sour Jacks

Sour Jacks are a classic sour gummy candy known for their chewy texture and intense sour flavor. Produced by Ferrara Candy Company, Sour Jacks has many fruit flavors, including lemon, green apple, and watermelon. These candies are shaped like wedges and coated in sour sugar, delivering a mouth-puckering twist and a sweet finish. Sour Jacks are a popular choice for those who love traditional gummy candies with an extra punch of sourness. They are widely available in convenience stores, including here at Candy Retailer! 

Mike and Ike

Known for their original fruity flavors, Mike and Ike also offer a sour version called “Mike and Ike Sour Mega Mix.” These chewy candies combine the classic Mike and Ike texture with a tart twist. Available in flavors like sour green apple, sour watermelon, and sour cherry, the Sour Mega Mix has gained popularity among those who enjoy a tangy kick. The brand continues to innovate, ensuring that its sour offerings remain a favorite among candy lovers looking for a mix of sweet and sour in every bite.

Jolly Rancher

Famous for its bold fruit flavors, Jolly Rancher produces Jolly Rancher Sour Gummies. These gummies feature the same iconic flavors, such as cherry, green apple, and watermelon, but with an added sour coating. The sour gummies deliver a tangy twist that appeals to fans of the original hard candies and those seeking a sour experience. Jolly Rancher’s commitment to flavor innovation keeps their sour gummies popular among candy lovers who crave intense, mouth-puckering candies.

Airheads Xtremes

A sour version of the classic Airheads candy, Airheads Xtremes are known for their vibrant rainbow belts and intense sour flavor. These chewy strips come in flavors like Rainbow Berry and deliver a tangy punch and a sweet finish. Airheads Xtremes has become a favorite among those who love a fun, colorful, sour candy. The brand’s playful approach and dedication to bold flavors ensure that Airheads Xtremes is a top choice for sour candy fans of all ages.

Trolli

Known for its innovative shapes and flavors, Trolli also excels in the sour candy arena. Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, featuring colorful, gummy worms with a tangy coating, stand out. These candies come in vibrant flavors like watermelon, fruit punch, and very berry, among others, all offering a fun and sour experience. Trolli’s creative approach and dedication to unique textures and tastes make their sour offerings a hit among those who enjoy playful, sour candy!

Jelly Belly

Renowned for its gourmet jelly beans, Jelly Belly offers a sour twist with its Sours line. These jelly beans feature classic flavors like apple, lemon, and cherry but with an added sour burst. Jelly Belly Sours provides a chewy and tangy experience that appeals to fans of the original jelly beans and those who crave a sour kick. The brand’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and intense flavors ensures their sour offerings remain popular.

Albanese

Famous for their gummy bears, Albanese also creates a sour version that delights candy fans. Albanese Sour Gummi Bears feature the same soft texture and rich flavors but with a tart coating. These bears come in flavors like sour blue raspberry and sour lemon, offering a balanced blend of sweet and sour. Albanese’s focus on quality and flavor consistency makes their sour gummy bears a favorite choice for those seeking a tangy twist on a classic candy.

Fruit Gushers

Known for their fruit-flavored chewy snacks with a liquid center, Gushers also offers a sour version with a tangy punch. Sour Gushers features the same iconic burst of juice but with an added sour twist in flavors like sour berry and sour tropical. These snacks provide a unique combination of textures and a tangy-sweet experience. Gushers’ innovative approach to incorporating sour flavors keeps their offerings exciting and popular among juicy, sour candy fans!

Skittles

Famous for their colorful, fruity candies, Skittles bring a sour twist to Sour Skittles. These candies retain the classic chewy texture but add a tangy coating that intensifies the fruit flavors. Sour Skittles are available in flavors like sour strawberry, sour green apple, and sour lemon. The vibrant colors and bold sourness make Sour Skittles a hit among those who enjoy a tart and fruity candy experience.

Ice Breakers

Best known for their refreshing mints, Ice Breakers also makes a sour version called Ice Breakers Sours. These candies combine intense fruit flavors with a tangy punch, available in varieties like sour watermelon and sour green apple. The convenient packaging and strong sour taste make Ice Breakers Sours a favorite for those seeking a fresh, soulful candy pick-me-up! Ice Breakers is committed to creating bold flavors and innovative products, ensuring their sour offerings remain popular.

Albert’s Sour Fruit Chews

Albert’s Sour Fruit Chews offer a deliciously tart twist on traditional fruit chews. These candies come in vibrant flavors like sour apple, sour cherry, and sour lemon, providing a chewy and tangy experience. Each piece delivers a bold, sour burst followed by a sweet finish. Albert’s commitment to intense flavors and satisfying textures makes their Sour Fruit Chews a favorite among those who love bold, sour candy.

Charms Sweet N Sour Pops

Charms Sweet N Sour Pops combine sweet and sour flavors in a single lollipop. Each pop features two distinct halves, sweet and sour, in flavors like cherry and lemon. This dual-flavor approach offers a playful and dynamic taste experience. Charms’ innovation and focus on creating engaging candy options make Sweet N Sour Pops popular for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart.

Hi-Chew Sweet and Sour

Hi-Chew Sweet and Sour candies provide a unique chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. These candies are available in grapefruit, lemon, and watermelon, offering a satisfying, tangy bite you know and love! Hi-Chew’s dedication to using high-quality ingredients and delivering intense flavors ensures their Sweet and Sour line remains a hit among candy lovers looking for a sourful, chewy candy.

Share Your Favorite Sour Candy Brands

Tell us your favorite sour candy brands and why you love them in the comments below. Your recommendations could help others find their next favorite! At Candy Retailer, we offer a massive selection of top brands and carry nearly 700 sour candy products, which you can check out here! With strong partnerships and reliable nationwide shipping, we ensure the best prices and exceptional customer service. Join the conversation and let us know if we missed any brands or which sour candies you can’t get enough of; we want to hear from you, as do our readers! Also, don’t forget to check out our mega list of 171 best-selling sour candies here at Candy Retailer! You can also follow us on Facebook, where you’ll find all our recent articles and the latest deals here in our candy store! See you there!