Last updated 3 weeks ago | Originally Published: April 1, 2025
Gen-X has spoken again! This time, we sent 120k emails to our subscribers asking all Gen-Xers born between 1965 and 1980 to vote for their favorite sour candies growing up, and the response we got back was massive! In total, 32,745 Candy Retailer customers responded, setting the record straight once and for all. Last week, we put together a list of 50 different types of sour candy, of which 23,477 respondents voted for these top ten candies, clearly separating the best from the okay!
Sour candy is, without question, one of the most sought-after candies in the world, especially among Gen-X here in the United States! Not to mention, nobody knows candy bars like this generation either, which you can read about here. However, I must warn you that the list is wild, confirming that Gen-Xers are unpredictable, and that we should never assume! So, make sure you check that one out, too! As for sour candies, we were just as surprised, maybe even a little more!
That said, please keep in mind that these votes are all based on opinions only, so not everyone will agree, not even us; nonetheless, our data is current, accurate, and 100% fact-based; the people have spoken! With this in mind, we invite all Gen-X readers to share their favorite sour candies in the comments below, or it can just be your #1. We’re excited to see how your top picks stack up against our list; we know you’re going to surprise us, so let’s hear it.
1. Sour Patch Kids
Ranking 1st with 7,981 votes, Sour Patch Kids dominate our list as the #1 sour candy brand. Produced by Mondelēz International, these chewy candies are a huge hit among Gen-Xers. Originally known as Mars Men in the 1970s, they rebranded in 1985, which is from a time when this generation would’ve been aged 5 to 20, so I’m sure most of you can remember when they hit the scene! So, if these are the ones you would’ve voted for, let us know below!
2. Lemonheads
Securing 2nd place with 3,127 votes, Lemonheads are a classic from Ferrara Candy Company. Introduced in 1962, these round, lemon-flavored hard candies are sweet, tart, and loved by millions of people worldwide. Known for their bright yellow packaging and Lemonhead logo, they’ve expanded into other fruit varieties, but the original remains a top choice, earning strong loyalty among Gen-X candy consumers. Could that be you? Let us know below!
3. Sour PEZ
Landing 3rd with 2,543 votes, Sour PEZ brings a twist to the iconic PEZ brand. Famous for their PEZ candy dispensers, the sour line features tart flavors like green apple, blue raspberry, pineapple, and strawberry. These stackable, brick-shaped candies combine collectible fun with a mouth-puckering kick, making them a notable pick in the Gen-X sour candy lineup. If this is the one for you, click below and bring some home today. Don’t forget a dispenser, we have many!
4. SweeTarts
Ranking 4th with 1,876 votes, SweeTarts, now made by Ferrara Candy Company, are known for their sweet-tart balance. Debuting in 1963, these disc-shaped candies offer flavors like cherry, grape, orange, lemon, and lime, with a chalky texture that delivers a mild sour sweetness. Their versatility in ropes and chews also ensures this brand is a top contender in the sour candy aisle! If you love this brand, click below to see all our options; we have a lot.
5. Warheads
Taking 5th place with 2,219 votes, Warheads, made by Impact Confections, are known for their extreme sourness! Launched in 1975, these hard candies boast a mouth-puckering coating, especially in flavors like black cherry and watermelon. Marketed for their intensity, they’ve built a reputation as a daring choice, appealing to Gen-Xers who love a sour challenge. So, if that’s you, sound off below and pick up some here at Candy Retailer!
6. Cry Baby Extra Sour Bubble Gum
At 6th with 1,432 votes, Cry Baby Extra Sour Bubble Gum hails from Ford Gum & Machine Co. but is now part of Tootsie Roll Industries. This gum starts with an intense sour burst before mellowing into a chewable treat. Available in flavors like lemon, apple, cherry, and orange, its tear-inducing reputation, echoed in its branding, makes it a preferred choice, earning a top spot among Gen-X sour candy picks. Click below to make it yours today!
7. Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
Ranking 7th with 1,765 votes, Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers are a gummy sensation from Ferrara Candy Company. Introduced in the 1980s, these worm-shaped candies feature dual-flavor combos like cherry-lemon, coated in sour sugar, among many other flavors. Their playful design and sour bite have made them a go-to for millions of sour gummy fans, securing their place on our list of the best sour candies according to thousands of Gen-Xers! Could that be you, too?
8. Zotz Fizz Power Candy
In 8th place with 1,098 votes, Zotz Fizz Power Candy has been made by Italian-based candy company Andre Prost since the 1960s. These hard candies hide a fizzy, sour center that surprises with flavors like cherry, apple, strawberry, blue raspberry, and orange. The unique fizzing effect sets them apart from all others, offering a quirky, tart experience that resonates with Gen-X candy lovers worldwide! We love Zotz here at Candy Retailer! How about you?
9. Pop Rocks
Claiming 9th with 923 votes, Pop Rocks are a fizzy creation from Zeta Espacial, an iconic Spanish (Spain) candy brand. Invented in the 1950s and popularized later by Gen-X, these carbonated candies crackle in the mouth, offering sour flavors like strawberry, watermelon, tropical, and many more! Their explosive novelty and subtle tartness make them a distinctive entry in the Gen-X sour candy rankings. Where do they stand on your list?
10. Sour Power Sanded Belts
Rounding out 10th with 513 votes, Sour Power Sanded Belts come from NY-based Dorval Trading Co. These long, flat gummy strips, dusted with sour sanding sugar, offer bold flavors like green apple, cherry, blue raspberry, strawberry, and many others. Introduced in the 1980s, their intense tartness and chewy texture have, without question, earned them a devoted following among Gen-X sour candy fans.
The Best Sour Candies According To You
Now that we know the top 10 best sour candies according to Gen-X, it’s time for you to step in and set the record straight according to your taste buds! We understand that not everyone will agree with our list, which is why we want to invite you to share your favorite sour candy brands and flavors with us, including all our readers here at Candy Retailer! As a bonus thank you, if you purchase your sour candy from us, use promo code CANDY10 at checkout and instantly receive a 10% OFF discount on your entire order! It’s only good for one order, so make sure you load up for maximum savings! See you on the other side!
Love seeing how Gen-X ranked these! It’s always interesting how nostalgia plays a huge role in candy preferences—some flavors just hit differently when you grew up with them. Curious to see how this list would compare to a Millennial or Gen-Z ranking!
It’s funny how some of these candies still hold such nostalgic value. I haven’t thought about them in years, but now I’m definitely craving something sour! It’s wild how even little things like candy can shape our memories.
The unpredictability of Gen-X definitely shows here—who would’ve thought some of these would rank so high? I’d be really curious to see how the list would shift if you ran a similar survey for Millennials or Gen Z!
I love how you included actual survey data to back up the rankings! It’s interesting to see how personal preferences can be when it comes to candy, especially sour ones!