Sour candies get their tangy taste from special ingredients that create a sharp sensation on your tongue. The most common is citric acid, which is naturally found in fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. When you eat a candy coated or mixed with citric acid, it reacts with the moisture in your mouth, giving that quick burst of sourness that makes your lips pucker.
Other acids, such as malic acid from apples or tartaric acid from grapes, are also used in different candy recipes. These acids are safe to eat in small amounts and are chosen for their unique flavor profiles. Some sour candies combine more than one type of acid to make the flavor stronger and last longer.
Knowing why some candies are sour makes eating them even more fun. For more sweet and surprising facts, explore Vero Q&A.