How to Freeze Dry Candy | Freeze Dried Taffy | Step-by-Step Guide | Packaging Freeze-Dried Candy
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- Опубліковано 7 січ 2023
- A detailed, step-by-step guide to freeze-drying saltwater taffy. In this video, I walk you through my detailed process for freeze-drying salt-water taffy that has helped my freeze-dried business grow.
Freeze-dried taffy is in my Top 20 Items to Start Selling for your freeze-dried business ( • Top 20 Items to Freeze... ). Although unwrapping and cutting taffy can take time, the reward is a flavorful new candy that you and your customers will grow to love.
Similar to my freeze-dried Jolly Rancher video ( • Freeze Dried Jolly Ran... ), I show you how to work efficiently to cut, prep, and bag freeze-dried taffy products.
Follow me as I show you the setup and tools I use to unwrap taffy candies, tray and arrangement layout, freeze-dryer settings, packaging, insights, and commentary on freeze-drying as a business and the finished product.
You can support my channel by purchasing items from the links below for either personal use or your freeze-dried business. Thank you!
Here are several freeze-dryers I use in my business and I would recommend considering them for your existing freeze-dried business or just starting out.
- Harvest Right Freeze Dryers - affiliates.harvestright.com/1...
- StayFresh Freeze Dryers - stayfreshfreezedry.com/?sca_r...
Items in this video that you can buy on Amazon to support my channel.
- 5 Gallon Storage Pails with Gamma Screw Lid - amzn.to/3ICnXdT
- Hefty 2.5 Gallon Jumbo Bags - amzn.to/3GpQ90P
- Cutco Scissors - amzn.to/3vORJ7A
- Knife Sharpener - amzn.to/3Vrttml
- Large cutting board - amzn.to/3GqhIYN
- Taffy - amzn.to/3XhBwU7
- Kraft Food Bags (100 counts) - amzn.to/3iGpi8n
- Food Scale - amzn.to/3FyO9DW
- Food grade nitrile gloves: amzn.to/3EYe2gl
Here are several frequently purchased items, I buy for my freeze-dried business:
- Avery Labels for Product Ingredients - amzn.to/3VEpjbo
- Oxygen Absorbers (200 pack, 50cc) - amzn.to/3VGPkqS
- Dry & Dry 1 Gram(400 Packets) Food Safe Silica Packets: amzn.to/3h45CLc
- Square Chip Reader for Events - amzn.to/3h4cbNX
- Rollo Printer for Shipping Labels - amzn.to/3W1ylzj
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue making videos. Thank you for the support! - Навчання та стиль
Apologies for the poor audio quality at the end.
I love to dry taffy. My daughter is selling candy to her friends to pay for my freeze dryer. I am doing jolly ranchers today they wear my hand out cutting them in half. She got order for 4 large bags. The people that ask her to ship we send them to you. I keep 2 bags of each candy in her box in my dining room. I mix strawberries and bananas they sell good. One lady only wants bananas so I make her 2 bags a week. Have a great day!
Awesome! Good luck with the business!
When you do a video on candy I’d love the video to include what temp you’re setting it at, how long you run it and if you warmed the trays. Those are the variables that seem to be different with everyone that’s using candy mode.
If you take a look at the 2:36 mark, the temp and dry time is shown on the screen. I don't warm trays for any candies except for some more hard-shelled like Lemonheads.
The best video about dried candy thanks
Wow, thank you!
Great tips and video, thank you David. Happy trails!
Thanks, you too!
Thanks!
I like watching all your videos about freeze drying and running a business! Please don’t stop making more! I just got my harvest right medium pro freeze dryer Saturday!! ❤ I watch and learn from you and a couple others on UA-cam! I did my first batch of candy last night and most of it came out great and some didn’t! I’m going to start doing batches of the same type of candy like you instead of different ones all at once! Please post more details and videos about everything 😂❤
Awesome! Thank you!
Idaho in the house. Doing my first taffy today
Awesome! 208!
So, I work for a company that makes freeze dried candy. Shaved ice is a popular flavor too
Also check out Sweets Candy in Utah. Your only option is to order by the case which right now is $70.20. Flavors don't have the after taste that is found with Taffy Town.
taffy town is great
Lots of flavors and great shipping policy
I love my Cutco knife
I love mine too!
We LOVE your channel and it has helped us learn so much. We finally purchased a machine and were wondering if you have tried taffy that is not salt water taffy. You still have to individually unpackage them but they may be easier to cut because they are thinner. Albert’s fruit chews is the name of the one we were contemplating.
I haven't tried non-salt water taffy. Would be worth testing though. Thank you for watching and subscribing!
idaho in the house
208!
I just want to say that your videos are fantastic and very much appreciated. We've had a freeze dryer in the house for a couple years now but haven't used it as much as we thought we would (we have a large garden). I decided to try selling some candy at markets and it's gone well so far but your videos are very helpful when thinking about how to expand the business. You're doing an awesome job! Is this your full-time gig now?
Wow, thank you! I have a full-time job and then do my freeze-drying business and this UA-cam channel on the side.
Great channel!!! Do you find that the Kraft Bags work well for freeze dried candies? Do you throw in an oxygen absorber as well or there's no need? One more question. Will teh candy start to rehydrate in the Kraft bags over time?
They are more short-term but for candy they hold-up about 4-6 months depending on outside temperature. For example the jolly ranchers and taffy don't hold-up if they are left in the garage during the summer or you are at a farmers market all-day and they are not covered. You don't need OA's for candy.
I wonder how these would come out if you popped the little bits in the silicone molds
Hello, I am catching up on your video I got my freeze dryer at the end of may. Am wondering if you have done any coke bottles. I saw some done by others, but they do not show how they set the machine so the bottles "pop" but still look like bottles. Can you help me with this please. THank you
Thanks for sharing your settings. I have one question. Do you warm the trays? And if you do, for how long?
I don’t warm the tray on taffy but it wouldn’t impact it if you did either
I've just subscribed to your channel and am enjoying your content. I'm also in Idaho and think this might be a great retirement income
Welcome aboard!
The cost sheet, start with 1.5 lb. finish with 5 ounces?
Great information as always - inspired by the peppermint/hot chocolate idea. BTW, what's the Iamthe80sguy2 link at the bottom of the description?
Thank you for watching!
Any recommendations on where to get your labels? I'm just starting out here in PA. Thanks for the info
Avery Labels - amzn.to/3VEpjbo
hey man, thanks for your videos. I'm wondering at the end if you included the price of electricity somehow?
I did not since it's pretty minimal on a two-hour candy cycle. Generally my electricity bill on a full cycle with fruit is around $6-$7 so I didn't really think to put the two-hour cost in the taffy calculation.
How long is the taffy candy actually good for?
I wonder if trauma shears would be better at cutting taffy. they are relatively cheap so if you come across some, try em out. One of those old school paper cutters with the huge cutting arm might also be viable.
You would still have to line up the taffy for the old school paper cutters which takes time, I think a hand held cutting tool is the most efficient so far
Thx so much for sharing I’d love to know how to figure pricing I’m terrible w numbers plus want repeat business because my price is good but also don’t want to miss out on any profit 😅
$8-$9 is what I charge so maybe start with that
I'm trying to decide if I need a size larger than a medium to get started. I'm just going to be selling candy and fruit at locally at the farmer's market and other shows in the area. At some point, I want to sell online but I'll have to find a commercial kitchen before I sell across state lines. Would a medium unit be enough to get started? Thanks in advance!
Great question. If you know you want to start a business then get the large. The only downside to the large is you have to have a dedicated 20amp circuit for the power so that’s an added cost to your garage etc. But overall the large is a better deal because you can do more product in one cycle
Any chance you can give us the numbers to set on the dryer?
I also was wondering when the batch of candy is done and you want to do another one what do you do exactly step by step? I’m so excited but also scared of it! I don’t want to break it/ruin it!
My tip is to leave it in the FD until it gets below 100 degrees to cool off, then start another candy batch. I do 4 cycles of candy before I let the freeze-dryer rest overnight or change the oil. But I pretty much run my machine 24/7
Ok so I’m just trying to do this at home lol. Do you have Avery small machine you’d recommend? Thank you!
Avery doesn't have their own printing machine. I use a Brother Color printer to print off my Avery label for the ingredients on my bags (amzn.to/3KhtENc). I use a Rollo Thermal Printer for shipping labels but you can also use for ingredient labels. amzn.to/436Q2Si
Have you tried the new taffy flavors at winco? Carmel apple and candy corn.
Yes!!
Can you use Dessicant packets with these if putting in a glass jar and/or a mylar?
I wouldn't use anything for storing candy
I did a batch of candy and before I opened the vent all my candy was nice and puffy but then once I opened the drain valve before opening the door a bunch of them shriveled… any idea as to why this happened or what I can do to avoid this? Do you also have a certain dry time length for freeze drying candy? Also does it make a difference if you have it in fast dry versus normal dry??
Do not take them out when it is still hot, it will deflate them. Let the FD cool to under 100 degrees
Great video! Can you help me understand your pricing breakdown @ 14:26. It appears to state 28 pieces of taffy = 1.5 pounds? How can that be? Earlier in the video you mention you use 28 pieces/tray. Surely you're not putting 1.5 pounds of taffy per tray?
Great catch, yes this is off sorry. Watch this new video for a better calculation: ua-cam.com/video/KVZbdzLWILc/v-deo.html
Do you have a (required?) minimum number of units to count as, “wholesale” do you offer increments or, agree to a number another way?
I recommend a minimum. Depends on the store that is buying too. A one store local shop may only be able order 50 at a time versus a larger store or stores might be more inclined to buy a larger quantity
So you didn’t freeze the taffy first? Thanks for all of your videos! Also how long will the candy last after it has been packaged?
No, you don't need to freeze first. If they are sticking to the wrapper as you unwrap a few, then I would stick them in the freezer. It's a tricky balance. Heat is your enemy so use your knife if they are hard and use the scissors if they are softer. Regarding packaging, they will last in a room temperature state for 3-4 months in the kraft bags. If they are impacted by heat, then 2-3 weeks to be honest.
@@freezedriedbusiness what about mylar bags? Shelf life i mean. Im trying to build up a lil stock of each of the main sellers.
Mylar probably a year, not necessary though if you plan to sell. Candy is a consumable so most people will just eat once they buy
I have a medium, I find my top and bottom shelves don’t do as well as the middle, do you find that as an issue? And if so do you ever just leave those shelves empty?
Yes I have the same inconsistencies with my large freeze dryers on the top and bottom shelves. What I generally do as I put the taffy or a jolly ranchers in the middle shelves, and in the top and bottom, I do skittles.
Newbie question: How do you define "short term"? That phrase is used pretty frequently in various videos and group posts, but very few actually define the duration. Actually, I only recall one person doing so.
Do you put a smaller OA in the bags?
No OAs for candy
How do you make your taffy come out so nicely as little round balls?? Mine are not nearly as good, flat on the underside and stuck to the trays! I must be missing something?
I've found the inconsistencies with taffy being not round is due to either stale product or the brand. There really is something to be said about quality over quantity so try different brands of taffy and also try to get fresh taffy if you can.
How long does the taffy last in mylar bags with oxygen obsorbers?
I don’t put oxygen absorbers in candy. I usually have a shelf life of 6 months.
Would you please include the temperatures, settings, timing for those of us who don't have the brand new machines with the candy mode? I mean just ballpark info, or quick tips. I bought my FD only a few months ago, and I guess it was right before the candy mode feature, darn it. I would guess that tons of us don't have the candy mode. I am starting to lose interest in these videos, because they don't apply to me, it seems, without the candy mode feature. Thanks!
Download the latest software for your machine, it seems to run more efficiently for me and will for you too.
I have an older model and cannot get new software is there a way to get candy mode?
Talk to Harvest Right support directly.
I think I need to re-watch your other taffy video because this $2 gross profit doesn't seem to jibe with the other breakdown video (the one with the wicked spreadsheet segment). I'm a bit confused.
Check the 10:15 mark in the other video: ua-cam.com/video/KVZbdzLWILc/v-deo.html. Retail profit is about a $1.00 more than what I calculated in this video.
@@freezedriedbusiness Thanks!
If you have a Winco near you, they have 3 lb bags of taffy for just under $9.00.
I buy there all the time!
Why do ours not fluff into the pretty egg shape like yours?!?! Is it the brand of taffy perhaps?
If I had the answer I would tell you but sometimes it happens to me too. I think some of it has to do with brand and other times has to do with the temperature prior to putting in the freeze dryer. I've found they expand to the egg shape as long as they stay at room temperature or cooler.
my candy mode automatically goes to 2 hours of dry time. Your screen showed 4 hours. Do you do all of your freeze drying at 4 hrs?
You can change the dry time in settings. I run most candy between 2.5-4 hours
How long does a batch usually go for time wise
2 hours is the default final dry time for the FD so that’s what I keep it at, you could dry for another hour if you want but not necessary at the 140 degree temp
Do I warm trays for gummies
It’s not really necessary to warm the trays in my opinion, but it’s not like it does anything bad so it’s up to you
Do we keep the candy on the counter for a bit or immediatly package? My skittles are still kind of chewy and once out for even a small amount of time, they become chewy and sticky :(
Sounds like you haven't dried the skittles long enough, I would do skittles at 140 degrees for 3 hours and then let them cool in the freeze dryer until it reads under 100 degrees. The freeze dried skittles shouldn't be chewy even within a few days. You can pack immediately or store them in 5 Gallon Storage Pails with Gamma Screw Lids - amzn.to/3ICnXdT
Do you leave them in the dryer til under 100 degrees before emptying the air out of the valve or after?
So to cut taffy or anything sticky u need spray cooking oil like Pam spray knife an bam it won't stick just FYI an it does not leave any taste either .
That's a handy tip!
28 pieces is 1.5 lb???
How long did they take in the freeze dryer? I love How to vids but they always leave the time off...
Check at the 2:45 mark in the video. The dry time is 4 hours.
Do you print on your Kraft bags?
I stamp my bags
@@freezedriedbusiness interesting. Didn't know that was a thing. Lol Do you mind sharing vendor for a stamp?
www.zazzle.com/personalized_business_logo_large_stationery_rubber_stamp-256538145050104365?rf=238503539567772737
I have the new model and when using the candy mode, it has an option of "on and off". I turned it on and followed your instruction, it didn't work. So i came back to your video and found that yours just automatic goes on without that option at all. I wonder what's wrong with mine
Have you checked with Harvest Right? Also, when you set the temp to 135 or 140 degrees in the customize settings and then selected "on", did it continue to freeze or give you a prompt to warm the trays?
@The Freeze Dried Business it warms the tray for a couple of minutes. So i tried the setting 0 freezing time, 145F fast candy mode for 4 hours, the taffy was puffy but came out sticky on the outside. I tried one candy it was crunchy and then melted in my mouth and then sticky. So i am not sure if that's the right result. I made a batch of taffy before but not using the candy mode. It took over a day but came out dry and crunchy. So, i am confused
If it’s sticky on the outside just let the freeze dryer cool down to under 100 degrees or so, that way they are settling in their crunchy state. Try that and you should be good with taffy
@@freezedriedbusiness so Harvest Right told me to set the candy mode to the highest temperature. I realized the taffy is sticky because it was cut down to 1/2 instead of 1/4. When it is bigger than it takes longer to dry. Lesson learned. Thank you for your info!
do u pre freeze before
No prefreeze other than what the machine does automatically
Oh one more thing what is the Facebook group name again? The one with the different types of candies that work and don’t work?
Freeze Dried Candy Makers
Can you provide an update as to your source for bulk taffy? Amazon bags are large weight bags that I've seen thus far. Since this video was made over a year ago, I'm hoping you have found another supply source. TIA
Thank you for this! I need to update some of these videos with new ones to have updated info. I'll add this to my list. Make sure to subscriber to my email community through www.freezedriedbusiness.com as well because I send more current event info through that too.
@@freezedriedbusiness I have - but still need a source for the product. Are you able to offer that info here? TIA
@@ChristinaLefler Taffy Town and CandyNation have been good but they charge more for shipping than Amazon. I've purchased 10lb bags from Taffy Town.
My freeze dryer does not say "high temperature mode". How do I get the software? My machine is less than a year old. Harvest right large machine
You can download the software on their website: harvestright.com/software-update/
@@freezedriedbusinessDC
no tray warming?
No tray warming on any candy IMO except for Lemonheads and other hard shell candies.
You could alway make the taffy yourself or contract with a local candy maker! no cutting, no unwrapping and you now have a new SKU to sell along side the freeze dried. You already have the kitchen.
Been thinking about that for a while now.
I see this is a year old. I had heard that Harvestright freeze dryers had issues with quality control. Like, they did not care to control the quality at all and gave people horrible customer service as well. Is that still the case or did they catch a lawsuit that fixed it for them?
This so is not true. I have had several things that I called in on and they are extremely helpful. The problem is that people are buying a freeze drier without looking into how it works, what the maintenance is ect. They are overwhelmed with calls about stupid crap and I think that is more of an issue than the machine itself. I see people calling because of vacuum issues and all they had to do is clean the damn rubber cover for the door. They are not maintaining the pump and expect it to just keep working. I have posted at least 100 times to properly take care of it and you wont need to call in. I hope this helps you. :)
Definitely like FD taffy better
As I hate it sticking to my teeth
Definitely a great substitute for chewy candy
extra freeze time for taffy is 1 hour? i thought taffy doesnt need to be freezed in the machine?
That’s just what the customize settings say, it doesn’t impact candy mode. The freeze dryer knows you are doing a candy product as long as you select high temp mode.
You'd think putting that bucket on the floor would be a no-no. Being that it was on a counter, then floor, then likly back on a counter or work space without cleaning the bottom.
If I was handling food on the counter again yes but most of what I demonstrate is for video purposes not what is necessarily done when I’m packaging for resell
dear lord really?????
Have you considered making your own taffy. It really isn't that hard. Or you might be able to talk to a small volume candy maker about buying some unwrapped.
I’ve looked into it awhile ago but seriously. Definitely would be worth exploring if prices get too high or if I had more sales volume to support that
I dont cut mine
How do we order from you
Website is located in the about section of my UA-cam channel and you can email me there too! Looking forward to chatting with you!