Hard candies are confections made from sugar, corn syrup, and water that are heated to high temperatures and then cooled to form a solid, brittle texture. These candies are designed to be sucked on slowly rather than chewed, which makes them last longer than many other types of candy. They come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and flavors.

Common Types of Hard Candies:

1. Lollipops:
   • Lollipops are hard candies that are typically attached to a stick. They come in a wide range of flavors such as cherry, grape, and watermelon.
2. Jolly Ranchers:
   • A well-known hard candy brand that features bold fruit flavors like apple, cherry, and watermelon. They are often individually wrapped and available in both small and large sizes.
3. Candy Canes:
   • A traditional Christmas treat that is usually peppermint-flavored, candy canes are characterized by their distinctive hook shape.
4. Werther’s Originals:
   • A popular caramel-flavored hard candy that is known for its smooth texture and rich, creamy taste.
5. Lifesavers:
   • These ring-shaped hard candies are available in a variety of fruit flavors, such as orange, raspberry, and pineapple. They are most famously recognized for their iconic hole in the center.
6. Sour Hard Candies:
   • Some hard candies are coated with a sour sugar coating or contain a sour center. Examples include sour lemon drops and sour cherry candies.
7. Fruit Drops:
   • Fruit drops are small, individually wrapped hard candies that come in flavors like lemon, orange, strawberry, and raspberry.
8. Peppermint Sticks:
   • Hard candies flavored with peppermint. These candies are often sold in stick form, especially around the holiday season.
9. Butterscotch Candies:
   • A sweet, caramelized sugar-based hard candy flavored with butter. These candies are smooth and creamy and have a rich, caramel taste.
10. Root Beer Barrels:
    • These are hard candies with a unique root beer flavor. They are shaped like small barrels and are a nostalgic favorite for many.
11. Jelly Belly Hard Candy:
    • A hard version of the famous jelly beans, these candies are available in a variety of fruit and dessert-inspired flavors.
12. Cinnamon Hard Candies:
    • These candies are intensely flavored with cinnamon and are often sold in small round shapes.

Key Characteristics of Hard Candies:

• Durability: Hard candies are designed to last a long time when sucked on, which is why they are favored for long-lasting sweetness.
• Sweetness: The primary ingredient in most hard candies is sugar, giving them a very sweet taste.
• Flavors and Colors: Hard candies can be flavored in a wide variety of ways, from fruity flavors to mint, and they often come in vibrant colors.

How They’re Made:

Hard candies are made by boiling a sugar syrup (usually made of sugar, corn syrup, and water) to a high temperature. The mixture is then cooled, flavored, and sometimes colored before being molded into shapes or poured into molds.

Hard candies have been a favorite treat for centuries, often consumed for their long-lasting sweetness and the fun of sucking on them over time. They’re widely enjoyed by children and adults alike in various settings, from casual snacking to festive holiday treats.