16 Candy Flavors That Shockingly Worked
Here's a surprising collection of candy flavors that sounded strange at first but turned out to be unexpectedly delicious.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Candy makers have always pushed the boundaries of flavor. While some experiments failed, others became cult favorites that shocked everyone. Here are 16 candy flavors that sounded odd on paper but ended up working in the best way possible.
1. Watermelon Jolly Rancher
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Watermelon was never the first flavor people expected in hard candy, yet it became one of Jolly Rancher’s most loved varieties. Its juicy sweetness captured the taste of summer in a way that stood out from the rest.
2. Chili Mango Lollipops
William Warby on Unsplash
Spicy and fruity didn’t seem like a natural pair, but chili-dusted mango lollipops proved otherwise. The heat balanced the tropical sweetness, creating an addictive kick.
3. Cotton Candy Bubblegum
Hana Lopez on Unsplash
Cotton candy wasn’t exactly a flavor that screamed “gum,” but somehow it worked. The sugary, carnival-inspired taste made each chew nostalgic and fun.
4. Green Apple Skittles
David Adam Kess on Wikimedia Commons
When green apple replaced lime, fans were skeptical. Surprisingly, the tart and crisp punch balanced the rest of the fruity mix.
5. Pop Rocks Cola
Alpha on Flickr
Candy that crackles in your mouth already felt wild, but cola-flavored Pop Rocks took it to another level. The fizzy flavor mimicked soda perfectly, making it feel like a two-in-one treat.
6. Chocolate-Covered Bacon Candy
Kimberly Vardeman on Flickr
Salty, smoky bacon wrapped in chocolate shouldn’t have worked, but it did. The sweet-and-savory mashup became a trend that candy shops couldn’t keep on the shelves.
7. Pickle-Flavored Cotton Candy
Marshall Mullin on Flickr
This flavor raised eyebrows, but pickle cotton candy found its niche. The tangy-sweet combination was unusual yet addictive for adventurous eaters.
8. Candy Corn Caramel Apple
Willis Lam on Flickr
Candy corn is already divisive, but mixing it with caramel apple flavor was shockingly good. The tart apple cut through the heavy sweetness, making it more balanced.
9. Grape Laffy Taffy
Willis Lam on Flickr
Artificial grape doesn’t always hit the mark, but in Laffy Taffy it worked beautifully. The chewy texture matched the bold flavor, making it a must-have in every pack.
10. Wasabi Kit Kat
agelalcantara on Flickr
M&M’s branching out into fruity flavors sounded risky, but pomegranate chocolate turned out surprisingly elegant. The tart fruitiness paired perfectly with rich cocoa.
11. Lemonhead Candy
Sirius214 on Wikimedia Commons
Turning an entire candy line into pure sour lemon flavor was daring. Yet Lemonheads hit the sweet-tart balance just right, becoming a schoolyard favorite.
12. Birthday Cake Kit Kat
Jean Beaufort on PublicDomainPictures
Kit Kat’s limited-edition flavors are often hit or miss, but birthday cake was a win. The sweet frosting taste with sprinkles folded into the wafers felt festive and indulgent.
13. Root Beer Barrels
JACQUELINE BRANDWAYN on Unsplash
The idea of turning a soda flavor into hard candy was odd at first. Root beer barrels nailed the taste so well that they became a nostalgic staple.
14. Maple Bacon Lollipops
James Trenda on Unsplash
If chocolate bacon worked, why not maple bacon? These lollipops combined smoky, sweet, and syrupy notes into a bizarre yet tasty package.
15. Sour Patch Watermelon
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Watermelon isn’t the first fruit people think of for sour candy, but this version quickly gained a following. The tart exterior and juicy center hit the perfect balance.
16. Salted Caramel Everything
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
What started as a trend quickly became a permanent candy aisle fixture. The combination of salty and sweet made chocolate bars, caramels, and truffles irresistible.