What Is Crystal Candy?
Vivid CandyShare
Crystal candy is a confection known for its jewel-like appearance, delicate crunchy shell and soft jelly-like centre. It is commonly associated with kohakutou, a traditional Japanese sweet made primarily from sugar, water and agar.
Unlike hard candy, crystal candy is not crunchy all the way through. During drying, the outside develops a thin crystalline sugar shell while the inside remains soft, creating its distinctive crunch-then-jelly texture.
What Is Crystal Candy Made From?
Traditional crystal candy uses a simple combination of:
- Sugar
- Water
- Agar
Agar is a plant-based gelling ingredient derived from seaweed. It allows the mixture to set firmly before the pieces are cut and slowly dried.
Modern versions may also include colours and flavourings to create different appearances and flavour combinations.
Why Does Crystal Candy Become Crunchy?
The unusual texture develops during the drying process.
After the agar mixture has set and been cut into pieces, it is left to dry gradually. As moisture leaves the surface, sugar begins to crystallise around the outside.
This creates a delicate crisp shell while moisture remains inside the candy, keeping the centre soft and jelly-like.
What Does Crystal Candy Taste Like?
Crystal candy is sweet, but its texture is what makes it particularly distinctive.
The first bite gives a light crack from the crystallised outer layer, followed by a soft and slightly chewy centre.
The flavour itself depends on the ingredients used. Modern crystal candy can be made with fruit, candy-inspired and dessert-style flavours while keeping the same characteristic texture.
Is Crystal Candy the Same as Kohakutou?
The term crystal candy is commonly used today to describe sweets based on or inspired by kohakutou, a traditional Japanese confection sometimes translated as “amber sugar.”
Kohakutou is made by setting a sweetened agar mixture and allowing the pieces to dry until a crystalline shell develops on the surface.
Modern crystal candy often builds on this technique with brighter colours, different shapes and a wider variety of flavours.
How Is Crystal Candy Made?
The basic process involves four stages:
- Sugar, water and agar are heated together.
- The mixture is poured and allowed to set.
- The firm jelly is cut or shaped into individual pieces.
- The pieces are slowly dried until a crisp sugar shell forms.
The drying stage is essential because it creates the contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft centre.
How Should Crystal Candy Be Stored?
Crystal candy should be kept sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.Because moisture can soften the crystalline shell, keeping the candy dry helps preserve its characteristic crunch.Always follow the storage instructions and best-before information supplied with the product.
Handmade Crystal Candy in Australia
Vivid Candy makes crystal candy by hand in small batches in Brisbane, using the agar-based method to create the distinctive crisp shell and soft jelly centre.
Want to experience the texture for yourself?
