Your Sour Punch FAQ Guide

Brand & History: The Story Behind the Sour

When was Sour Punch invented? Who's the mastermind behind this sour deliciousness?

The American Licorice Company launched Sour Punch candy into the market in 1990. That's right, Sour Punch was one of the O.G.'s in the U.S. sour candy game! For more details, check out our Sour Punch History Page.

What's the deal with Sour Punch? What's their vibe?

Sour Punch is all about "Embracing Your Punch"! It's about celebrating what makes you unique, being kind, and loving yourself and others. Basically, we're your go-to candy for feeling good inside and out.

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So, what does Sour Punch taste like and why is it so addictive?

Sour Punch is like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Imagine a rollercoaster for your taste buds. You get that awesome sour kick at first, followed by a sweet, chewy finish. Why is it so addictive? Well, that's the magic of the sweet and sour combo – it's a flavor adventure your taste buds can't resist.

How sour are we really talking? Will it make my face do that funny scrunch thing?

We aim for that perfect pucker! It's a zing, not a zap. Most people find it pleasantly sour, enough to make you say "Mmm!" but not so much that you scare small children (unless that's your goal, no judgment here!).

Are Sour Punch and Sour Patch the same?

Nope, we're not the same! The Sour Punch brand is owned by the American Licorice Company, while the Sour Patch Kids brand is owned by Mondelez International. While both are sour candies with delicious sour coatings, Sour Punch is known for its softer, chewier texture, while Sour Patch Kids are known for being a harder gummy. Sour Punch also offers a wider variety of product forms, like Straws, Bites, Twists, Shapes and Gummies, compared to Sour Patch Kids, who typically just offer the one. And between you and us? We think Sour Punch is better.

What makes Sour Punch different from other sour candies? Like, how are you special?

We're all about three things: that chew, that coating, and that flavor.

  • That Chew: Sour Punch is softer and chewier than some of those other guys. It's a whole different texture experience, and if you're into a good, satisfying chew, we're your candy soulmate.
  • That Sour Coating: Sour Punch uses a special blend of sour goodness that gives you that perfect punch without being overwhelming. It's a balanced sourness that complements our sweet flavors.
  • That Bold Flavor: Sour Punch offers a wide variety of exciting and delicious flavors, from classic fruity favorites to more adventurous combinations. We're not afraid to get a little wild with our flavors! (We're still recovering from that Maple Bacon experiment... lesson learned: some things are better left uneaten.)
What are people saying about Sour Punch? What's the word on the street?

Some people are particular about the texture of our straws, and others notice that the sourness can vary a bit. And yeah, we still miss some discontinued flavors too! We're always working to make our candy the best it can be, and we appreciate all the feedback!

Where can I buy Sour Punch?

Our treats are sold in stores and online across the U.S. Whether you’re hitting up your local convenience store or shopping from the couch, our Where to Buy page has all the details (plus answers to more where-to-buy FAQs). Go find your punch!

I have a question/problem/compliment! How can I get in touch?

The American Licorice Company has a "Contact Us" section on their website with all the details. You can also find us on social media! If you have a problem with a specific store purchase, it's best to contact that store directly.

Making Sour Punch: From Sweet Idea to Tangy Treat

How do you make this magical sour candy straw? Spill the beans!

It's a bit of a process, but here's the quick tour: We mix all the base ingredients in giant kettles (seriously, they're HUGE!), add flavor and color, cook it down, and then send it through a cooling tunnel. The best part? We give it a "sour shower" with our special sour blend before cutting it into pieces and packing it up for you!

Okay, but where does the SOUR come from?

That's the sour sugar! We coat each piece of Sour Punch with a generous layer of this tangy goodness, so you get that perfect sour jolt every time.

Flavors & Products: From Classics to Wildcards

What flavors does Sour Punch come in? Give me the full lineup!

Oh, we've got a whole flavor fiesta! The OGs are Strawberry, Apple, Blue Raspberry, Lemon, and Watermelon, but there's a Sour Punch flavor to match your every mood:

  • Apple
  • Banana (in Banana Roulette)
  • Blue Raspberry
  • Blue Raz Lemonade
  • Cherry (in Rad Reds)
  • Cherry Limeade
  • Chili Lime (in Scorchin' Straws)
  • Fiery Mango (in Scorchin' Straws)
  • Lemon (in Rainbow Straws, Enchanted Forest Shapes, & Gummies)
  • Lemon Lime (in Pickle Roulette)
  • Mango Peach (in Tropical Blends)
  • Pickle (in Pickle Roulette)
  • Pineapple Orange (in Tropical Blends & Banana Roulette)
  • Piping Pineapple (in Scorchin' Straws)
  • Raspberry (in Rad Reds)
  • Strawberry
  • Strawberry Kiwi (in Tropical Blends)
  • Spicy Watermelon (in Scorchin' Straws)
  • Watermelon

We're always dreaming up new ways to tickle your taste buds, so keep an eye out for exciting new additions and seasonal surprises!

How many different flavors of Sour Punch candy have you offered over the years?

Sour Puch has produced over 20 different flavors over the last three decades, and counting.

What's your most popular flavor? I want to try the best of the best.

Blue Raspberry is a major fan fave! It's bright, it's bold, and it's super tasty.

What kinds of Sour Punch can I get? Do you have more than just straws?

Oh, we've got a whole Sour Punch universe! Of course, there are the legendary Straws, but we also have Bites, Twists, Gummies, Shapes, Filled Sraws, Taffy and even Lollipops! Plus we have a lit collab with Ryse Fuel Energy Drinks and Workout Supplements!

Pickle Roulette? Seriously? What is that??

You heard that right! Pickle Roulette is for the adventurous snacker. We mix sweet fruit flavors like Green Apple, Lemon Lime, and Watermelon with random pieces of PICKLE-flavored candy. It's a wild ride for your taste buds! And because it was so much fun, we've also done Banana Roulette and Ghost Pepper Roulette (but that one's only around for Halloween!).

Nutrition & Dietary Info: What's in Your Candy?

What's actually in Sour Punch? I need to know what I'm putting in my body!

Because we make so many different kinds of Sour Punch – Straws, Gummies, Filled Straws, Lollipops, and more – each one has its own special recipe. But rest assured, we carefully evaluate each ingredient for both safety and quality and use only FDA-approved ingredients. For the precise details, just check the package!

How much sugar is in this stuff? I'm trying to be somewhat healthy...

We get it, sugar is a concern. It varies a bit depending on the product, but generally, there's a good amount. Check the nutrition label for the exact grams per serving, so you know what you're getting.

How many calories are we talking?

Calories also depend on the specific Sour Punch treat and how much you eat. The range is usually between 110 and 210 calories per serving. Again, the label is your friend here!

Is Sour Punch vegan?

Good news for our plant-powered pals! Sour Punch Candy is vegan-friendly and does not contain gelatin (that's an animal-derived ingredient). Yes, that even includes Sour Punch Gummies! Some super strict vegans might have concerns about the artificial colors or how the sugar is processed, so haven't certified our products.

Is Sour Punch gluten-free?

Most Sour Punch products are *not* gluten-free because they contain wheat flour. BUT, we do have some exceptions, like our Gummies and Lollipops, which are wheat-free.. Always check the label to be 100% sure!

Is Sour Punch Halal/Kosher?

We’re proud to share that the majority of Sour Punch candies are both Etimad Halal and Star-K Kosher certified! However, some of our treats may be certified through different agencies (or may carry only one of the two certifications).
Want to try a specific item but unsure of its certification status? We've got your back! Navigate to the product page for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you still can't find what you're looking for, go ahead and drop us a line!

Does Sour Punch contain artificial dyes?

Most of our products do currently contain artificial dyes BUT Sour Punch Gummies and Sour Punch Filled Straws are artificial dye free and made with only natural colors.

We recommend checking the product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient information.

Questions about ordering or past purchases?

Head over to our Shopping FAQs page.

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Still have more questions and need to get in touch?

For the fastest support, fill out the form on our Corporate Contact Us page. Your message will go straight to the right team, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

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