The freeze-dried sweet market is rising and a number of the greatest candymakers are leaping within the sport, however the burgeoning market has been a problem for some.
The worldwide market was valued at roughly $1.36 billion in 2023 and projected to develop at a compound annual progress fee of 8.3% by the tip of the last decade, based on Grand View Analysis. By 2030, the freeze-dried sweet market is anticipated to succeed in $2.38 billion.
“Not like conventional candies, freeze-dried candies have a lightweight, ethereal and crispy texture that gives a novel sensory expertise,” based on Grand View.
The freeze-drying course of enhances the unique components’ flavors, making the confection a success with shoppers looking for new confectionery choices, based on the report.
“One vital development is the growth of product varieties,” the report said. “Corporations are experimenting with completely different flavors and ingredient combos to cater to various client preferences. Fruit-based freeze-dried candies reminiscent of strawberries, apples and bananas stay fashionable, however there’s additionally rising curiosity in additional unique flavors and combined fruit varieties.”
TikTok and different social media retailers are serving to to drive curiosity in freeze-dried sweet, which is, in flip, spawning new merchandise like M&M’s POP’d Caramel originally of 2026 and Ferrara’s SweeTARTS, Lemonheads and Spree freeze-dried varieties in August.
New available on the market
M&M’s guardian firm Mars Inc. stated the discharge of its new M&M’s POP’d follows on the heels of its profitable Skittles POP’d launch in 2024.
“With M&M’S POP’d Caramel, we’re giving followers an entire new strategy to benefit from the basic caramel taste that has been a fan-favorite in our lineup for years,” stated Martin Terwilliger, VP of promoting, Mars Wrigley North America. “This contemporary and enjoyable new deal with takes every part you’re keen on about M&M’S and provides it a lightweight, crispy crunch, bringing the flavors and textures collectively in an surprising new manner.”
Mars gave the product a soft-launch on TikTok Store and MMS.com in early November and rolled out the product to shops nationwide in January 2026.
The brand new line of freeze-dried caramel candies comes a couple of months after Ferrara introduced the discharge of freeze-dried variations of its fan favorites in August.
“We all know our shoppers are at all times craving thrilling new methods to expertise their favourite sweet, so we’re setting a brand new commonplace,” stated Kiren Devereux, director of promoting, SweeTARTS, upon the product launch. “Freeze-dried represents an area that customers are very eager about – unlocking fully new textures whereas honoring the genuine taste profiles that make these manufacturers beloved by so many.”
Exhausting occasions for Sow Good
One firm that appeared to have main potential in conquering the freeze-dried market started to battle in 2025.
Sow Good, an Irving, Texas-based chief in freeze-dried snacks, raised $1 million in 2023 and was centered on producing one other $15 million in 2024.
The publicly-traded firm’s inventory peaked at $22.56 per share in July of 2024 and has steadily declined over the past 12 months and a half. As of Jan. 19, the inventory was valued at $1.02 per share.
However in early 2026, the corporate introduced plans to promote a good portion of its enterprise property to activist investor David Lazar for $6 million. As a part of the deal, Lazar was named CEO and chairman of the Sow Good board.
Lazar couldn’t be reached for remark.
“Finishing this financing supplies Sow Good with important runway and stability,” stated Lazar in a press launch. “Our rapid focus is to proceed serving clients and companions, stabilize the enterprise, and consider alternatives to develop inside the sweet and snack class. On the similar time, we shall be disciplined and considerate as we discover further strategic options that may unlock long-term worth for stockholders.”
Sow Good additionally offered $1.5 million of the corporate’s property to Trea Grove LLC, which serves as unique distributor of Sow Good merchandise.
“This transition permits Sow Good to stay energetic within the sweet market whereas considerably lowering mounted working prices,” stated Claudia Goldfarb, board member and chief working officer of Sow Good. “We imagine this construction positions the Firm to proceed serving its clients, by a third-party distribution association, pursue progress alternatives inside the sweet business, and thoughtfully assess further strategic paths that will improve worth.”
