National Day
National Sour Candy Day
Celebrated on 07/18/2026
Quick Fact
National Sour Candy Day, celebrated on July 18, was created by the National Confectioners Association to honor the puckering power of sour sweets. The holiday highlights how sour candies, like Warheads and Sour Patch Kids, stimulate saliva production and can actually enhance the flavor experience.
Origins and Establishment of National Sour Candy Day
National Sour Candy Day was established in 2015 by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) to celebrate the unique category of sour confections. The NCA, a trade organization representing candy manufacturers, chose July 18 as the date to coincide with the peak of summer, when sour candies are especially popular for their refreshing tartness. The holiday aims to recognize the innovation behind sour candy formulations, which often involve citric acid, malic acid, or other food-grade acids to create the signature puckering sensation.
Evolution and Modern Commemoration
Since its inception, National Sour Candy Day has grown from a niche observance to a widely recognized event on social media, with candy brands hosting giveaways and limited-edition releases. The day is marked by sour candy tastings, DIY sour candy making, and challenges like the "Warhead Challenge" where participants see how many sour candies they can eat without flinching. In recent years, the holiday has also been used to highlight the science behind sour flavors and the development of new, extreme sour varieties that push the boundaries of taste.
Facts & General Observations
- The sour candy market in the United States was valued at over $1.5 billion in 2023, with Sour Patch Kids and Warheads being the top-selling brands.
- The world's sourest candy, Toxic Waste, has a pH level of 1.8, which is more acidic than lemon juice (pH 2.2).
- Sour candy consumption spikes during summer months, with July being the highest sales month, accounting for nearly 15% of annual sour candy sales.