Black death sour candy is more than just a treat—it’s a dare, a challenge, and for some, an obsession. As a trained chef from Alabama and someone who loves big flavors, I’ll never forget my first taste. My lips puckered, my eyes watered, and I immediately reached for a second one. That’s the thrill of black death sour candy—it hits you hard and keeps you coming back. In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes it so outrageously sour, what it tastes like, how it compares to other sour bombs, and what you need to know before you pop one in your mouth.
DIY Black Death Sour Candy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 candies
Description
Inspired by the legendary Black Death Sour Candy, this homemade version replicates the sour shock using malic acid, citric acid, and citrus flavoring. It’s bold, zesty, and not for the faint of heart.
Ingredients
<p>1 cup granulated sugar</p>
<p>1/3 cup light corn syrup</p>
<p>1/4 cup water</p>
<p>1 tsp citric acid</p>
<p>1/2 tsp malic acid</p>
<p>2–3 drops lemon or lime candy flavoring</p>
<p>Black food coloring (optional)</p>
<p>Cornstarch or powdered sugar for dusting (optional)</p>
Instructions
<p>1. Line a baking sheet or silicone candy mold with nonstick spray.</p>
<p>2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir and heat to 300°F (hard crack stage).</p>
<p>3. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in citric acid, malic acid, and flavoring.</p>
<p>4. Add black food coloring and stir until fully blended.</p>
<p>5. Pour into molds or onto prepared sheet. Let cool completely.</p>
<p>6. Break into pieces (if sheet method). Dust lightly with cornstarch to prevent sticking.</p>
Notes
<p>This candy is extremely sour and should be eaten in moderation.</p>
<p>You can adjust the amount of malic acid for a milder experience.</p>
<p>Keep away from small children due to intense acidity and choking risk.</p>
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g
The Story & Intro
What Makes Black Death Sour Candy So Legendary?
Black death sour candy has earned a reputation not just for its name but for how it delivers on it. I still remember my first time trying it—sitting at my kitchen table, curious and a little skeptical. The moment it hit my tongue, there was no doubt: this wasn’t just any sour candy. It was intense, almost electric. That initial punch had me squinting and squirming, but once the shock wore off, I noticed a subtle citrus note underneath. It was addictive.
Black death sour candy doesn’t rely on gimmicks. Its formula—stacked with malic and citric acid—ensures an aggressive flavor profile that starts sharp and stays bold. It’s become a cultural phenomenon, thanks to viral challenges and reactions that prove just how daring it really is.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a zesty dessert like Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, you’ll appreciate how black death sour candy flips that sweetness into a bold, sour adventure.
Why Sour Candy Lovers Seek This Extreme Treat
Black death sour candy isn’t your average pick-me-up. Fans look for intensity, longevity, and the thrill of a candy that packs real power. This one doesn’t fade after a few seconds—it evolves. What starts as a mouth-watering zing of lemon and lime shifts to subtle sweetness, keeping your taste buds engaged the whole time.
It’s like the sour candy version of Springtime Sugar Cookies—beautifully balanced, just with the volume cranked up.
Flavor Profile & Sensation
What Flavor Is Black Death Sour Candy?
Black death sour candy opens with an electric shock of lemon and lime. It’s loaded with malic acid, creating that signature burn. As it settles, you’ll notice notes of orange and subtle citrus sweetness that lingers. This evolving profile makes it more than just sour—it’s dynamic.
Unlike mainstream sour candies, black death sour candy offers sustained intensity. Its flavor profile evolves and stays sharp, never dull. Think of it as the opposite of quick-fading flavors—it keeps going, bite after bite.
You’ll recognize a similar surprise in treats like the Candy Apple Cookie, where sweetness hides a bold layer underneath.
What Makes It So Sour? Ingredients That Pack a Punch
Black death sour candy gets its extreme punch from a blend of food-grade acids, primarily malic and citric acid. Malic acid delivers a biting tartness, while citric acid layers on a citrusy zing. Sometimes tartaric acid is added to deepen the sour experience.
The outer layer of black death sour candy is heavily dusted with these acids, hitting you with full force. If you’ve tried Toxic Waste Candy, then you’ll understand the sensation—but black death lasts longer and hits sharper.
And just like Dubai Chocolate Maryland, this candy thrives on big flavor contrast and bold presentation.
Where to Buy & How It Compares
Where Can You Buy Mr. Simms Black Death?
Black death sour candy is easiest to find in the UK at places like Mr. Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe. If you’re outside the UK, it’s usually available on Amazon, eBay, or specialty candy websites that import British sweets.
Online shops are your best bet if you’re based in the U.S. or Canada. Some niche candy stores carry it, especially around holidays or for novelty-themed gift boxes.
Craving more adventurous sweets? You’ll love Top 5 Candy Favorites—a collection of fun, nostalgic, and global candy experiences.
Is It the World’s Sourest Candy? A Look at the Competition
Black death sour candy faces strong competition:
- Toxic Waste: Delivers a powerful 5–10 second punch, but fades fast.
- Warheads: Popular and nostalgic, but not as long-lasting.
- Barnetts Mega Sour: UK-based and extremely tart, close in style.
- Black Death: Longest-lasting sour experience, with evolving flavor layers.
While Barnetts might win on initial acidity, black death sour candy dominates in longevity and complexity. It’s more than sour—it’s an experience.
Curious how regional candies deliver surprises? Swedish Candy shows just how bold flavors can be around the world.
Safety, Bans & What to Know
Why Was Toxic Waste Candy Banned? And Is Black Death Safe?
Black death sour candy often gets compared to Toxic Waste, and understandably so. Both deliver outrageous sourness. But with that level of intensity, people start asking the same question: is it safe?
Back in 2011, Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge Chew Bars were recalled in the U.S. after the FDA found elevated lead levels in one batch. That incident caused panic and gave all sour candies a bad rap, even though the recall was limited to a specific production run and product—not the entire Toxic Waste line. Since then, Toxic Waste products have returned to shelves with improved testing and remain legal and widely available.
As for black death sour candy, there’s no record of bans or safety issues. It’s sold legally in the UK and imported to the U.S. via specialty stores. That said, it’s not for the faint of tongue. Its high malic acid content can cause temporary mouth or tongue irritation, especially if you eat several in one sitting.
To be clear: black death sour candy is safe for most people in moderation. But for kids under 7, or anyone with sensitive mouths, the acidity can be overwhelming. A good rule? Stick to one candy at a time, and don’t bite into it. Let it dissolve slowly.
Curious how sour candy evolved from childhood fun to viral sensation? You might enjoy reading The Sweet History of Candy Bars—it dives into how candies became more daring, bolder, and… sometimes painful.
Tips for First-Timers Trying Black Death Sour Candy
Black death sour candy is no ordinary sweet. If you’re brave enough to try it—or daring a friend—there are a few things to keep in mind so the experience stays fun (not painful).
- Start with just one. Don’t grab a handful. One is plenty, especially if you’re new to extreme sour candy.
- Don’t bite immediately. The outer coating is where the sourness lives. Biting it releases all the acid at once and it hurts. Let it melt gradually.
- Have a chaser. Keep something neutral or sweet nearby like a cookie, a glass of milk, or even a slice of bread. It’ll help mellow the burn.
- Film your reaction. Trust me, it’s hilarious to look back on. Just warn your viewers first!
If you’re like me and love mixing bold with sweet, you’ll appreciate having a backup treat nearby something like this Candy Apple Cookie can be the perfect palate reset.
And if you’re serving these at a party or challenge, keep a pack of napkins handy. The reactions can get… intense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flavor is the black death sour candy?
Black death sour candy delivers a layered citrus flavor, starting with lemon-lime and evolving into subtle sweetness.
What is the world’s sourest candy?
While others like Toxic Waste and Barnetts are close, many agree black death sour candy lasts longer and tastes bolder.
Where can I buy Mr. Simms Black Death?
Buy it at UK candy shops like Mr. Simms or online through Amazon, eBay, and specialty importers.
Why was Toxic Waste candy banned?
Only one batch of Toxic Waste bars was recalled in 2011 for lead content. Most sour candies are safe today.
Conclusion
Black death sour candy is an intense ride—from the first sting to the last mellow citrus note. If you love bold flavors, this candy delivers the thrill. But take it slow and savor the experience—because once you’ve tried it, regular candy may never be enough again.
Looking to contrast that sour punch? Try something rich from Decadent Delights: Chocolate Candy for the perfect balance.