1. Introduction

Who doesn’t love a good candy that bursts with flavor and takes you back to your childhood days? If you’re a fan of fruity, tangy treats, Spree candy is probably on your list of favorites. I’ve always been a candy enthusiast, and Spree has this unique place in my heart (and sweet tooth). Whether you’re munching on them during a movie or adding them to your candy table for a party, Spree candy never disappoints. In this guide, I’ll be walking you through everything you need to know about this beloved candy—from its history to creative ways to use it, and even how to make it at home!

2. A Brief History of Spree Candy

Spree candy has been around since the 1960s, originally created by the Sunline Candy Company, a brand that has since been taken over by Nestlé under the Willy Wonka brand. What started as a simple candy concept quickly gained popularity because of its unique sweet and tart flavor combination. Over the years, Spree has maintained its reputation as a classic treat, beloved by many generations. It’s not hard to see why!

3. What Makes Spree Candy Special?

What sets Spree candy apart from other candies is its flavor profile. Imagine popping a colorful, crunchy disc into your mouth. At first, you’re hit with a sweet fruit flavor, but as you bite down, the tangy, sour center takes over, leaving you craving more. It’s like a flavor rollercoaster, and that’s what makes it so addictive. And let’s not forget the satisfying crunch—there’s something irresistible about that hard, yet brittle shell!

4. Varieties of Spree Candy

Original Spree vs. Chewy Spree. Yep, you heard that right—Spree comes in two versions. The original Spree has that classic crunchy shell with a fruity center, while Chewy Spree, as the name suggests, offers a softer texture that still delivers the same bold flavors. Both are great, but I personally love the contrast of the original version!

5. Spree Candy Ingredients

Wondering what goes into making that delightful Spree flavor? The main ingredients include:

• Sugar – the sweet foundation of most candies.
• Corn syrup – used to give Spree its texture.
• Artificial flavors – to achieve that strong fruity punch.
• Citric acid – for that iconic tartness.
• Food coloring – to give each piece its vibrant, eye-catching color.

Each bite delivers a well-balanced combination of these elements, making Spree the perfect treat for those with a sweet and sour craving.

6. Can You Make Spree Candy at Home?

I know what you’re thinking—can I recreate that iconic Spree candy at home? While it’s nearly impossible to replicate the exact taste and texture without professional equipment, you can definitely make something similar with a homemade twist. I’ve experimented with a few recipes that give you that sweet and tart combination.

7. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spree Candy at Home

Creating Spree candy at home is a fun and rewarding challenge. While it’s impossible to match the exact taste and texture of the store-bought version, you can still whip up a delicious and tangy alternative with a homemade touch. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find, making this recipe great for anyone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the process!

Ingredients for Homemade Spree Candy

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create your own version of Spree:

• 2 cups powdered sugar: This forms the base and structure of your candy dough.
• ¼ cup light corn syrup: This adds a little sweetness and helps bind everything together.
• 1 tsp citric acid: This gives the candy that sharp, tangy kick, which is essential for recreating that sour center of classic Spree.
• 1 tsp fruity flavor extracts: Choose from cherry, lemon, orange, or whatever fruity flavor you love.
• Food coloring: To give each piece of candy its bright, appealing look.

You can find citric acid and fruity flavor extracts in most grocery stores or specialty baking shops. The food coloring is optional, but it’s fun to match the flavors with their signature vibrant hues.

Instructions for Making Spree Candy

Now, let’s go step-by-step through the candy-making process:

1. Mix the Powdered Sugar and Citric Acid:
   In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and citric acid. This creates the base for your candy, and the citric acid is what provides the signature tanginess that’s crucial for any Spree candy replica.
2. Add the Corn Syrup:
   Slowly pour in the light corn syrup. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick, dough-like consistency. You want the mixture to be smooth but not sticky—if it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more powdered sugar to even it out.
3. Divide the Dough:
   If you’re planning to make multiple flavors and colors, now’s the time to divide the dough into separate portions. This step is crucial for creating the variety of fruity flavors that Spree candy is known for.
4. Add Flavor and Color:
   To each portion of dough, add a few drops of the fruity flavor extract and food coloring. Knead the dough well to ensure the flavor and color are evenly distributed. You can get creative here—mix different flavors and colors to make unique combinations!
5. Shape the Candy:
   Roll the dough into small balls, or flatten them into discs to mimic the classic shape of Spree . Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the homemade touch gives them charm. The key is to keep them relatively small so they harden evenly.
6. Drying Time:
   Place the candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them air-dry for about 24 hours. The candies will gradually harden, giving them that satisfying crunch when you bite into them.

8. Creative Ideas for Using Spree Candy

Once you’ve got your stash of Spree , the fun doesn’t stop at just snacking on them straight out of the bag. These colorful, fruity treats are perfect for various uses beyond casual eating. Their vibrant colors and tangy-sweet flavors make them a versatile addition to any event or snack table. Let’s explore some creative ways to use Spree candy in your everyday life or for special occasions.

Party Favors

Looking for an easy and fun addition to your party favors? Spree is a fantastic choice, especially for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or themed events. You can pack them into small candy bags or mini jars to hand out as party favors. Their bright colors and tangy flavors are always a hit with guests of all ages.

• Tip: For themed parties, use only certain colors of Spree to match your decor. For example, use red and green Spree for a Christmas party or pastel colors for a spring celebration.

Table Decorations

If you’re planning a candy table or a sweet-themed event, Spree candy makes a visually appealing and delicious decoration. Their shiny, colorful coating looks great in clear glass jars or scattered around a dessert table.

• Candy Bowls: Fill a few bowls with Spree and place them around your party area for easy snacking.
• Candy Towers: Use glass vases or tall jars to create a candy tower that will draw attention at any event.

The candy’s colors can complement any decor scheme, adding a playful, vibrant touch that’s sure to delight your guests.

Candy Jars

Want to brighten up your home kitchen or office with a colorful snack option? Spree candy is the perfect candidate for candy jars. Whether you use small mason jars or larger glass containers, filling them with Spree can add a pop of color and give you an easy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need a little sugar boost.

• Tip: Keep a jar of Spree on your office desk for an instant mood lift during those long workdays. Plus, it makes for a great conversation starter!

Toppings for Desserts

Spree candy isn’t just for snacking; it’s also a great topping for various desserts. Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor make it a unique addition to:

• Cupcakes: Use crushed Spree candy as a topping for frosted cupcakes. The bright colors will pop against the frosting, and the candy will add a sweet crunch to each bite.
• Ice Cream Sundaes: Crushed Spree is a fantastic alternative to sprinkles on ice cream. Its tangy punch balances the creaminess of the ice cream.
• Candy Bark: Melt some white or dark chocolate, spread it thin on a baking sheet, and sprinkle crushed Spree candy over the top for a colorful, fruity chocolate bark.

These are just a few ways you can integrate Spree into your dessert creations, giving your treats an extra kick of flavor and color.

Candy Charcuterie Boards

Candy charcuterie boards are becoming a huge trend, especially for kids’ parties or special events. Imagine a candy board filled with all sorts of sweet treats, and Spree adds the perfect splash of color and tang. It complements softer candies, like marshmallows, and contrasts well with chocolates or chewy sweets. You can even create an entire board focused on fruity, tart candies, with Spree as the star of the show!

Holiday Treats

Around the holidays, Spree candy can be a festive addition to your decorating or snacking. Whether you’re adding them to gingerbread houses, Christmas stockings, or holiday gift baskets, their bright colors fit perfectly with seasonal themes.

• Stocking Stuffers: Spree makes a fantastic stocking stuffer for kids and adults alike. They’re fun, colorful, and fit easily into stockings.
• Gingerbread House Decorations: Use Spree to add color and texture to your gingerbread houses during the holiday season. Their small size makes them perfect for little windows, rooftops, or garden paths.

9. Spree Candy in Desserts and Snacks

Spree candy is more than just a snack you enjoy straight from the package—it can also be a surprisingly fun and flavorful ingredient in your favorite desserts and snacks. Its sweet and tangy flavor, combined with the crunchy texture, makes it a versatile addition to all sorts of treats. Whether you’re baking or making snack mixes, Spree can add an unexpected twist to your culinary creations. Here’s how you can incorporate this beloved candy into your desserts and snacks.

Cupcake Toppers

Cupcakes are always a hit at parties, but what if you want to take them to the next level? Crushed Spree can be a colorful and flavorful addition to your cupcake decorations. Here’s why it works so well:

• Texture contrast: The crunch of Spree candy contrasts with the soft, fluffy texture of the cupcake, adding a unique bite to every mouthful.
• Flavor boost: The tangy punch from the candy adds a surprising kick that balances the sweetness of the frosting, making each bite more exciting.
• Visual appeal: Let’s not forget the visual aspect—Spree comes in vibrant colors, which makes for an eye-catching decoration on top of your cupcakes.

To use it, simply crush the candy into small pieces and sprinkle it over freshly frosted cupcakes. You can even mix and match colors to fit a party theme or the flavor of the cupcake.

Trail Mix

Looking to mix up your snack routine? Adding Spree candy to your homemade trail mix is a great way to do just that. Typically, trail mix is a combination of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate or granola, but the inclusion of Spree introduces a fun, tangy surprise. Here’s why it works:

• Sweet and sour contrast: The tartness of Spree candy balances out the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the richness of chocolate pieces.
• Bright pop of color: Let’s face it—most trail mixes look pretty dull. Adding colorful Spree candy livens up the mix, making it more appealing to snack on.
• Crunch factor: If your mix is heavy on chewy elements, like dried fruit or gummies, Spree adds a much-needed crunch to the overall texture.

To create a delicious trail mix, combine your favorite nuts (like almonds or cashews), dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries), and chocolate chips with a handful of Spree . This combo provides a great mix of protein, sweetness, and that tangy kick from the candy.

Candy Bark

Candy bark is a go-to treat for holidays, parties, or just when you’re in the mood for something sweet and easy to make. Incorporating Spree candy into your candy bark can take the treat to a whole new level. Here’s how:

• Flavor balance: The sweetness of the chocolate base—whether white, dark, or milk chocolate—gets a nice balance from the tangy, fruity flavor of Spree .
• Crunch and texture: Candy bark should always have a mix of textures, and the crunchy shell of Spree candy delivers on that front.
• Visual impact: Broken shards of colorful Spree make the bark look vibrant and fun, perfect for gifting or displaying at a party.

10. Spree Candy as a Gift

When it comes to gifting, sometimes the simplest ideas are the most thoughtful. Spree makes an excellent gift for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or even as a “just because” treat. Its bright colors and fruity, tangy flavors make it an exciting choice, and with a little creativity, you can turn a bag of Spree into a memorable and unique gift. Here are some fun ways to gift Spree candy.

Mason Jar Gifts

Mason jars have become a popular option for gifting all sorts of treats, and Spree is no exception. Here’s why mason jars work so well for this:

• Easy to assemble: All you need is a mason jar, a ribbon, and your favorite varieties of Spree candy. Simply fill the jar with the candy, tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar, and voila—you’ve got a cute, colorful gift ready to go.
• Customizable: You can layer different colors of Spree candy to create a rainbow effect in the jar, or separate the candies by flavor if you know the recipient has a favorite.
• Reusable packaging: The jar itself becomes a part of the gift. Once the candy is gone, the recipient can reuse the mason jar for other things, from storing more treats to home decor.

Mason jar gifts are perfect for holidays, teacher appreciation, or as a party favor for larger events. They’re simple but thoughtful, and the bright colors of Spree candy make the gift even more fun.

Candy Bouquets

If you want to step up your gift-giving game, a candy bouquet featuring Spree is a show-stopping option. Candy bouquets combine the visual appeal of a floral arrangement with the joy of receiving candy, and Spree can play a big role in the design. Here’s why it works so well:

• Colorful and vibrant: With its range of bright colors, Spree adds pops of color to the bouquet, making it look cheerful and inviting.
• Unique and playful: While most candy bouquets feature chocolate bars or traditional hard candies, adding Spree candy gives your bouquet a playful, tangy twist that stands out.
• Variety: You can mix Spree with other types of candy in the bouquet or make the entire arrangement themed around fruity, tangy treats.

11. Where to Buy Spree Candy

If you’re ready to stock up on Spree, there are plenty of places to find it:

• Online Retailers: Amazon, Walmart, and Target are great options for buying Spree in bulk.
• Local Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores carry Spree in their candy aisles.
• Specialty Candy Shops: Some candy shops offer vintage or hard-to-find candies, so you might be able to snag some Spree there as well.

12. How to Incorporate Spree Candy in Party Themes

When you’re planning a party, it’s all about the little details that make your event stand out. One fun and simple way to add a splash of color and a hint of nostalgia is by incorporating Spree candy into your party theme. These tangy, vibrant candies are not only delicious but also visually striking, making them an ideal addition to your decor or snack table. Here’s how you can work Spree into your party in creative and eye-catching ways.

Color-Coding the Candy Table

One of the best things about Spree candy is its bold, bright colors. Each color represents a different fruity flavor, and this makes it incredibly easy to match the candy to your party theme. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, birthday party, or themed event, Spree can help tie your decor together. Here are a few examples:

• Christmas Parties: For a festive look, use only red and green Spree to complement your holiday decorations. Place the candies in clear jars or bowls around your party area for a splash of seasonal color.
• Baby Showers: Planning a baby shower? Whether you’re celebrating a boy or girl, you can easily separate the pink, purple, or blue Spree to fit the gender or theme of your event.
• Summer Pool Parties: The vibrant colors of Spree scream summer fun. Use a mix of colors to create a playful, tropical candy table that will catch everyone’s eye.

Color-coding your candy table with Spree candy adds a cohesive look to your party, making it both visually appealing and tasty for guests.

Candy Buffet

A candy buffet is always a crowd-pleaser, and Spree candy fits perfectly into this concept. Not only do guests love the idea of choosing their own sweets, but Spree offers a burst of flavor and color that makes the buffet more engaging. Here’s how to set up a candy buffet using Spree:

1. Jars and Scoops: Use clear glass jars in various sizes to display the different colors or flavors of Spree . Add small scoops so guests can help themselves.
2. Mix and Match: You can keep the candy separated by color, or mix them all together for a vibrant display of every flavor. The more variety, the more visually appealing your candy buffet will be.
3. Candy Bags: Provide small bags or boxes for guests to fill up with their favorite colors and flavors of Spree candy. This also doubles as a party favor they can take home!

13. Storing Spree Candy Properly

To make sure your Spree stays as fresh and crunchy as possible, proper storage is key. Like most candies, Spree candy can lose its flavor and texture if not stored correctly. Follow these simple tips to keep your candy tasting just as good as the day you bought it.

Store in an Airtight Container

The most important thing you can do to preserve your Spree is to keep it in an airtight container. Spree candy has a crunchy exterior, and exposure to air can cause it to soften or become stale. Airtight containers, such as glass jars with tight lids or plastic containers with a good seal, will help maintain that perfect crunchy texture.

• Tip: If you’ve opened a bag of Spree candy and don’t plan on finishing it right away, transfer the leftover candy to a sealed container. This will help keep it fresh for much longer.

Cool, Dry Place

Like most candies, Spree should be stored in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat can cause the candy to melt or become sticky, and humidity can make it lose its crunch. Ideally, keep your Spree in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid the Fridge: While it might seem like a good idea to store candy in the refrigerator, this can actually cause condensation, which may affect the candy’s texture. Stick to cool, dry areas for best results.

14. Spree Candy Alternatives

If you love the tangy, fruity taste of Spree candy but want to try something different, there are plenty of similar candies that offer a comparable sweet-and-sour flavor profile. Here are a few alternatives to keep your taste buds entertained.

SweetTarts

SweetTarts are another tangy, fruity candy that packs a punch of flavor, similar to Spree. The texture of SweetTarts is slightly different, as they are more chalky and dissolve in your mouth rather than offering the crunchy outer shell of Spree. However, they share the same balance of sweet and sour, making them a fantastic alternative.

• Why Choose SweetTarts? If you enjoy the tangy flavor but prefer a softer candy that dissolves easily, SweetTarts might be your next favorite snack.

Runts

If you’re a fan of fruit-flavored, crunchy candies, Runts are another great option. Each piece of Runts candy is shaped like the fruit it represents (bananas, oranges, strawberries, etc.), and they offer the same hard, crunchy texture as Spree candy. Their flavors are a bit sweeter and less tangy than Spree, but they still provide that satisfying crunch.

• Why Choose Runts? Runts give you a mix of fun fruit shapes and flavors, making them a playful and tasty alternative to Spree.

Nerds

Nerds may be smaller than Spree candy, but they pack a similar sweet-and-sour punch. These tiny, colorful candies come in a variety of fruit flavors, and their size makes them fun to sprinkle over desserts or enjoy by the handful. Like Spree candy, Nerds offer a nice mix of crunchy texture and fruity flavor.

• Why Choose Nerds? If you’re looking for something small and tangy that delivers a concentrated burst of flavor, Nerds are a fantastic alternative to Spree candy.

15. Fun Facts About Spree Candy

There’s more to Spree than just its taste! Let’s dive into some fun and interesting facts about this popular candy that might surprise you.

Spree in Pop Culture

Spree candy has made its way into various corners of pop culture over the years, often appearing in movies, TV shows, and even nostalgic references in music. These appearances help solidify Spree as a beloved candy of past and present generations. In fact, many people associate Spree candy with their childhood, making it a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories.

• Example: You might spot Spree candy being shared or enjoyed in scenes from 1990s family movies, adding to the candy’s retro charm.

Limited Editions

Throughout the years, Spree candy has had several limited-edition varieties. One of the most notable is the holiday-themed Spree that featured red and green candies, perfect for Christmas parties or stocking stuffers. Additionally, there have been special flavors released during particular seasons or events, giving fans a chance to experience Spree in new and exciting ways.

• Special Flavors: Over time, special holiday flavors or packs of Spree candy have included tart, fruity mixes specifically designed for themed celebrations. Keep an eye out during Halloween, Christmas, or Easter for possible releases.

16. Conclusion

In the world of candy, Spree holds a special place for anyone who loves a good mix of sweet and tart flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the package, using them for party decor, or even trying your hand at making them at home, Spree candy is versatile, delicious, and just plain fun. I hope this guide has inspired you to rediscover your love for Spree or even get creative with how you use them!

17. FAQs

1. Can Spree candy go bad?
   Yes, like most candies, Spree can lose its freshness if not stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for maximum shelf life.
2. Are there any sugar-free versions of Spree candy?
   As of now, there aren’t any sugar-free versions of Spree candy available, but you can find similar sugar-free alternatives from other brands.
3. Can I use Spree candy for baking?
   Absolutely! Spree can be crushed and used as toppings for cupcakes, cookies, and even as mix-ins for candy bark.
4. Is Spree candy vegan?
   Unfortunately, Spree contains ingredients like shellac, which is derived from insects, so it is not considered vegan.
5. How do I make Spree candy harder at home?
   To make your homemade Spree harder, you can let it air-dry longer, or try using a candy coating to give it a firmer shell.

Resources

• https://www.wonka.com/