Homemade Pop Rocks

✅ Homemade Pop Rocks (Fizzy Candy Version)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup light corn syrup

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp citric acid (you can find this online or in the canning section)

• 1–2 drops food coloring (optional)

• 1 tsp flavored extract (optional, e.g., raspberry, cherry)

Equipment:

• Candy thermometer

• Saucepan

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat

🔥 Instructions:

1. Prepare the tray
   Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat and set it aside.

2. Heat the sugar mixture
   In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves.

3. Boil to hard crack stage
   Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer. You’re aiming for 300°F (149°C) — the “hard crack” stage.

4. Add flavor and fizz
   Once it hits 300°F, immediately remove it from heat. Let the bubbling settle a bit, then quickly stir in:

   • Citric acid

   • Baking soda (be cautious — it will foam a bit)

   • Food coloring & extract (optional)

5. Cool & crack
   Pour the mixture onto your prepared tray and let it cool completely. Once hardened, break it into small, rock-like pieces.

🧊 Storage Tip:

Store in an airtight container with a moisture absorber (like a packet of rice wrapped in paper towel) to keep it from getting sticky.

⚠️ Want the real Pop Rocks effect?

To get actual CO₂-injected candy like commercial Pop Rocks, you’d need:

• Pressurized CO₂ gas (~600 psi)

• A pressure chamber

• Safety equipment

This is not safe to attempt without specialized lab-grade equipment.