Hard candy, also known as boiled sweets, is a popular type of confectionery enjoyed by many kids and adults around the world. The process of mahufacturing hard candy in a factory involves boiling sugar at high temperatures to create a sweet treat with a hard and brittle texture. During the production of hard candy in the factory, the hard candy making machine will combine the different ingredients precisely and heat the candy mixture until it reaches a certain temperature, which guarantees the glossy appearance and satisfying crunch of hard candy. Moreover, as a popular treat worldwide, hard candy comes in various sizes, shapes, and flavors, which can cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Ingredients of Hard Candy Making in the Factory
In order to maintain the consistency of hard candy flavors, there are several key factors that require careful attention throughout the production process, including the standardized ingredients, precise measurements, a controlled cooking process, homogeneous mixing, a suitable and consistent environment, and so on, By carefully controlling these factors, an investor in a factory can maintain the consistent flavor of hard candy across large production runs. Firstly, we will introduce the main ingredients for hard candy manufacturing in the factory. The main ingredients for hard candy are sugar, water and corn syrup, each has its function. And candy manufacturers can add some additional ingredients to change the flavors or colors. Check below for details:
- Sugar or Sucrose: as a main and indispensable ingredient of hard candy, sugar acts as the principal sweetener.
- Corn Syrup: It plays a crucial role in the increase of the viscosity level of the mixture, which helps maintain the desired consistency during cooking. Additionally, corn syrup can also prevent sugar from crystallizing, ensuring the final candy has a smooth and glossy texture, free from any unwanted graininess.
- Water: It plays an important role in the process of dissolving the sugar and corn syrup to create a smooth and consistent syrup base. In the initial stages of candy making, it can combine sugar and syrup smoothly and cool them evenly, which can ensure a desirable texture and consistency in the final product.
- Flavorings: In the manufacturing process, add some flavorings to give the candy its desired taste. There are natural flavors and artificial flavors, such as fruit flavors, mint, cinnamon, etc.
- Food Coloring: As for hard candy making, add some food coloring to transform the otherwise clear candy into vibrant, eye-catching sweets, which can add visual appeal and make candies more attractive and enjoyable for consumers. Besides, it can be customized to match different flavors, themes, or holidays.
- Acids: Sometimes, ingredients like citric acid or malic acid can be added to the candy mixtures to enhance or balance flavors, especially for sour candies.
- Cream of Tartar (Potassium bitartrate): Sometimes it is used to help control the crystallization of sugar and create a smooth texture. Cream of tartar prevents crystallization by chemically altering the molecular structure of the sugar, whereas corn syrup achieves the same goal by physically diluting the sucrose in the syrup. Both can be used independently or together to ensure the candy has a smooth texture.
- Butter or Oil (optional): It is used in some recipes for added richness or to prevent sticking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hard Candy Manufacturing in Factories
In modern confectionery factories, the manufacturing process of hard candy is a precise and complex technique. From the selection of raw materials to the packaging and storage of finished products, each piece of candy undergoes several critical steps of processing and refinement. The whole process involves not only the careful control of temperature and formulation but also the use of advanced machinery and strict quality management. As an essential part of the confectionery industry, the manufacturing process of hard candy combines the traditional methods with innovations in the modern technologies. Check the steps below for the complete journey of hard candy, from syrup to sweet final product.
Raw Material Selection and Preparation
In the production of hard candy, the first step is to select high-purity raw materials such as sucrose, glucose, and corn syrup. The factory strictly controls the quality of these raw materials to ensure the taste and consistency of hard candy. In addition, all colorants and flavors are meticulously chosen to ensure that the final product has bright colors and pure flavors.
Mixing and Initial Heating of Syrup
Then the sugar, corn syrup, and water are mixed in the correct proportions. In the initial heating phase, the mixture will be stirred continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and a uniform syrup is formed. And this process is crucial for the subsequent, which can ensure the consistency and stability of the syrup.
High-Temperature Boiling and Temperature Control at the Hard-Crack Stage
During the boiling process, the temperature of syrup should be precisely controlled, generally within the range of 149°C to 154°C, until it reaches the hard-crack stage. In this process, it is essential to continuously monitor the temperature to prevent overboiling or burning, thereby maintaining the desired hardness and flavor.
High-Temperature Addition of Color and Flavor
When the syrup reaches the target temperature, quickly add the prepared coloring and flavoring, and stir rapidly until thoroughly mixed. This step ensures uniform coloring and consistent flavor in the hard candy.
Molding and Cooling Process
Pour the boiled syrup into pre-prepared molds and cool it quickly to solidify the shape. During the cooling process, it is crucial to strictly control the ambient temperature to prevent cracking or uneven hardening of the candy.
Cutting and Final Shaping
The cooled candy is cut by automated machinery to guarantee consistency in shape and size. If necessary, surface finishing may also be applied to achieve the desired appearance of hard candy.
Packaging and Sealing Process
After quality inspection, the hard candy is promptly packaged. The factory uses moisture-proof materials for sealing to extend the candy’s shelf life and preserve the candy’s freshness.
Quality Control and Product Inspection
Each batch of finished candy undergoes strict quality control tests to ensure it meets standards for hardness, color, and flavor. Additionally, hygiene and safety checks are performed to guarantee compliance with food safety regulations.
Finished Product Storage and Transportation
The packaged candy is stored in warehouses with controlled temperatures and low humidity to prevent moisture exposure. In addition, during transportation, the factory employs a specialized logistics management system to ensure the product reaches consumers in optimal condition.
Aplenliebe Hard Cnady Production Line in Bolivia
Gondor Hard Candy Making Machine for Sale
Popular Types of Hard Candy in the Market
With different ingredients and production processes, hard candy can offer something for everyone, whether you prefer sweet, spicy, sour, or minty flavors. With so many options to choose from, hard candies remain a popular choice for those who are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. And the market of hard candy continues to grow, which can be an opportunity for investors. Here are some popular types of hard candy available in the market:
Gondor Hard Candy Making Machine
To better assist our customers in the the efficient mass production of hard candies, Gondor machinery provides the corresponding hard candy making machine. Our candy making machine for boiled sweets can automate the process of mixing, heating, molding, and cooling sugar-based candy mixtures, ensuring consistent shape, size, and quality. Moreover, it is used in the confectionery industry to produce a wide range of hard candies, from traditional fruit-flavored lozenges to more complex candies with liquid centers or layered textures. As for any investors who plan to step into the hard candy industry or upgrade their business with hard candy, Gondor can help you in the whole process including optimizing the confectionery recipe in our laboratory. Besides, gummy candy making machine is available in Gondor factory for our clients to tailor for their project and maximize their profits when they decide to invest in candy industry. Feel free to contact us to start your project and obtain a profitable solution!
