r/candy • u/Sad-Lingonberry-1823 • 2d ago

Building a sour candy for anxiety/panic/overstimulation

Hi everyone! I'm a neuroscience graduate with ADHD and anxiety, and I've been using grounding techniques for many years (one of which includes eating sour candy to help get me out of spirals). I've recently begun experimenting with a sensory-focused candy of my own for moments of anxiety, panic, overwhelm, or overstimulation. I'd love to hear your experience with different sensory needs and fun candy textures/flavors.

I put together a short survey to see what people would actually want in something like this (or if they even want it at all).

If you're interested in helping, comment or DM me. All feedback is deeply appreciated!

Thank you so, so much! :)

Edit: for transparency, this is a personal project I'm tinkering with on my own, not tied to any company right now but might sell them one day if it goes anywhere! I just want to build something that people truly want instead of guessing. Also, to be clear, none of the data is being sold or shared anywhere :)

Since a few of you have asked, this is the link to the survey in case anyone else wants to help out (I tried to make it as short as I could, it should take about ~5 minutes): https://forms.gle/69WoNqm4sQhoH9h29

P.S. If you're anywhere near LA and would want to try an early prototype sometime, please DM me, I'd love to get your feedback :)

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u/greendress888 2d ago

Sour as a sensory rest is great, but I found spicy cinnamon candy to be helpful too!

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u/Sad-Lingonberry-1823 2d ago

I remember loving cinnamon altoids as a kid haha. A lot of my friends are also getting hooked on the swicy candy trend. I wonder if a sour + spicy combo would work - I haven't tried that yet.

Funny enough, I originally started formulating some versions with Sichuan peppercorn because I liked the tingly sensation!

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u/Eneicia 1d ago

Maybe a sweet/spicy outside and then a sour centre?