FAQ

What is Crystal Candy?

Crystal candy—also known as kohakutou—is a traditional Japanese confection made from agar (a vegan, seaweed-based gelatin), sugar, and natural flavorings. At Crunch Crystals, we’ve reimagined this timeless candy into stunning, jewel-like creations that crunch, shimmer, and melt in your mouth. It’s edible art with a bold personality.

What does it taste and feel like?

Crystal candy has a completely unique texture. The outside is crisp and glassy, while the inside is firm and jelly-like. It’s not chewy like a gummy or hard like a lollipop—imagine Turkish Delight with a crackly sugar shell. The texture evolves over time, becoming more crunchy the longer it dries.

How is Crystal Candy made?

Each Crunch Crystal begins as a flavored jelly made with agar, organic sugar, and water. The jelly is poured into molds, hand-cut into custom shapes, or sculpted into flowers and gems. Then, it’s left to cure and "crystallize" slowly over several days. As the candy dries, it develops its signature crunchy shell while maintaining a firm, jelly-like center. The result is a completely natural, handcrafted transformation—no artificial hardeners or preservatives, just time, care, and a little magic.

How often do you restock?

Each candy is handmade with care and love, and because crystal candy takes time to cure (usually between 3–14 days to reach peak crunch), restocks happen in small batches. We update the shop as soon as items are ready—so if you see something you love, don’t wait too long to grab it! 💎✨

How do I store my Crunch Crystals?

Store your candy in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate—moisture will soften the shell and affect the texture. Want even more crunch? Leave your crystals uncovered in a dry space for a few days and let them crisp up naturally.

✨ Feeling adventurous? Try freezing your crystal candy for a totally different experience. It transforms the jelly interior into a firmer, frosty bite that some fans love. Just enjoy it soon after removing from the freezer—no refreezing or condensation allowed!

Can I refrigerate crystal candy?

No. Refrigeration adds unwanted moisture, which can soften the crisp shell and damage the candy. Keep your Crunch Crystals at room temperature in a dry environment for best texture and longevity.

How long does crystal candy last?

When stored properly, Crunch Crystals can last up to 12 months. The flavor and texture may shift slightly over time, but they remain safe (and delicious) to enjoy for a full year.

Please note: Our filled crystal candies are handmade with love and contain soft, creamy centers. Because of their fresh fillings, they have a shorter shelf life than our classic crystal candies. For the best taste and texture, please enjoy them within 2 weeks of receiving your order.

Does crystal candy taste soapy or perfumey?

Most people do not notice any off-flavors, but a small number of people are sensitive to agar, which can have a slightly botanical note—similar to how cilantro tastes soapy to some. We use high-quality, food-grade agar and carefully balanced flavors to minimize this. If something feels off to you, reach out—we’re happy to help.

Is it vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free?

Yes—all Crunch Crystals are naturally vegan and gluten-free unless noted otherwise. Our core recipe uses only agar, organic sugar, water, and flavorings—no gelatin, dairy, or gluten.

However, some filled candies (such as those with cookies, gummies, or chocolate) may contain dairy, gluten, or other allergens. We always list these clearly in the product description, so check before purchasing if you have specific dietary needs.

Are the colors and shimmer safe to eat?

Absolutely. All shimmer, luster dust, and edible gold used in our candies are FDA-approved and safe for consumption. We never use decorative-only or inedible materials.

My candy arrived warm—what should I do?

No worries! Crystal candy is surprisingly resilient. If your candy feels a little soft or warm from transit, just let it cool and breathe at room temperature (out of direct sunlight). The magic will return as it re-firms—and get crunchy as exposed to air.

Are these candies for kids?

Yes—but supervision is recommended for younger children. Because of the unique texture and firm interior, we suggest keeping an eye on little ones while they enjoy their candy to avoid any choking risks.

Why doesn’t my candy look exactly like the photo?

Because every Crunch Crystal is handmade, each one is beautifully unique in shape, size, color, and texture. Think of them like snowflakes—or better yet, edible gemstones. No two are exactly alike, and that’s part of the magic

Are these good for ASMR or content creation?

They’re perfect for it. The crackle, the shimmer, the texture—it’s an ASMR dream. Our candies have been featured in countless TikToks, reels, and YouTube videos for their hypnotic crunch and jaw-dropping appearance.

Do you do custom orders?

YES! We love custom creations—whether it’s for a wedding, baby shower, birthday, or something totally one-of-a-kind. Want a specific color palette, quantity, or vibe? Send us a message at hello@crunchcrystals.com and let’s make magic together.

Do you accept returns or exchanges?

Because our products are edible, we do not accept returns or exchanges. However, your satisfaction is everything. If your order arrives damaged or you’re not happy for any reason, email us at hello@crunchcrystals.com and we’ll do our best to make it right.