27 Candy Swaps That Won't Melt in Care Packages (2024)

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June.

That’s when John stepped off the plane and onto the Bagram tarmac during his year-long deployment. June and it was already blazingly hot.

Another service member was there to greet him… with a care package I had sent that beat him to Afghanistan. (It was this one!)

I’m not joking.

I had sent it two weeks before he deployed, sure that it would take at least a month for him to get something from me. Turns out, the mail was running exceptionally fast. And the care package that I had diligently sharpied “I love you!” onto the sides had been there, waiting for him. The service members John’s group was relieving had kept it and waited for the moment they could give it to John.

Thank goodness there was no chocolate or meltable items in that care package– what a disgusting mess they could have had on their hands.

But let’s be real: it’s not just Afghanistan, Kuwait, or Iraq that are hot places service members are sent to. If you’re sending a care package to someone in Okinawa, Twentynine Palms, or Fort Hood (or pretty much anywhere else during the summer), chances are, those packages are going to get hot–really, really hot– at some point of their journey.

Chances are, too, that some of what you’re sending may melt, warp, or otherwise get gross during shipping.

Weirdly enough, when John was in Afghanistan, we only had one mishap with melted stuff. Luckily, John had access to a refrigerator and was able to cool down the entire heat-sealed package. It melted into a gigantic blob, but he was happy with it anyway.

But you don’t want your recipient to have to deal with a surprise a la goo in a care package you send them. Here are some candy alternatives that won’t melt in your care package:

27 Candy Swaps That Won't Melt in Care Packages (6)

Dried fruit

Ah yes, nature’s candy. There’s no question that dried fruit is a lovely addition to a care package– it is a shelf-stable, healthier choice than a lot of other options. When John was deployed, I sent him dried mango and pineapple in nearly every box I could. When it comes to dried fruit, there are a lot of options– including those with preservatives (like sulfates) to keep colors more robust and those without. And if you don’t want to send processed dried fruit, try sending your own dried fruit. Here’s how you can easily dry blueberries.

Granola bars

If your loved one loves candy bars, granola bars are a snack swap that will keep them (mostly) satisfied. (Because, let’s be real, Hershey bars are delicious.) If you’re very worried about the melt factor, send granola bars that aren’t loaded with chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter chips. If your recipient doesn’t have a huge sweet tooth, try Kind Bars, which have varieties without chocolate, like these caramel drizzle ones. And if you’re feeling super adventurous, try my homemade granola bars, which were a favorite of John’s when he deployed. They’re easy to make, you get to choose exactly which mix-ins to include, and they ship well.

Granola mix

And talking about granola, if bars aren’t you’re thing (or you just want to mix it up), sending a granola mix works too. If you’re purchasing, you can buy loose granola mixes in single-serving pouches. Most of these varieties have little or no chocolate included and are available in single-serve pouches as well as large containers. Want to make your own? Try my tried-and-true blueberry super foods granola recipe.

Non-chocolate candies

While other candies can (and do) melt in extreme heat, there are quite a few kinds that are fairly heat-resistant and should ship well. Hard candies– especially those that are individually wrapped like peppermints, strawberry buds, fruit drops, sour balls, and Jawbreakers— should keep exceptionally well and not create a mess in your care package. Other sugary candies like Lick-n-Dips and Pixie Sticks should not melt either… however, consider sending them in their original bagged packaging or, if you’re sending individual candies, put them in a Ziplock bag in case they break and the powder goes everywhere. Avoid chocolate candies and ones that are stickier– like caramels and soft butterscotches.

Kettle corn

Kettle corn is a fairly low-calorie treat with a salty/sweet zip. While sending bags of it might be more challenging–especially if your loved one is deployed overseas– there are varieties of microwavable kettle corn that can easily be shipped. And if you’re sending stateside, you can always directly Amazon Prime Boom Chicka Pop kettle corn to your loved one so you don’t have to worry about stuffing it in boxes.

Gum

Gum is a great care package stuffer. Not only can you pack a lot so your loved one can share it with others, it is shelf-stable, won’t melt, is individually wrapped, and can be chewed for a variety of reasons– replacing dessert, boredom, quitting smoking… you get the idea.

Cereal

How about some Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, or Cookie Crisp? These are available in large boxes or single-serve ones, so you can send just the right amount to your loved one. (True story, John’s sister sent him an entire box filled with boxes of Cheerios when he was in Afghanistan. He said it was an awesome care package– and the funniest– he received.)

27 Candy Swaps That Won't Melt in Care Packages (7)

Dessert-y Condiments

If you can’t send chocolaty goodness, try sending things that can satisfy that chocolate craving without melting. Send a shaker of cinnamon sugar , flavored dairy-free creamers, or cocoa powder with a high fat content that can be added to coffee, yogurt, cereal, milk, or really anything else.

Protein powders

With a variety of dessert-inspired flavors, like chocolate peanut butter, strawberry cream, and banana cream, a jar of protein powder may be a great alternative for your work-out loving recipient.

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27 Candy Swaps That Won't Melt in Care Packages (2024)

FAQs

What candy won't melt when shipped? ›

Hard candies– especially those that are individually wrapped like peppermints, strawberry buds, fruit drops, sour balls, and Jawbreakers— should keep exceptionally well and not create a mess in your care package. Other sugary candies like Lick-n-Dips and Pixie Sticks should not melt either…

What candy does not melt in heat? ›

Licorice fairs well in the summer heat and won't melt away like chocolate will because the candy is firmer and contains salt, which helps it keep its shape for a longer period of time. Pan candy. Pan candy may feel more like retro candy, but it does hold up well in the summer heat.

Will airheads melt? ›

Airheads are the playfully delicious, sweet candy that's non-melting and perfect for sharing.

What chocolate doesn't melt easily? ›

White chocolate contains the most powdered milk and milk fats of the three types. As a result, has the lowest melting point.

What candy can you mail? ›

Below, you'll find the top goodies that you can make at home or order online and mail in one piece.
  • Fudge. ...
  • Holiday Candy Bark. ...
  • Homemade Marshmallows. ...
  • Holiday Hot Chocolate Mix. ...
  • Candied Nuts Recipe. ...
  • Holiday Jam, Jelly, and Honey Recipes. ...
  • Gummy Candy.

Is candy non perishable? ›

Yes, candy and treats can expire. But expiration date labels don't usually mark how long it's safe to eat something.

Is it illegal to ship candy? ›

Yes, you can mail candy through the United States Postal Service (USPS), but there are some restrictions and guidelines you need to follow. In general, candy is considered a non-perishable food item, and it can be shipped through the mail as long as it is properly packaged and labeled.

Is it legal to ship candy? ›

Most candy can't be sent in the mail due to its different sizes and weights, but you can ship candy with the US Postal Service!

Are airheads being discontinued until 2024? ›

The video includes Airheads factory workers making faces of confusion as they react to a duetted video from TikTok user @CandyMeUp, in which she spreads the incorrect information. AIRHEADS ARMAGEDDON!? We are happy to report that the rumor of Airheads shutting down production until 2024 is indeed FALSE.

Will M&Ms melt in the mail? ›

However, chocolate is not a good gift to send in the mail. The melting point for most types of chocolate is 86 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit (lower than body temperature), this means there is a good chance that if you mail chocolate overseas or even within the US, it will not arrive in the condition you sent it.

Is there meat in Airheads? ›

Unfortunately, Airheads Soft Filled Bites are also NOT vegan because they contain Gelatin. According to Peta, “Gelatin is a protein procured by boiling animal skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and/or bones in water.

Will Kit Kat melt? ›

When temperatures are above 28°C (82°F), Kit Kats may melt slightly in transit. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for any temperature-related damages caused during shipping. By purchasing these Kit Kats, you acknowledge that you're aware of the melting risks.

Do peanut M&Ms melt? ›

Peanut M&Ms can withstand summer temperatures, but there are other solutions too… The only chocolates that can withstand hot hands in August heat for any length of time are peanut M&Ms (I ignore all the other types). Their melting seems to start, in wholly unscientific testing, at 40.6C.

Will M&Ms melt in the car? ›

Since they're small, M&M's definitely have the potential to melt completely, but in a not-too-hot car for an hour or two, they melt just a bit and become an even better treat than they were originally.

What candy doesn't spoil? ›

Hard candy: Hard candies essentially have an indefinite shelf life, provided they are stored properly. Items like lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, and other individually wrapped candies do best without exposure to moisture.

Can candy expire? ›

Do they expire? “Yes, candy does expire, but the good news is that most types of candy are good to eat for six to 12 months,” says registered oncology dietician, Kaitlin Mckenzie. The shelf life of a candy also depends on the type of candy and where you store it.

Is it OK to eat expired M&Ms? ›

M&Ms are similar to other sweets and generally come with a best before date rather than having an expiration date. This distinction means that you can consume your favorite M&Ms safely even if the recommended best before date has elapsed.

What snacks don't melt? ›

Healthy, Tasty Snacks That Won't Melt
  • Whole wheat pretzels and almond butter. Whole wheat pretzels are the healthy alternative to sodium clad, carb-loaded chips. ...
  • Fruit chips. ...
  • Nutrition bars. ...
  • Vegetable chips. ...
  • Nuts and trail mixes.
Apr 1, 2019

Are Hershey Kisses non-perishable? ›

Chocolate is considered a non-perishable food, which means it does not go off, however, very old chocolate, while probably still safe to eat, will retain very little of its original flavour.

What candy melts in your mouth but? ›

Many soldiers in World War II ate these candies. By the late 1940s, M&Ms were widely available to the public. The popular slogan, “It melts in your mouth, not in your hands” was trademarked in 1954.

How do you send candy in the mail without it melting? ›

The secret to how to ship candy without it melting is including a cold pack in your package. Prior to mailing your gift, make certain there is a tight seal, and the labeling is clear.

What is illegal to ship by mail? ›

Domestically Prohibited Items

Ammunition. Explosives. Gasoline. Marijuana (medical or otherwise); hemp/CBD is allowed, but restricted.

How many cigarettes can you mail? ›

All cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (as those terms are defined in section 1 of the Act of October 19, 1949, commonly referred to as the Jenkins Act) are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried through the mails.

Can I mail cigarettes? ›

All Tobacco Product Shipments must be made using UPS Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required service, requiring the signature of an adult 21 years of age or older upon delivery. Federal law imposes labelling and packaging, record-keeping, and tax-collecting obligations relating to permissible tobacco shipments.

Does customs check candy? ›

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags.

How do you ship chocolate candy without melting it? ›

Ice gel - to ensure your product stays cold in the package, use ice gel or cold packs. Our advice, wrap the ice gel in plastic to reduce heat transfer and so that condensation from the ice gel does not wet the product packaging.

Is red 40 in Airheads? ›

Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Modified Food Starch (Corn), Palm Oil; contains less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Water, Artificial Flavors, Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6, Yellow 5.

Why are Airheads going away? ›

With supply chain issues and labor shortages as they are now, it's likely some Airheads products may be in short supply for some time. So if there is one candy in particular that you love, I'd still advise you to stock up, because there are no guarantees in this day and age.

What does airhead mean in slang? ›

: a mindless or stupid person.

Can I eat M&Ms that expired 2 years ago? ›

But remember that M&M's, like a lot of other sweets, usually have a best before date and not an expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use them even after their best before date has lapsed.

Will Hershey Kisses melt in the mail? ›

If it's warm (above 72 degrees), you might want to send something like fudge or candy. Don't forget to check how long it will take for your package to arrive in the mail. Chocolate can not only melt sitting in the post office, but it can melt on a truck, plane, sitting on the porch of the recipient's home.

What Easter candy won't melt? ›

Jelly Beans Are a Mess-Free Option for Kids

Jelly beans filling Easter baskets and eggs can easily be handled by kids or exposed to warm spring sunshine: fortunately, unlike chocolate sweets, jelly beans won't melt and make a mess on your children's hands or special Easter clothes.

What are the 6 flavors of Airheads? ›

Mouthwateringly sweet. Explore the yummy world of Airheads with the 6-Flavor Theater Box (12 boxes), with Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, White Mystery, Cherry, Orange and Grape flavors. With the irresistible taste and stretchy soft texture, we won't blame you if you keep these candies all to yourself.

Is Airheads chicken sandwich real? ›

This Airheads Candy Chicken Sandwich Is Real and Was Actually Served to Diners. The chewy candy brand's entry into the Chicken Sandwich Wars only lasted one lunch break. Mike Pomranz has been covering craft beer for nearly two decades and trending food and beverage news for Food & Wine for 7 years.

Are Airheads pork free? ›

For our products that contain it, we use a non-specific gelatin. It can be pork, beef, or even fish.

What do they do with broken Kit Kats? ›

He says: "Some Kit Kats get broken while they're being made, and instead of throwing them out, the company crushes them up and adds sugar. "And that's what's inside of a Kit Kat bar – it's literally crushed up Kit Kats." The broken KitKats are turned into a paste, and is then used to sandwich the wafers together.

What are the white bubbles on Kit Kat? ›

If chocolate is heated to a high temperature, the cocoa butter inside melts and separates from the rest of the ingredients. It settles on the surface in a white coating. If there's excess moisture, it causes the sugar in the chocolate to crystalize, which gives it a white, speckled or spotted coating.

What happens to broken Kit Kats? ›

The host asks: “What happens to all the ones you're throwing away?” And the response is that the rejected bars go on to be used as “fillings for the wafer”.

Why is there no purple M&M? ›

The Modern M&M

We're not surprised that blue beat out purple (just barely in fact, with a whopping 54% of the vote). Since the color vote in 1995, they've had the same colors we know and love, which means no purple.

Why do my peanut M&Ms taste like coffee? ›

That's because the latest and greatest flavor of peanut M&M's is flavored with... coffee! The new limited-edition Coffee Nut M&M's taste a lot like the classic peanut candies we all know and love, but the milk chocolate filling has just a hint of coffee flavor.

What is the oldest candy in the US? ›

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

They can be considered the oldest American candy still in production. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have the ideal ratio of sweet to salty flavors. It was H.B. Reese who produced the first batch of delectable peanut butter cups in 1922.

Do Jolly Ranchers melt? ›

Microwave the Jolly Ranchers at 80% power.

Initially cook them for approximately 1 minute. Microwaves will vary, so you will need to adjust based on your specific model. This should get all four pieces to melt in one go. If the candies do not melt entirely on the first heat, cook them again in 15-second intervals.

Is the coloring in M&Ms bad for you? ›

M&M's are colored with Red 40, an artificial food dye approved by the Federal Drug Administration. In 1971, a Russian study claimed that Red No. 2, another artificial food dye, was carcinogenic. Although it was never actually proven, the FDA banned the use of the dye in 1976.

Is it OK to microwave M&Ms? ›

While they can touch each other, they should not be on top of each other. Set the microwave to 30 seconds. This should be enough for a regular package of M&M's, but you might need a few more seconds, depending on the microwave and the quantity of M&M's.

Will candy melt if mailed? ›

You want a shipping container big enough to provide enough cushioning for your candy. The secret to how to ship candy without it melting is including a cold pack in your package. Prior to mailing your gift, make certain there is a tight seal, and the labeling is clear.

Will candy melt if I ship it? ›

If you're sending a gift that contains food items like a chocolate bar or pieces of fudge, you might want to reconsider. These items are almost guaranteed to melt, especially if sent during warmer times of the year. Instead, send chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or even hot cocoa mix.

Will chocolate melt if I send it through USPS? ›

However, chocolate is not a good gift to send in the mail. The melting point for most types of chocolate is 86 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit (lower than body temperature), this means there is a good chance that if you mail chocolate overseas or even within the US, it will not arrive in the condition you sent it.

Will gummy candy melt in the mail? ›

How heat sensitive are your items? While exposure to high temperatures affects all food products to some degree, most candy is relatively stable. Some types of candy can melt, including chocolate, caramels, marshmallows, and gelatin-based gummies.

How do you keep things from melting in the mail? ›

Ice gel - to ensure your product stays cold in the package, use ice gel or cold packs. Our advice, wrap the ice gel in plastic to reduce heat transfer and so that condensation from the ice gel does not wet the product packaging.

How do you ship snacks without melting them? ›

Line an insulated foam container with either a single or double watertight plastic liner. This liner prevents moisture from damaging goods if food items begin to melt or thaw. Place the food item and coolant inside the container. Be sure that items will not shift during transport.

How do you package hard candy? ›

For hard candies such as mints or jawbreakers, a double twist wrap or an airtight horizontal flow wrap is commonly used. This completes the primary packaging process.

Is it OK to ship chocolate? ›

First, the chocolate needs to be wrapped in something cushy, like bubble wrap (which we hope always gets reused and recycled), to give it protection for the inevitable bumps and bruises the package will endure in transit. Second, the bubble-wrapped chocolate must go in a stiff cardboard box.

What stops chocolate from melting? ›

Place Your Chocolate on Ice

Storing your chocolates in a tight plastic bag will help prevent water from getting into the chocolatey goodness. The plastic wrap can also help to slow down the evaporation process in case your chocolate melts.

How do you send chocolates without melting them? ›

This all allows for the longest duration of keeping cold during transit.
  1. Build your box.
  2. Tape all the seams (to slow air ala heat exchange)
  3. Measure enough mylar wrap for the bottom of your package (one more level of shielding)
  4. Pull the chocolate box out of it's cold storage.
  5. Wrap (or ziplock) ice pack.
May 5, 2020

What is the best way to ship candy? ›

The best way to ship candy is by using food-safe packaging and temperature-regulating packaging materials. This kind of packaging promotes food safety and with the right packaging materials, you can be sure that your candy items arrive in excellent condition. Such packaging materials include ice packs and dry ice.

How do you ship gummies so they don't melt? ›

Invest In Insulated Box Liners

Our SureTemp double-bubble insulated box liners protect against heat and cold. They are lightweight and easy to install. These units can go on the inside or outside of receptacles, and they are designed to fit standard UPS, USPS, or FedEx boxes.

Can you mail hard candy? ›

Shipping requires the use of packages, while mailing does not. Boxes of Candy. You'll need to keep these mailings under 13 ounces for the USPS to deliver, and you'll need to write the address clearly on the box to ensure it reaches your recipient, but you can mail boxes of candy with the right postage.

How do you mail gummies so they don't melt? ›

To keep your gummy bears from melting, wrap them in multiple layers of bubble wrap and pack them in a small bottle with an inch or two of water at the bottom. Place some ice cubes on top to freeze it overnight so they'll be icy when you package them up!

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