Candy Snaps Grapes

If you are in the mood for a sweet, fresh fruit treat, then check out Candy Snaps grapes. These grapes were genetically engineered to be sweet and delicious. You and your kids will fall in love with these red orbs of perfection. They will satisfy your cravings without adding any of the guilt that comes with processed snacks. Try not to eat them all in one sitting!

Read on to learn all about the magic of Candy Snaps grapes.

Where did Candy Snaps grapes come from?

Candy Snaps grapes were the brainchild of Dr. David Cain at International Fruit Genetics based in Bakersfield, California. The man has dedicated his entire professional life to the grape. One of his first roles was at the USDA to develop more durable seedless grapes. At IFG, he set out to create and cultivate breeds of grapes that could be sweet snacks. Ultimately, he’s developed over 75 new breeds of fruit over the past forty years. IFG is responsible for other fun grape breeds like Cotton Candy and Sweet Sensations.

Candy Snaps grapes were created as part of IFG’s novelty grape line, which sought to come up with healthy desserts that could supplant snacks filled with processed sugar. The original seeds were developed by growing individual grape embryos in test tubes before transferring to specially modified greenhouses for cultivation.

Is it safe to eat genetically engineered fruit? Yes. The American Medical Association and the World Health Organization have analyzed several independent studies on the subject. Both organizations have found that genetically engineered fruit is safe for children and adults to consume.

Candy Snaps grape characteristics

Candy Snaps grapes grow in loose, medium-sized clusters. The individual grapes are about 2-3 centimeters in diameter and have a round, oval shape. The skin is thin and a vibrant shade of red-purple.

The flesh of a Candy Snaps grape is translucent and very juicy. It’s also a seedless grape, so go ahead and pop some in your mouth without needing to spit out seeds. There may be some underdeveloped seeds inside a Candy Snaps grape, but they can be eaten without issue.

One of the distinguishing features of Candy Snaps grapes is that they hold their color as they ripen, a quality for which they were specifically bred. Other, more natural red grape breeds can turn dark purple over time. Candy Snaps can also last better in storage for a few weeks.

Their taste is quite incredible. As stated above, they were engineered to be sweet and delicious — and they do not disappoint. The beauty of science! The first thing you notice when you bite into one of these grapes is how crisp it is. They have a crunchy texture that culminates in a juicy explosion that floods your mouth with a burst of sweetness.

A note on that sweetness: they have the familiar grape taste, but there are also hints of strawberry in their tart aftertaste. Some people have even detected melon and pineapple in their flavor.

Snack Ideas for Candy Snaps Grapes

Candy Snaps grapes are best consumed raw. However, if you are the type of person who wants to cook grape, try roasting them. Grapes turn even more sweet and jam-like when roasted as the heat unlocks new levels of flavor.

Try roasting them with cauliflower – 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. You can also try to make actual jam with Candy Snaps grapes.

If you need even more sweetness in your snack, you can make chocolate-covered grapes. Pour melted chocolate over grapes, then refrigerate for a few hours. Right before eating, sprinkle them with powdered sugar. Your taste buds will be in heaven. This works even better if you find yourself with a tarter bunch of Candy Snaps grapes.

There are tons of snack ideas for consuming raw Candy Snaps grapes. You can add them to fruit salads. Their flavor mixes well with tart berries and sweet melon. You can use them in a Waldorf salad where their sweetness will play perfectly off the tartness of the lemon juice and the savory chicken.

If you want to try something new and interesting, serve Candy Snaps grapes with a dollop of sour cream and brown sugar. Crazy, I know. But the tanginess of the sour cream blends with the sweetness of the grapes and sugar to form a culinary nirvana in your mouth. Click on the link for the recipe.

Candy Snaps Grapes With Sour Cream and Brown Sugar

Candy Snaps grapes can be added to charcuterie boards and used as an ice cream topping. Freeze a few grapes and use them as ice cubes in your drink, instantly creating infused water. The possibilities are limitless, and it’s up to you how decadent you want to be.

It’s pretty much a given that anything with the word candy in it will be perfect for kids and they’ll love the sweetness of Candy Snaps grapes. They make a terrific after school snack and will sneakily get kids eating healthier. If you are looking to get your kids off processed sugary snacks, this could be a good solution.

Health benefits of Candy Snaps grapes

Candy Snaps grapes are filled with antioxidants, as well as rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamins A and C are likely the most well-known, but vitamin K is very important for blood clotting and strengthening our bones. Grapes have been shown to lower blood pressure, too, and are a safe snack for diabetics.

However, consume in moderation. Just because fruit is a healthy snack doesn’t mean we can’t overdo it. Natural sugar is still sugar, and if we don’t process it, it will turn to fat. As tempting as it is to eat an entire bunch, respect serving sizes.

Growing Candy Snaps grapes

IFG develops Candy Snaps using the latest in agriculture technology, like carefully monitored greenhouses and hi-tech labs. The average grower will likely not be able to replicate exactly. Growing Candy Snaps grapes is only for experienced and professional growers.

Scientists at IFG use the process of embryo rescue, which pollinates an emasculated flower and grows the resulting seed in a test tube. It’s highly unlikely that the technology needed for this process is available for retail.

More importantly, in order to grow Candy Snaps grapes, you will need to license the seed from IFG. Don’t try and grow them on your own. That’s technically stealing intellectual property — the company would be well within their rights to bring a lawsuit for any grapes grown and sold without a license.

Where to Buy Candy Snaps grapes

IFG licensed growers in 15 different countries to grow their trademarked Candy Snaps grapes, so they are more readily available around the world than ever before. They are a seasonal grape and mostly available in summer.

Your local supermarket may have them in stock. Check with the produce section to see if they are stocking or plan to. Connect with local farmers market in your area to see if there are any growers who work with Candy Snaps grapes. The internet is also your friend. If Candy Snaps grapes aren’t being sold in your area, there are farms and stores online that will ship.

You never know where they’ll show up. In 2021, Candy Snaps grapes made their debut at Costco and were a big hit. Costco shoppers across the US tweeted and posted about discovering these delicious grapes and falling in love.

A Sweet Treat Worth Hunting Down

Candy Snaps grapes were bred to be a healthy alternative to actual candy, and they do not disappoint. They live up to their candy moniker, delivering a sweet, refreshing taste sure to delight adults and kids. Unlike other sweets, they are full of antioxidants and vitamins that makes them a nutritious snack choice. They provide all of the sweetness in fresh, natural form.

As their popularity grows, they are becoming more readily available in stores around the world. So the next time you need a sweet treat, give Candy Snaps grapes a shot.

Excited for more grape content? Next, check out my grape vine page for more growing tips, care guides, recipes, and more!