SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Arianna Stratford and Jeanette Smylie started Crunchy Mamaz to share their tasty and fun freeze-dried candies with their community.

“People are very excited,” says Jeanette Smylie, co-owner of Crunchy Mamaz. “It’s a craze.”

Popular gummy and gummy candies like Skittles and peach rings are transformed into light, crunchy treats.

“It kind of messes with someone’s mind to have the same flavor, but a completely different texture,” Smylie says.

The freeze-drying process is simple.

“The trays are heated, then the vacuum removes all the moisture, making something small become bigger and crispier,” says co-owner Arianna Stratford.

The idea to make freeze-dried candy came after Stratford first tried it at a farmers’ market.

“My friend posted that she had some freeze-dried candy and it was exciting for her,” Smylie says.

The two men bought their first freeze dryer.

“I thought we’d reimburse the machine that sold the candy to Little League,” Stratford said.

The duo were quite surprised by the demand for their crunchy treats.

“We sold 65 bags in about two hours,” Stratford recalls. “We were like ‘hmm’…people really want this,” Stratford recalls.

After purchasing another freeze dryer, the friends began creating their own recipes like Hottiez, which are skiddlez with chamoy, tajin, and cayenne pepper.

“I’m very excited to…make something new from already created candies,” notes Smylie.

“Having a new experience with candy…it’s really fun,” Stratford adds.

One of Stratford and Smylie’s greatest rewards is seeing people enjoy their crunchy creations.

“It’s fun to see my friends who don’t eat candy like my candy,” Stratford says with a smile.

“You have to try this. You will be surprised. It’s so good,” says Smylie.

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