If you're searching for sour sweets in the UK that properly make you wince, you're in the right place. This guide covers what makes a sweet sour, how sour Barnetts Mega Sours are, which flavour to start with and how to take the sour challenge with friends.
What makes sour sweets sour?
Sourness comes from food acids. Most sour sweets use citric acid (the acid in lemons) and malic acid (the acid in green apples). The more acid, and the closer it sits to the surface, the harder the sour hits.
Sour sweets tend to come in a few styles:
- Sour-coated hard sweets, where an acid coating hits first and the sweet centre follows. Mega Sours are this type.
- Sour chews and jellies, dusted in sour sugar.
- Sour powders and liquids, which are sharp but short-lived.
Coated hard sweets usually feel the most intense, because the coating keeps working on your tongue until it dissolves.
How sour are Barnetts Mega Sours?
Extremely. Each Mega Sour has an acid coating that lasts around 20 seconds. Then it eases into a sweet centre with a fizzy sherbet finish. Most people pull a face within the first few seconds, which is exactly why they've become a favourite for reaction videos.
They're made by Barnett Confectioners in Nottingham, a family sweet maker since 1896, using traditional open copper pans. Shop all Mega Sour sweets.
Which Mega Sour flavour should you try first?
Every flavour has the same extreme sour coating, so pick by taste:
- Raspberry: our best seller and the best place to start.
- Apple and Lemon: sharp, classic sour flavours.
- Cherry, Watermelon and Fruits: fruity once the sour wears off.
- Cola and Bubblegum: sweet-shop favourites with a sour twist.
- Zombie Bombz: the zombie-themed one for challenges, plus Zombie Bombz Hot Chilli, which goes sour first and then brings the heat.
Can't decide? The 4 Pack Bundle gives you Raspberry, Fruits, Apple and Watermelon in one go.
How to take the sour sweets challenge
- Each player puts a Mega Sour in their mouth at the same time.
- Keep it in until the sour coating wears off, around 20 seconds.
- No spitting, and try not to pull a face. First to crack loses.
- Film it and share with #MegaSourChallenge.
For more ideas, read our sour candy challenge guide.
Buying sour sweets in the UK
Mega Sours come in 104g, 227g and 454g bags, plus 3 and 4 pack bundles that work out better value. UK delivery is free on orders over £25.
Play it safe
- Mega Sours are not suitable for children under 5.
- Eating lots in a short time may cause temporary mouth or stomach irritation, so take them one at a time.
Sour sweets FAQs
What are the sourest sweets you can buy in the UK?
Sweets with an acid coating are usually the most intense. Barnetts Mega Sours are some of the sourest sweets you'll ever try, with a coating that lasts around 20 seconds.
Why do sour sweets make your tongue tingle?
The acids react with your taste buds and saliva. That tingle fades as the coating dissolves.
Are Mega Sours made in the UK?
Yes. They're made in Nottingham by Barnett Confectioners, who have been making sweets since 1896.
Ready to test your taste buds? Shop Mega Sour sweets.
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