When I think of "toxic," I don't think of a delicious sensation hitting my tongue, but with the Tik Tok famous Toxic Waste Slime Lickers, that's the first thing that comes to mind. This liquid candy has swept the internet, and it is doing it again through its Tik Tok stardom.
Tik Tok has taken society by storm with its short videos and captivating content, even for people who aren't on the app.
A prominent feature is its "For You" page, a space on the app that suggests videos specifically for the user. To do this, the app uses its algorithm based on trends, previous videos viewed, what the user has liked or commented on in the past, and the trends.
Trends help creators on Tik Tok increase their relevance. They come from pop culture, challenges, influencers, trending music, or even specific products. This is how the Toxic Waste Slime Lickers got their start.
With over 800 million users and being the hottest social media platform at the moment, it's safe to say Tik Tok influences our everyday life. The Toxic Waste Slime Licker isn't an ordinary candy. It's like a lollipop, a juice box, and a sour candy.
The liquid "slime" candy dispenses when the rollerball on its tip is licked, like a lollipop. Whenever it's rolled over your taste buds, there is a sour and flavor explosion of either Blue Razz or Strawberry, depending on the specific flavor.
Everything about this candy is unique, from its flavor to its packaging to its branding.
The Toxic Waste Slime Licker is different from all other candies, which is why it is so popular. This isn't the first time sour candy has gone viral, and it won't be the last, but why is that? Why is super sour candy exciting? What about it makes people clear shelves across America?
The short answer is sugar, but there are actual psychological reasons we like sour candy.
Psychologically people find pleasure in participating in something that for a moment is not pleasurable because of the thrill it provides.
A non-sweet example is in the dead winter when people join in polar plunges, the voluntary action of jumping into freezing water, water so cold that it could kill you. Nothing about jumping into freezing water is enjoyable, yet we see thousands of people participate in the event every year.
The same goes for extremely sour candy. The moment that sour candy hits your tongue, it isn't precisely pleasurable. Still, once the candy turns sweet or the sourness sets in, it becomes an enjoyable experience. People view sour candy as an experience that pushes themselves and their taste buds.
Some sour candies aren't that extreme and are more flavor-based, while others are just pure pucker. So basically, sour candy people are the thrill-seekers of the candy world.
This sourness, which makes our lips pucker and bodies shake, is created from a mixture of common acids, like citric acid or malic acid. The combination of these acids within these sour sweets creates different levels of zings. Citric acid is found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes, so most sour candies use those flavor profiles heavily.
Sour candy is also characterized by its low pH and high acidity. Anything with a pH below 7 is considered to have higher acidity. So super strong and sour candies usually have an acidity level from 1 to 2 to pack a punch!
I would never recommend toxic food, but in this case, I would (since it's not actually harmful even though it might seem like it). It also makes sense why hundreds of Tik Tok creators have too. So, if you can get your hands on this sour sensation, grab it because it is rare!
Good luck finding them and enjoying the excitement they elicit from your tastebuds.
