Pop rocks what makes it pop

Cooling is done as rapidly as possible to prevent CO 2 from diffusing out of the candy, reduce hygroscopicity, and minimize crystallization, a process which makes the candy very fragile. The result? Small candy pieces encapsulating bubbles of high-pressure CO 2. Lo, the magic of carbonation! When you eat Pop Rocks, the moisture and temperature in your mouth melts the candy.

The subsequent popping sounds are a result of the high-pressure CO 2 bubbles being released into atmospheric pressure! But what about the crackling sensations felt in your mouth? Why do we perceive carbonation as a fizzy, tingling flavor sensation? In the past few years, scientists have identified that taste receptor cells can actually detect and respond to carbonation.

Since sour-sensing taste receptors activate in response to acidic environments. However, carbonation doesn't always taste sour to us because CO 2 is detected by multiple somatosensory systems in the body. Some researchers even suggest that the tingling, burning sensations associated with the perception of carbonation can be caused by CO 2 triggering pain receptors [4]. Would this mean our society's desire for carbonated food and drink has strangely evolved against a natural aversion to experiencing pain?

Personally, I can't hear over the loud buzzing noises of Pop Rocks in my mouth to find out Note: Modified on September 19, The diagram illustrating taste detection of carbonation has been added in the current post.

References cited. Accessed 23 August What you are hearing and feeling is the psi carbon dioxide gas being released from each bubble. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Science Questions. How does Pop Rocks candy work? What does PEZ mean? Mitchell added another step to the process when he developed Pop Rocks.

When the sweet, hard candy bits hit your mouth, they act up before breaking down, creating a crackling, hissing noise that would be alarming coming from any other food product.

So what exactly is it about the candy that makes it just as much of a science experiment as a sweet snack? The answer lies in carbon dioxide. In the late s, Mitchell wondered if it was possible to create an instant soda tablet by baking CO 2 into candy.

Like other hard candies, Pop Rocks are made by mixing sugar, lactose, corn syrup, and flavorings.