Our Top 10 Sour Candies for Panic Attacks
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My Top 10 Favorite Sour Candies for Panic Attacks and Moments of Anxiety
One of my favorite techniques for when I am anxious or having a panic attack is anything that can be a sensory distraction including ice packs, fidget toys, and of course, sour candy. Its sharp, intense flavor stimulates the senses, offering a natural form of distraction and redirection.
Whether you're looking for a clean-label option or something quick from the store, here’s my roundup of my 10 favorite sour candies for when I am having a panic attack or just an anxious moment. With a special spotlight on my own product that is designed with intention.
1. Re-Route Wellness “In Its Tracks”
Best for: Natural support, intense sourness, hard format, adaptogens and Vitamin D
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I may be biased for this one, but In Its Tracks by Re-Route Wellness was created by someone with a panic disorder(me), for those who need a tool for navigating their anxiety. It delivers a sour punch along with the added support of clean ingredients and purposeful herbal blends.
Perfectly portable and take as needed for on-the-go wellness, this hard sour candy is a go-to for many who want natural panic support in a mindful, non-medicated way.
Highlights:
Clean-label, plant-based ingredients
Ultra-sour taste designed to distract
Travel-ready packaging
Woman-founded and rooted in real experience
Tip: Keep a few in your bag or nightstand so they’re within reach when you need to re-route fast.
2. Warheads Extreme Sour
Best for: Quick intensity from the candy aisle
These warheads were the original hard sour candy that I used for a sensory distraction to help with my panic attacks. Although made with artificial ingredients, Warheads still provide a blast of sourness in the first few seconds which is great for interrupting racing thoughts when you need to ground yourself fast.
3. Sour Patch Kids Extreme
Best for: Sweet-and-sour fans
These nostalgic gummies offer a sensory experience that is sour upfront and sweet at the finish. I like these more as a snack, however, chewing makes my panic attacks increase, so I prefer this candy when I am simply anxious and not panicking.
4. Cry Baby Extra Sour Gum
Best for: Long-lasting chewiness
Chewing can help release nervous energy for some people, and not for others. Cry Baby gum pairs that with an extra sour kick for added distraction.
5. Toxic Waste Sour Candy
Best for: Hardcore sour lovers
Toxic Waste is great for those who want a candy that doubles as a challenge. I love these as well as the sourness is so intense that it actually makes me cry (in the best way possible).
6. Lemonhead Candy
Best for: Easy-to-carry citrus individually wrapped candy
With their citrus flavored tartness and individually wrapped format, Lemonheads are a solid choice for tossing in your bag.
7. Jolly Rancher Sour Surge
Best for: Center-filled sour burst
These hard candies start mild and hit you mid-way with a sour center making them a great surprise for the senses.
8. Hi-Chew Super Sour
Best for: Texture lovers
Hi-Chew’s extra chewy texture combined with their Super Sour line creates a longer-lasting distraction and flavor experience. I absolutely adore high chews and always will.
9. Trader Joe’s Xtreme Sour Scandinavian Swimmers
Best for: Natural-ish gummy fix
Made without artificial flavors, these sour gummies are a gentler option for those who want something sour but less intense.
10. Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts
Best for: Sweet-sour snackers
Colorful and chewy, these belts are easy to share and chew. Again, this candy is more as a snack for me, but i love them regardless.
Why Sour Candy Works
For those who experience panic attacks or anxious spirals, sour candy can be a powerful grounding tool. The sudden burst of flavor stimulates your senses and helps draw you out of your thoughts.
While many candies can serve this purpose, my company Re-Route Wellness’ In Its Tracks stands out for being intentionally crafted to help support anxiety in a clean way.
Ready to Re-Route?
Natural, sour, and ready when you are. Try In Its Tracks and take back control