Toy Review: Sour Candy Factory

The Sour Candy Factory is one of the engaging science kits manufactured by Scientific Explorer. This Michigan-based company got their start in the early 90s with neighborhood science clubs for boys and girls. Scientific Explorer products put a wacky twist on science education. Not only are the hands-on kits loads of fun, they help kids develop critical thinking skills and encourage kids to use their imaginations. AmeriKid has the Sour Candy Factory and many more toys made in USA.

12-year-old Alex found a Sour Candy Factory under the Christmas tree this year. Watch the video to see Alex trying it out.

Alex had a great time with the Sour Candy Factory. The candy was delicious -- grape and watermelon were Alex's favorite flavors. He only wishes the kit had more ingredients and more molds. "Don't use too much of the sour stuff," warns Alex. "I got a little sick to my stomach with my super-super-sour batch."

Mom's notes: The liquid and gummy candy recipes are really simple -- Alex was able to make those with minimal supervision. Other recipes, such as the lollipops, are more appropriate for parents to manage with kids in the sous chef role. My kiddo isn't known for his neatness, and we managed to make several types of sour candy without a huge mess in the kitchen. It would be nice if there were more molds; we ended up using the bottoms of Dixie cups as extra molds for gummy candy. The kit provided great opportunities for learning.