Mile-Hi Sweets in Denver capitalizes on freeze-dried candy trend

• The business now makes more than 20 freeze-dried candies, ranging from Skittles to Twix, at its commercial kitchen and store in the Shops at Northfield.
• Half its business is events but a growing portion is online sales across the nation.

What they're saying: Contrary to popular belief, most customers are adults, not kids. "It's fun," explains Cardenas, who previously worked as a web developer.

What to try: On a recent visit, we taste-tested the puffy, pillowy treats to arrive at some of our favorites.

• Favorite candy: Cluster Clouds (Nerds Gummy Clusters)
• Sweetest bite: Jolly Clouds (Jolly Ranchers)
• Best hiking snack: Fruit Bursts (Skittles)
• Best chocolate candy: Chocolate Crunch Clouds (Twix)
• Most interesting bite: Taffy Clouds (taffy)
• Most like the original candy: Lemon Bursts (Lemonheads)