This is not a drill! Deliciously sweet Cotton Candy grapes are 100% real (and available right now).
Everything You Need to Know About Cotton Candy Grapes
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
The weather’s warming up, which means that we’re constantly on the lookout for refreshing foods that’ll help us cool down. Our favorites, obviously, are nature’s candy, aka grapes.
Over the last few years, we’ve found grapes that literally taste like candy, and you can bet everyone’s been keeping an eye out for ’em every summer since. Well, your prayers have been answered—Cotton Candy grapes are back! It may sound like something that’s straight from Willy Wonka’s mind, but there’s nothing at all fictional about these fruits. They’re as real as apples or bananas!
How Are Cotton Candy Grapes Made?
These days, through the miracle of science, food producers can make almost anything happen. That’s why the California company Grapery is able to make our grape-y dreams come true.
By cross-breeding many different standard grapes, the company has managed to create all sorts of new grapes, and they’re all in our grape guide. Ranging in styles and flavors, these new fruits are as tasty as they are original. Moon Drops are grapes shaped like tiny eggplants, Gumdrops have a “gummylicious flavor” and Cotton Candy grapes taste exactly like cotton candy. Intrigued? We certainly are!
Where to Find Cotton Candy Grapes
View this post on Instagram
According to Grapery’s Availability Calendar, Cotton Candy grapes are available from mid-July through early- September, making them the perfect summer snack. However, they’ve been spotted in early May at Costco for around $3 per pound—or $10 for a 3-pound clamshell—and they may also be available at your local supermarket. Cotton Candy grapes are currently retailing in the produce section for about $3.99 per pound (normally they’re around $2), but we’re willing to pay a premium for surprise candy-flavored grapes. If you’re not keen on heading to the store, try shopping for Cotton Candy grapes via grocery stores that offer delivery or pick-up, including Sam’s Club and Target.
Are Cotton Candy Grapes Good for You?
Great news: They’re packed with the same vitamins that you get in regular green and red grapes. You don’t have to feel guilty about eating this healthy candy alternative. Learn how to make cotton candy pickle at home.
Try These Gorgeous Grape Recipes
Triple Fruit FreezeThese pops won't turn your tongue blue or neon green like many store-bought pops because they're made with fresh grapes, blueberries and kiwifruit. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Spinach Fruit SaladThe unexpected matchups in this spinach fruit salad make a winning team. Feta with oranges, grapes and walnuts? Who knew? But we're glad someone did.
Fruit SkewersFruit skewers made with fresh fruit, cheese and a cinnamon yogurt dip will become a regular snack for every potluck, barbecue and game-day party.
Grape SaladThis grape salad has it all: juicy grapes, creamy dressing, crunchy pecans and a sweet brown sugar topping. It’s kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks.
Pickled GrapesNo sour grapes here! Easy to make and even easier to eat, pickled grapes are a versatile way to preserve fruit and add a savory surprise to your dishes.
Broccoli Grape SaladWhether you need to liven up your dinner menu or prep for a potluck, broccoli grape salad blends sweet and savory flavors and acts as a side dish or a main, if you add protein. (Bonus: It includes bacon!)
Chicken Salad CroissantsThis tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
Lime-Honey Fruit SaladNothing is more refreshing to me than a seasonal fruit salad enhanced with this simple honey-lime dressing. —Victoria Shevlin, Cape Coral, Florida
Balsamic Steak with Red Grape RelishI love how steak marinated in balsamic vinaigrette goes so well with a relish of red grapes and blue cheese. Everything looks gorgeous on the plate. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Orange-Drizzled Grape TartletsSugar cookie dough and cream cheese make it easy to build a crunchy, tangy tartlet featuring lush seasonal grapes. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Tequila Vinaigrette with GreensHere’s a zingy vinaigrette with Southwestern flair. We serve it with added toppings like apples, mandarin oranges, feta cheese and candied walnuts. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Grape AppetizerImagine an appetizer that's both sweet and salty, looks like a cheese ball and is small enough to enjoy in one bite. Our grape appetizer is just that: a seedless grape surrounded by creamy cheese and coated in toasted almonds.
Mulled Grape CiderI came up with this recipe one year when I tried to make grape jelly and ended up with 30 jars of delicious grape syrup instead. I simmered the syrup with spices to make a lovely autumn drink. —Sharon Harmon, Orange, Massachusetts
Pina Colada Fruit SaladGive friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Cool & Crunchy Chicken SaladWhen the weather sizzles, get your chill on with a cool chicken salad. Mine uses grapes, pecans and celery for that signature crunch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
Cranberry Waldorf SaladCranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Apple Pear Salsa with Cinnamon ChipsFor a unique treat that's always a hit at fall get-togethers, try this easy appetizer. The salsa is packed with crunchy apples, grapes and pears, which are so fun to scoop up with crisp cinnamon chips. —Courtney Fons, Brighton, Michigan
Sangria Gelatin RingThis gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can't go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario
Waldorf Turkey PitasLiving in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Pina Colada Carrot SaladThis sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Roasted Grape CrostiniA trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Ambrosia Fruit SaladMy mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Overnight Fruit SaladI first tasted this rich, old-fashioned fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but eventually I got it. I've made it for many meals, and our daughters copied the recipe when they married. —Eileen Duffeck, Lena, Wisconsin
Chicken Salad with GrapesBored with the usual turkey sandwich? This easy chicken salad with grapes recipe is anything but boring! Shredded rotisserie chicken is dressed in a creamy dressing and tossed with juicy grapes, crunchy celery and chopped pecans.
Fruit Salad with Watermelon and GrapesOur recipe showcases the season’s best produce, bringing together sweet-tart and crunchy grapes with a trio of sweet melons to create a vibrant and refreshing fruit salad with watermelon and grapes.
Fluffy Green Grape SaladI received this recipe from a cousin-in-law at a family reunion. Since then, I've brought it to many gatherings myself. We also like to eat it as a dessert.—Kelli Giffen, Barrie, Ontario
