Abstract: A candy mix for preparing hard candies, in particular, is preferably in the form of a dry, free-flowing powder having a melting point of less than about 250° F. and comprises fructose, a food acid and flavor. A mix as defined is added to a molding cavity of a mold, preferably a stick is inserted into the molding cavity before or after the mix is added, the mold is closed, the contents of the mold are heated, the mold and its contents are cooled and the temperature of the contents are sensed directly or indirectly to assure safety before the mold is opened.