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    Toxic. Sour. Atomic. Why We Love To Hate Gross Candy

    Candy is supposed to be sweet and delicious. So why are we tempted by candy that pretends to be made of hazardous chemicals, that threatens to nuke our tastebuds, or that dares us to be disgusted?
    by Nadia Berenstein Oct 30, 2017 5 minutes
    NPR intern Kevin Garcia endures the sour taste of Warheads hard candy. Why <strong></strong>are we tempted by candy that pretends to be made of hazardous chemicals, that threatens to nuke our taste buds, or that dares us to be disgusted?

    In the vast anthropological catalog of contemporary humanity that is YouTube, there's an entire universe of videos where cute little kids bug out their eyes, gag, and make hideous faces while trying not to spit out distressingly sour or disgustingly flavored candy. Videos with titles like "Extreme Sour Candy Challenge" and "Extreme SOUR SMOOTHIE Challenge!!!! Warheads, Toxic Waste (DANGEROUS!!!)" have millions or even tens of millions of views.

    Candy agony videos are not just for kids, but for (alleged) grown-ups too. When YouTuber "Furious Pete" took the "150 Warheads Challenge," he made sure to lean into the camera for close-ups of his livid, candy-discolored tongue and gums. "This is easily the most painful challenge ever," he belches, and you almost believe him.

    Candy is supposed to be sweet and delicious, right? So why does it seem like so many candies

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