By Barbara Mudrovcic, published November 4th, 2021
Dalgona candy gained popularity because of its appearance in Squid Game and there are many techniques to break the shape out in one piece. However, which tactic for dalgona candy is really the best? You might think it is the lighter or licking method, but does that actually make it easier to break? Especially in high-stake situations like the Squid Game, you want to make sure you have the easiest and most efficient method. I tested the OG method of using the needle, licking the candy, and using a lighter. Then, I ranked them based on the simplicity of each technique (which is ranked out of 5) and time needed, to see which would actually be better in the game. So without further ado, let’s go!
First I tried using a ladle to make the candy, but I have an electric stove, not a gas one, so I cooked myself instead of the candy for 30 minutes. Instead, I followed this video and melted four tablespoons of sugar in a non-stick pan and added a pinch of baking soda.
The first candy I made actually popped apart by itself and then I was able to break it apart easily. I broke it a little but I was able to lick it to glue it back together.
I found the needle method quite easy. It took 2 minutes and 56 seconds. I’m not sure what made it so easy, but I thought I made my candy quite thin. I got it out in one piece and scratching it went pretty well, but I found poking around the shape to be more effective. I give it a 4 out of 5 for ease of use.
Licking it took 5 minutes and 40 seconds. It was quite fun but was a waste of time, unless you have a very difficult shape. I used a needle at the end, and it could have taken more time because there was sugar on it that blocked the sharp point. It scored a 4 out of 5 for ease of use. It did take more time, however, I cannot say it was harder than the needle method.
I washed the needle, then used the lighter method, taking 3 minutes and 30 seconds. I assumed that for the lighter method, you could go under a slide in the game or something so the guards couldn’t see and shoot you for cheating. A point was also taken off for the lighter’s ease of use, because it is hard to get into the game. I heated it quite a bit, but it made little difference and I also almost burned my finger. It scored a 2.5 out of 5.
I did not have a bunch of pink guys staring at me with guns, but I had my cat sitting next to me, poking me for treats, so I think that makes up for it.
In the end, this means using a needle is better as it takes less time than the licking method. Unless you have a hard shape, like a star or an umbrella it may be worth the extra time to ensure your safety. Unlike the circle or triangle, which have less points to break. If you do mess up you could always try to glue your shape together with your spit!
