Sours have staying power--this is the non-chocolate word from the candy aisles.

Sours have staying power--this is the non-chocolate word from the candy aisles. It is certainly not the passing fad it was one time predicted to be, solidified most numerous recently by major players, like as Starburst and Skittles, joining the form into groups with their own versions of the tantalizing and tart, citric acid-laden treats. And all players are puckering up to continued innovation.

"Sours are parked in the category--they're definitely here to stay," says Laura King, vp of marketing for Family Sweets Candy Co makers of Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy, based in Winston-Salem, NC "Everybody wants to secure in ...