Confectionery Geology

Effervescence Symposium: The Science of Pop Rocks

A joint session of the confectionery geology program: carbon dioxide vesiculation in candy and lava, with a strictly regulated tasting lab.

For: Students, Youth Programs, Educators

Dates: Aug 14, 2026

Location: Boulder, Colorado

One spirited evening comparing pressurized carbon-dioxide vesiculation in gasified candy with vesicular textures in volcanic rock, featuring the famous side-by-side scoria demonstration. The tasting lab runs under the Confectionery Specimen Handling and Allergen Standard, and the reference collection will be guarded.

What to expect

One evening, three talks, one demonstration, and a tasting lab with a sign-in sheet. Attendees leave able to explain vesicular texture to anyone, whether or not anyone asked. Review the Pop Rocks sheet beforehand; the speakers will assume fluency.

Related in the library

Sessions

CO2 Vesiculation: Candy Versus Lava
Scoria and Pop Rocks Side-by-Side Demonstration
Regulated Tasting Lab