Health Expert Cautions Parents About TikTok’s ‘Glass Candy’ Trend Amid Rise in Children’s Burn Injuries

A doctor has issued a warning regarding the viral ‘glass candy’ trend on TikTok, as the hospital where she works has experienced a rise in burn cases among children.

‘Glass candy,’ which is also referred to as Tanghulu, has gained significant traction on social media throughout 2024 as a way to transform healthier snacks into a delightful dessert.

The process of making this candy involves microwaving a mixture of sugar and water in 30-second intervals until it reaches a boiling point. TikToker Jasmine and Tea was among the first creators to post a tutorial on this method and cautioned users against touching it with bare hands.

@jasmineandtea
tanghulu in 5 minutes using the microwave!

♬ original sound – Jasmine and Tea

Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston reported an increase in cases of children suffering from severe burn injuries caused by the sugar mixture spillage. One of the hospital’s surgeons has raised concerns regarding this trend.

In a statement to the New York Post, Dr. Colleen Ryan revealed that within a span of two weeks, she treated two different patients who were injured while preparing glass candy.

“When sugar is melted in the microwave, it has a high heat capacity, meaning it retains heat energy,” she explained.

“If spilled, it can lead to severe scald burns, comparable to those from hot soup, but it can inflict much deeper injuries due to the properties of sugar. Children or teenagers might quickly reach for the pot or bowl, resulting in hot fluid splashing or spilling onto them.”

woman buying tanghulu from a market — Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Ryan also emphasized that these burns frequently impact critical areas of the body, including the face and hands.

“Parents should exercise caution and ensure their children are educated about proper cooking safety and take preventive measures,” she urged.

Earlier in August, a mother named Christina Blackstone attempted a similar TikTok trend with her son that involved heating a bowl of Jolly Ranchers. When she removed the bowl from the microwave, it spilled onto her son’s hands, resulting in third-degree burns.