How to Make Candy-Coated Ropes & Clusters with Melt-to-Make™

How to Make Candy-Coated Ropes & Clusters with Melt-to-Make™

Jordan Baldwin Jordan Baldwin
6 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more

Table of Contents

Expanding your product offerings is a powerful strategy to keep customers engaged and excited about your gummy brand. By introducing new options, you not only meet the evolving needs of your existing customers but also attract new ones who are eager to explore what’s fresh and unique. With each new and exciting product you offer, you create more reasons for customers to keep coming back—and to spread the word! That's why we've taken on the task of teaching you on how to make candy-coated ropes & clusters with Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Base

These colorful, crunchy, chewy bites bring together the best of both worlds—a delicious blend of Melt-to-Make™ gummy goodness wrapped in tangy, nostalgic candy coating. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and learn how to make these irresistible treats! 🍬

Step 1: Preparation

Before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need! You’ll want to order a few essentials, including gummy molds, Melt-to-Make™ all-natural Gummy Base, and of course, plenty of your candy coating of choice. If you already have molds, they should work just fine! But if you’re looking for a different shape or size, we highly recommend checking out Bold Maker's selection. For our own creations, we chose rope molds and gumdrop molds. Check out the links below to see the specific molds we selected!

- Bold Maker 2ml Dome Molds 

- Bold Maker Rope Molds


Order Your Candy Coating


Next, we’ll need to order some candy for coating! We’ve found that Baby Nerds work best, and you can easily find them on the Webstaurant Store website. It's always good to shop around for the best price, but we've found that Webstaurant store seems to have the best deal. 


Order your Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Base

Lastly, you'll need to order up Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Base! If you’ve been using our all-natural gummy bases, you know the drill! You’ve already experienced how easy it is to create delicious, customizable gummies with our high-quality gummy bases. But if you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the perfect time to jump in and discover how effortless it is to craft your own perfect gummies. Whether you’re just starting your business or needing a turn-key solution, Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Bases are designed to make gummy manufacturing simple, and more efficient than ever before. 

If you're interested in trying a sample, fill out our Sample Kit Request form! If you're ready to jump right in, you can email your order to orders@melt-to-make.com, or order right from our website. 

Check out the all-natural Gummy Bases we have to offer!

While this process works seamlessly with all Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Bases, we found that our Gelatin/Pectin Blend delivers the ideal texture. Its perfectly balanced soft chew pairs beautifully with the satisfying crunch of the candy coating, creating an irresistible combination.

 

Step 2: Let's do this thing!

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients and materials, it’s time to dive in! Prepare your Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Base and deposit the mixture. When using our gummy bases we highly suggest having our work instructions, formula calculators and gummy drying guide in front of you for easy reference. All of these helpful documents in the resources section of our website. 

If you have a depositor, we suggest using it to make filling the molds easier and to ensure the gummies pop out smoothly once they’re set. Normally, we also suggest pre-coating molds with a release agent, but for this process, it’s best to skip that step. Pre-coating your molds with a release agent will actually prevent the candy coating from sticking to the gummies.

After you’ve poured your gummies into the molds, let them rest until they’re ready to be popped. You want your gummies to be sticky at this point, if they're not still sticky you'll like have a hard time getting the nerds to stick properly. We've found that coating the tops of your gummies with the candy coating while they're still in the molds can make the popping process easier. If your gummies aren’t quite sticky enough, you can lightly rub some water on the tops of your gummies as well.

Once your gummies are ready to pop, pour some of your candy coating into a bowl, and roll your gummies until they’re fully coated. Then scatter them on a tray, and cure them to the proper water activity. Make sure to follow our Drying Guide for best curing results.  

For visual step-by-step instructions on how to make candy-coated ropes & clusters, watch our how to video below!

The Business Side of Things

When creating products that incorporate another company's trademarked product, it’s crucial to be mindful of your wording. For example, if you’re making an infused treat using Rice Krispies, remember that "Rice Krispies" is a trademarked name. As a result, you cannot legally market your product as a "Rice Krispie Treat." The same principle applies to other trademarked names like "Nerds", "Nerd Ropes", and "Nerd Clusters". Instead, it's best to use descriptive terms that avoid directly referencing the trademark, such as "Crispy Crunch" or "Candy Clusters." This ensures your branding remains compliant with trademark laws.

By carefully choosing your wording and avoiding the use of trademarked names, you can protect your business from potential legal issues while still creating and marketing unique products that appeal to your customers. Always prioritize compliance and creativity to ensure your brand remains both innovative and professional.


** Please note that this content is for educational purposes only. Melt-to-Make™ is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ferrara Candy Company or Nerds®.

FAQs

What are candy-coated gummy ropes and clusters?

Candy-coated gummy ropes and clusters are chewy, colorful treats that combine soft, flavorful gummies with a crunchy Nerd coating. 

Why should I add candy-coated gummies to my product line?

Expanding into candy-coated gummies helps you keep customers engaged and attract new audiences who crave something fun and unique. These gummies add variety, texture, and visual appeal, making them a great way to boost sales and brand excitement. Each new creation gives your customers another reason to come back for more!

Which Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Base works best for this recipe?

While all Melt-to-Make™ Gummy Bases can be used, our Gelatin/Pectin Blend delivers the ideal texture. It provides a soft, balanced chew that pairs perfectly with the crisp crunch of the candy coating, creating the ultimate bite experience. It's also the base that is stickiest, making it easier to get the candy coating to stick firmly. 

What equipment and ingredients do I need to make candy-coated gummies?

You’ll need:

For the best candy-coating adhesion, skip the mold release agent and ensure your gummies remain slightly sticky before coating.

Where can I purchase molds and candy coating supplies?

We recommend Bold Maker for high-quality gummy molds and Webstaurant Store for bulk candy coating options. Both sources offer reliable materials for small-batch and large-scale production.

How do I get my gummies sticky enough for candy coating?

Your gummies should be slightly tacky before you begin coating. If they’ve dried too much, lightly rub a small amount of water over the surface to help the candy coating adhere. You can also start coating while gummies are still in the molds for easier handling.

How do I properly cure or dry candy-coated gummies?

After coating, scatter your gummies on a tray and cure them according to our Drying Guide to achieve the correct water activity. This step ensures your gummies stay fresh, maintain their texture, and don’t become overly sticky or soft over time.

Can I use trademarked candy names in my marketing?

No. Trademarked names like “Nerds,” “Nerd Rope,” or “Nerd Clusters” cannot be used in your product marketing unless you have permission from the trademark owner. Instead, use descriptive names such as “Candy-Coated Gummies,” “Crunchy Clusters,” or “Tangy Candy Ropes.” This approach keeps your branding compliant and professional.

Where can I learn more about Melt-to-Make™ resources and products?

Visit our Resource Hub to access:

  • Gummy Work Instructions

  • Formula Calculators for accurate batching

  • Drying Guides and instructional videos

  • Complete lists of Gelatin, Pectin, and Sugar-Free Gummy Bases

You can also email orders@melt-to-make.com to place an order or support@melt-to-make.com for technical guidance and sample requests.

« Back to Blog