Why do Pop Rocks react with soda?

Pop Rocks, the quintessential candy known for popping and fizzing when placed in your mouth, are an internet video sensation thanks to a science ... When Pop Rocks are added to soda in a bottle, the soda shoots into the air like a geyser. Other candies mixed into soda do not cause this reaction. read more

Both Pop Rocks and soda contain carbon dioxide. Adding Pop Rocks to soda releases the trapped gas within the candy and also within the soda itself. Since the soda's carbon dioxide is highly pressurized, it shoots out of the bottle since that's the one place for the gas to go. read more

A package of Pop Rocks contains less carbonation than half a can of soda. When the candy comes in contact with moisture, whether it be saliva, milk or Coca-Cola, the candy dissolves. The gas inside the carbon dioxide bubbles is released, which causes the fizzling sounds the candy is often associated with. read more

They don’t react. The hard candy dissolves into the water of the soda, releasing the carbon dioxide gas, which foams up in great quantity. You could use them to sweeten and carbonate a glass of water just as easily. read more