Breaking Bad, the hit AMC crime drama series that aired from 2008 to 2013, featured the use of a special type of blue crystal meth that became an iconic part of the show’s aesthetic and storyline. The unique blue color of Heisenberg’s infamous methamphetamine product was a central plot point, and fans remain fascinated by the fictional drug years after the show’s end.
Why was the meth blue in Breaking Bad?
In the pilot episode, Walter White synthesizes methamphetamine using pseudoephedrine and other chemicals including methylamine. However, the show’s creators decided the finished product should have a unique, distinctive look to make it stand out on screen. Series creator Vince Gilligan wanted the meth to have a “blue Sky” color, so food coloring was added during the meth-making process.
The specific type of blue food coloring was not specified on the show, but some fans believe it may have been a product like Blue No. 1 or Brilliant Blue FCF dye. These dyes are sometimes used in bottled water, sports drinks, candy, and other foods and beverages. On Breaking Bad, adding the dye during synthesis resulted in blue crystal meth that set Heisenberg’s product apart from normal street drugs.
What candy was used to represent the blue meth?
When depicting blue crystal meth on screen, the Breaking Bad crew did not actually use illicit methamphetamine. Various substitutes were used as props including acrylic crystals, rock candy, and a variety of blue-colored hard candies.
One specific candy reported to be used frequently throughout the show’s run was blue Rock Candy Crystals. These pure sugar candies have an appearance very similar to Walt’s special blue meth. However, they are made of completely innocuous ingredients including cane sugar, corn syrup, natural blueberry flavor, vegetable oil, carnauba wax, and Blue 1 dye.
| Candy product | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Blue Rock Candy Crystals | Second Nature Foods |
Rock candy’s crystalline structures, transparency, and ability to be dyed blue made it an ideal meth stand-in. The candy could easily be broken up and crushed into a powder to mimic Walt’s product in various states. Other times, the intact rock candy was shown to demonstrate the signature clear blue shards.
How did cast and crew react to the candy meth?
Most reports indicate the cast and crew loved snacking on the rock candy between takes! Actor Aaron Paul who played Jesse Pinkman was frequently seen eating the sweet prop. In an interview, Paul recalled: “That rock candy that we use on the show, I go through it like it’s nothing. It’s so delicious! It’s so sugary and sweet. But listen, when you’re crawling through the sewers and you’ve got rock candy in your pocket, you’re going to start getting hungry.”
The crew working on Breaking Bad also found the blue rock candy highly enjoyable. Series creator Vince Gilligan said: “Occasionally the crew would eat the prop blue meth rock candy we used. But they wouldn’t eat too much of it, because you can really rot your teeth out!” While eating pounds of straight sugar may not be wise, it seems cast and crew just couldn’t resist the sweet treat in moderation.
Aaron Paul’s favorite candy
Actor Aaron Paul who played Jesse Pinkman has listed rock candy as one of his favorite candies along with favorites like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Twizzlers. Paul says the blue rock candy from the show holds a special place for him among his favorite sugary snacks.
How fans can buy the Breaking Bad candy
While cooking homemade meth is dangerous and illegal, fans of the show can acquire their very own blue rock candy easily online or at some candy and novelty stores. The Blue Rock Candy Crystals product is produced and distributed by Second Nature Foods in California. The company sells 2 ounce bags of the bright blue crystals through online outlets like Amazon and Walmart.
Fans who want to channel their inner Heisenberg can simply buy these bags of the same rock candy product used on the show. They can put it on display or even crush it up into blue powder to mimic Walt’s special meth. However, devotees of the show should keep in mind that consuming pounds of pure sugar at a time is unhealthy, no matter how tempting the escape into Breaking Bad fantasy is!
Conclusion
On the critically acclaimed TV show Breaking Bad, Walter White’s signature blue crystal meth was actually simulated using a variety of harmless candy products. The most common was a bright blue rock candy created by coloring pure sugar crystals with Blue No. 1 food dye. This product could easily be broken and crushed to mimic the appearance of meth. While cast and crew admitted snacking on the sweet prop occasionally, fans looking to acquire the Breaking Bad crystal candy can find it easily online and in stores. Just don’t binge eat pounds of pure sugar in one sitting!