Water ice—a popular treat in Philadelphia, referred to as "Italian ice" by the rest of the U.S. (although, some Philly natives may claim they're not quite the same)—is now available in a freeze-dried format thanks to a collaboration between two local brands, Sugar Crunch Candy and John's Water Ice. 

Sugar Crunch Candy, co-founded by Phillip Kramer and Tommy Sandelier, began in Lindenwold, NJ—a stone's throw from Philadelphia—where their freeze-dried confections are hand-made today. After trying their hand at freeze-dried candy making when they saw it trending on social media, Sugar Crunch candies are now taking off. 

John's Water Ice was founded in 1945 by South Philadelphian John Cardullo, and has since grown to become a staple summertime treat, with several locations in the greater Philadelphia area and the Jersey Shore. 

To learn about Sugar Crunch's collaboration with John's Water Ice, its significance, and the company's other freeze-dried innovations, editor (and Philly native) Bailee Henderson connected with Sugar Crunch co-founder Phillip Kramer.

Bailee Henderson: When did the collaboration between Sugar Crunch and John’s Water Ice officially begin?

Phillip Kramer: Officially, our partnership launched in June 2025, but I first pitched the idea to owner Anthony Cardullo back in September 2024, and he was immediately interested.

BH: The concept of freeze-dried water ice is pretty creative. What gave birth to the idea?

PK: At Sugar Crunch, we were looking for a first-to-market freeze-dried product that could set us apart. Freeze-dried ice cream has been around forever, so I thought, "What’s next? What’s better?" The answer was water ice—or Italian ice, as it’s known outside of Philly. With two years of experience developing our own freeze-dried candy at Sugar Crunch, we knew we could make it happen.

BH: Is the product manufactured locally?

PK: We handle all production at Sugar Crunch, using new equipment specifically dedicated to John’s Freeze-Dried Water Ice.

BH: What flavors are currently available, and are any additional flavors planned? I happen to be a big fan of Mango water ice, myself.

PK: Right now, we offer: Cherry, Lemon, and Mango. Coming next is Pineapple and Chocolate! This lineup mirrors John’s core base flavors, and we’ll continue to expand into seasonal and limited-time flavors, just like their classic summer specials.

BH: Besides it being an all-new format of a nostalgic treat, what differentiates this product from other freeze-dried offerings?

PK: The texture is the star— a perfect crisp that melts in your mouth; not too hard or too light and airy. It’s clean, flavorful, and retains the true taste of John’s Water Ice. Most flavors use natural ingredients and real cane sugar. It’s nostalgic and refreshing, but totally new.

BH: What was the most difficult part of the development process?

PK: The biggest challenge has been scaling up production while maintaining quality and consistency. The demand has exceeded our expectations, and we’re adjusting fast.

BH: That sounds like a good problem to have! What is your current production capacity?

PK: At the moment, we can produce about 600 bags per week, but we’re actively working on increasing that number dramatically in the coming months.

BH: How would you describe the product in one sentence?

PK: “The future of Water Ice.” A crunchy, mess-free, and portable way to enjoy one of Philly’s most iconic summer treats—anywhere, anytime.

BH: Where can the product be purchased?

PK: Online at FreezeDriedWaterIce.com, and in-person at John’s Water Ice South Philly location at 7^th & Christian Street. The candy is also available at John's Wildwood, NJ location during summer. You can also find it in the Sugar Crunch vending machine in the Cherry Hill Mall food court in Cherry Hill, NJ!

Additionally, Sugar Crunch is preparing to launch wholesale accounts and plans to be in 1,000 stores within 1–2 years, and 3,000+ stores within 2–3 years.

BH: Is there anything else you’d like consumers, in Philly and beyond, to know?

PK: Just that this isn’t a gimmick. It’s a true innovation — proudly made in Philly, in partnership with one of the most respected names in frozen treats.

We’re here to make freeze-dried history, and this is just the beginning.

Related: Herr's permanently adds Philly-inspired flavor to lineup