Sourest Day

Sourest Day is observed annually on October 25. It’s a playful celebration of all things tart and tangy—whether that means sour foods that make your face pucker or a moment to acknowledge the “sour” moods we all have now and then.

History of Sourest Day

The holiday was created in 1977 by Richard Ankli of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He chose October 25 to follow right after Sweetest Day, offering a humorous counterpoint—celebrating “sour” rather than “sweet.” Over time, the day has grown to embrace not just sour foods, but sour attitudes, moods, and the idea that every flavor and feeling has a place.

Why is Sourest Day important?

At first glance, this might look like just a quirky “eat sour candy” holiday. But there’s something more thoughtful here: it reminds us that life isn’t only sweet and easy. Sometimes things are sharp, tangy, uncomfortable—and those flavors, literal or metaphorical, matter. Recognizing sourness means acknowledging the full range of experience.
Also, the day gives a fun prompt to change perspective. Instead of always seeking sweetness, we can lean into the tang and ask: what stands out when things are less comfortable? What flavor do we miss when everything is mellow? It opens a space for small rebellion, taste exploration, mood reflection—and, yes, a bit of harmless silliness about sour candy.

• It celebrates tastes and experiences outside the usual “pleasant” zone
• It encourages trying new flavors, especially tart, tangy ones
• It gives recognition to moods that are often dismissed as “bad” or “sour”
• It invites a playful moment of breaking away from the expected
• It reminds us that contrast—sweet vs sour—gives depth to life

How to Celebrate Sourest Day

You don’t need anything fancy. Pick up a handful of sour treats—lemon slices, limeade, sour candy or anything that gets your taste buds tingling. Make it into a mini tasting session. Talk about what the contrast feels like compared to something sweet. The act of noticing the difference helps you appreciate both ends of the spectrum.
Or you could use it as a little mood-check. If you’re feeling sour—frustrated, grumpy, off-kilter—acknowledge it instead of pushing it down. Maybe treat yourself to something that mirrors that mood (yes, the sour candy) and then follow it up with something you love. The point isn’t to stay sour—it’s to recognize and move through.

• Try a new sour food you’ve never had (pick a weird fruit, vinegar snack, etc)
• Bring sour candies or sour-flavored goodies to share with friends/co-workers
• Host a mini “sour tasting” at home: lemons, limes, sour gummi treats, etc
• Take a moment to check in on your mood: “Am I being sour?” and if yes, how to shift
• After indulging the sour, treat yourself to something sweet and compare

Sourest Day Dates Table