The present invention is directed to a powder acid-sanding composition for confectionery products, the composition comprising partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid and at least one of a sugar and sweetener, wherein said partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid comprises tartaric acid. The partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid improves the stability, in terms of acid migration, into the candy and moisture uptake from the environment. The invention is further directed to a method for acid-sanding of confectionery products using the partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid and to the products obtained. The acid-sanded confectionery products of the invention, such as hard and soft candies, have an improved shelf life. Notably, soft-candies, such as gelatin or starch-based candies, with an acid-sanding according to the invention have a very stable acid profile at the surface of the acid-sanded candies since acid migration into the soft candy is decreased or even prevented.
