A process for making a confection is disclosed including exposing the confection, or a precursor thereof, to electromagnetic radiation. The process is capable of manipulating the rheological characteristics of the confection or confection precursor without altering the temperature of the confection, or changing the composition thereof. The changes in rheological characteristics are advantageously temporary and reversible. Finally, the process requires minimal capital expenditure, may readily be incorporated into an existing process an onto existing equipment, and requires minimal energy consumption.