The word "candy coating" typically refers to a sweet and sugary layer that is added to food items to give them a glossy and smooth texture. However, there are many antonyms for this term that can represent a range of textures and flavor profiles. Some antonyms for candy coating include: rough, gritty, savory, salty, spicy, sour, bitter, tangy, and tart. These terms indicate that a food item may not have a sweet taste or smooth texture, but instead may have a more complex and robust flavor profile. Using antonyms to describe food can help to paint a more vivid picture and convey a more accurate description of the dish.