State Candy Feature: Sweet Treats of the Northeast USA!

Welcome to the fifth, and final installment of our State Candy Feature series, where we’ve been traveling across the United States in search of sweet treats that represent the best of what the land of the free, and the home of the brave has to offer!

In this series, we’ve explored the vast rugged peaks of the Mountain West, witnessed the sweeping deserts and plains of the Southwest and Great Plains, savored the serene beauty of our heartland in the Midwest and Great Lakes, and we’ve got a taste of good ol’ Southern hospitality in the Southeast. Now, we’ve arrived at the grand finale – the Northeast and New England, a region that’s played a crucial role in shaping not just the nation, but also its rich confectionery traditions.

As the birthplace of the American Revolution and home to some of the country’s oldest candy makers, the Northeast is where history and sweetness collide. From the famous Boston Baked Beans of Massachusetts to the maple-infused delights of Vermont, or the nostalgic saltwater taffy of the Jersey Shore, this region is packed with many treats that have withstood the test of time. Some of America’s most iconic candies got their start here, making this region a keystone of American candy history.

So, grab a steaming cup of cider, bundle up against that crisp Northeastern breeze, and get ready to indulge in some of the region’s most beloved sweet treats! From old-fashioned confections with centuries of history to modern creations that have been taking social media by storm, these candies capture the spirit, flavors, and traditions of the Northeast. Now let’s dive in!

1. Maine – Melba’s Fixins Blueberry Pie Soda

From lobsters, potatoes, maple syrup, and lighthouses, Maine is known for a lot of wonderful things. But you might not have known that Maine harvests 98% of the nation’s low bush blueberries! These deliciously sweet and tart berries are as good for you as they are delicious!

That’s why we’ve chosen Melba’s Fixins Blueberry Pie Soda to represent the Pine Tree State. With the rich, juicy flavor of ripe blueberries and the sweet, buttery notes of a fresh-baked pie, this soda is like sipping on a slice of Maine’s favorite official dessert. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the state’s signature fruit, but this time, you don’t need a fork!

2. New Hampshire – Barnett’s Mega Sour Apple

New Hampshire is a state that doesn’t shy away from a challenge. With a motto like “Live Free or Die,” it’s clear that Granite State residents value boldness, independence, and pushing their limits. But did you know New Hampshire is also a powerhouse when it comes to agriculture? The state’s fertile soil and crisp climate make it a prime location for apple orchards, producing some of the juiciest, most flavorful apples in the Northeast.

That’s why we’ve chosen Barnetts Mega Sour Apple as the perfect candy to represent the state. This is no ordinary sour apple-flavored sweet! It’s one of the world’s sourest candies, daring you to power through its face-puckering intensity before reaching the sweet reward. Much like testing your limits on a rugged New Hampshire hiking trail or braving the state’s famously unpredictable weather, tackling the extreme sour challenge is a true testament to your willpower.

So, are you ready to taste real freedom from boring sour candies? Grab a bag of Barnett’s Mega Sour Apple and prove you’ve got the grit to handle New Hampshire’s boldest flavor adventure!

3. Vermont – Sprecher Maple Root Beer

Vermont takes its maple syrup seriously – after all, the Green Mountain State produces more of this liquid gold than anywhere else in the USA! And what better way to celebrate that sweet tradition than with Sprecher’s Maple Syrup Root Beer? This fire-brewed craft soda swaps out traditional sweeteners for real maple syrup, giving it a rich, wintergreen twist that’s as smooth as a fresh snowfall on Mount Mansfield.

Whether you’re enjoying it after a day of leaf-peeping, hitting the ski slopes, or just kicking back by a cozy fire, this Vermont-inspired root beer is the perfect way to savor the sweet, refreshing taste of the state’s most famous export.

4. Massachusetts – Mary Jane Candies

When it comes to iconic American candies, Massachusetts is one of the undisputed capitals of confectionery history! From Boston Baked Beans (which, fun fact, were invented in Chicago) to NECCO Wafers, Conversation Hearts (the most iconic Valentine’s Day sweets), Junior Mints, Sugar Babies, Clark Bars, and Candy Buttons, the Bay State has produced some of the most nostalgic sweets in the country.

But today, we’re going to shine a spotlight on a true classic: Mary Jane candies, a treat with a revolutionary past! First created in 1914 by Charles N. Miller, Mary Janes were first made in Paul Revere’s old house in Boston’s North End. That’s right – before these chewy peanut butter and molasses-filled delights made their way into candy shops across America, they were crafted in the very home of the famous midnight rider himself. Talk about a sweet piece of revolutionary candy history!

Over the years, Mary Janes became a beloved old-fashioned favorite, changing hands from Miller’s company to NECCO in 1990, then Spangler Candy Company, and most recently, Atkinson Candy Company in Texas, which revived the brand in 2020. Despite the journey, these little candies remain a timeless taste of New England, embodying the revolutionary spirit of colonial America, one chewy bite at a time!

5. Rhode Island – Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies

As the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island has always packed a big historical punch. Founded by Roger Williams, the state became a model for American democracy, championing freedom of speech, religion, and public assembly. These principles were publicly acclaimed by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams as an inspiration for the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

But did you know that Rhode Island was also home to another first? In 1774, Newport hosted the nation’s first circus, bringing dazzling performances and exotic animal attractions to captivated audiences. That’s why we’ve chosen Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies to represent the Ocean State!

These classic shortbread cookies, coated in pink and white frosting and topped with colorful sprinkles, celebrate the excitement and nostalgia of the big top. Featuring fun animal shapes like lions, elephants, camels, and more, they’re the perfect tribute to Rhode Island’s historic role in bringing the magic of the circus to America!

6. Connecticut – PEZ Candy

Connecticut is a small state with a huge impact on American culture. From crafting some of the country’s best pizza (don’t @ me, New York and Chicago!) to inventing the hamburger and even making lollipops its official state candy (since they were first created in New Haven in 1908), the Constitution State is a birthplace of many American culinary staples. But when it comes to candy, nothing is more synonymous with Connecticut than PEZ.

Though originally invented in Austria as a way for adults to cut back on smoking, PEZ found its American home in Orange, CT, where it continues to manufacture its iconic, collectible dispensers and delicious candies. The PEZ Treats Assortment is a playful nod to Connecticut’s rich food history, featuring dispensers shaped like a hamburger, taco, pizza, doughnut, and French fries. All of these fun foods are super-popular in American culture, as they help make everyday life a little sweeter! With its retro charm and nostalgic appeal, PEZ has stood the test of time, proving that some treats are simply timeless.

7. New Jersey – Salt Water Taffy

When you think of New Jersey, you might picture boardwalks, beaches, and bustling cities, but the Garden State is also home to some of the most iconic sweets in American history! From M&M’s and Smarties to one of the nation’s most beloved summertime treats, salt water taffy, New Jersey has left a lasting mark on candy culture!

Born on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in the 1880s, this chewy, stretchy treat got its quirky name when an ocean swell soaked a taffy shop’s stock. The shop owner jokingly called it “Salt Water Taffy,” and the name stuck – just like the candy itself! Though it contains no actual seawater, this nostalgic confection has become a staple of the Jersey Shore and beyond, embodying the fun, carefree spirit of summer vacations.

At Redstone Foods, we’ve taken this classic treat to the next level with over 100 different flavors in our wholesale candy inventory! From fruity favorites to unique twists, there’s a taffy for every taste bud. Whether you’re strolling the boardwalk or indulging at home, each bite is a taste of classic Americana that New Jersey proudly helped shape.

8. Deleware – Amos 4D Fruit Gummy Peach Burst

The first state to ratify the US Constitution, Delaware is also known for its delicious peaches! Since colonial times, Delaware’s fertile soil and mild climate have made it a prime location for peach orchards, earning peach pie the honor of being the state’s official dessert.

To celebrate this juicy legacy, we’ve chosen Amos 4D Fruit Gummy Peach Burst as the perfect candy to represent Delaware. This innovative gummy candy is some of the most popular on the internet these days, thanks to their authentic fruit flavor and incredible texture. Each bite is a sensational explosion of sweet, tangy peach flavor that’s almost as juicy as eating the fresh fruit.

With its motto, “Liberty and Independence,” Delaware has always been a trailblazer – just like this candy! Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Wilmington or relaxing on the shores of Rehoboth Beach, Amos 4D Peach Burst gummies are a fun, flavorful way to celebrate the First State’s sweet side.

9. Maryland – Goetze Caramel Creams

Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes (from sandy beaches to rolling mountains). It is also home to one of the most iconic candies in the country: Goetze’s Caramel Creams! Born in Baltimore in 1918, these chewy caramel candies with a creamy, vanilla-flavored center have been a nostalgic favorite for over a century.

Known by some as “Caramel Creams” and by others as “Bull-Eyes,” these nostalgic bites are a perfect balance of rich caramel and smooth vanilla cream. Whether you’re exploring the scenic shores of the Chesapeake Bay or catching a Baltimore Ravens game, a bag of Goetze’s Caramel Creams is a must-have companion. After all, they’re a timeless Maryland tradition that has definitely stood the test of time!

10. Virginia – My Little Pony Friendship Hearts Candy

They say Virginia is for lovers, which makes it the perfect home for My Little Pony Friendship Hearts Candy! These adorable collectible tins feature beloved characters like Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie, and are filled with heart-shaped candies in sour strawberry, blue raspberry, and watermelon flavors that are perfect for sharing with friends!

Virginia’s motto, “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants), speaks to the state’s revolutionary spirit and its role in helping shape American history. While that might seem a far cry from the world of My Little Pony, fans of the series know that standing up to villains like Nightmare Moon or Queen Chrysalis is all part of the adventure! Whether you’re a longtime brony, a casual MLP fan, or just someone who just loves a sweet treat, these candies are a playful nod to friendship, fun, and the power of standing together.

So whether you’re wandering the historic streets of Richmond or taking in the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, be sure to share the love (and the candy!) with your friends. Because in Virginia, friendship never goes out of style!

Explore New & Nostalgic American Candies with Redstone Foods!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this sweet journey through the Northeast states, and the totality of American confections throughout this entire five-part series. At Redstone Foods, we know that every candy tells a unique story about the flavors, culture, and history of the regions they represent. From the famous Boston candy of Massachusetts to the maple-infused delights of Vermont, each state has left an indelible mark on American candy history.

At Redstone Foods, we’re proud to offer a wide array of wholesale candies, each one a perfect reflection of these beloved states. Whether you’re stocking up on bulk candy or curating a selection of regional favorites for your candy store, we’ve got everything you need! Our commitment to excellent customer service and delivering the best selection of candy ensures you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Ready to stock up on the best in candy, snacks, and craft sodas? Sign up for an account with us today or give us a call! Dive into our extensive collection of new and nostalgic treats and discover why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!

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