< All Posts

State Candy Feature: Southwest & Great Plains Sweet Treats

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 13, 2024
BY JOSH ROTHSTEIN

State-Candy-Feature-Southwest-and-Great-Plains-Sweets

Welcome to the second part of our State Candy Feature series, where we travel coast to coast in search of the greatest sweet treats a country as rich and diverse as the United States has to offer! Last time, we explored the iconic confections of the Mountain West, and now for part two, we’re turning our attention to the flavors of the Southwest and Great Plains regions!

From the spicy treats of New Mexico to the pecan-rich delights of Texas, to the historic and mighty Standing Rock Indian Reservation of North and South Dakota, this region showcases a variety of sweet creations inspired by its unique landscapes, cultures, and history. Each one of these uniquely American candy favorites not only satisfies your sweet tooth, but also captures a little bit of something special about the state it represents.

Whether you’re sourcing the perfect candies for a retail store or just curious about the confections that define America’s heartland, let’s dive into the sugary treasures of the Southwest and Great Plains states!

1. Arizona: Hotlix Chili-Lix Lollipops

Arizona-Hotlix-Chili-Lix-Lollipops-Habanero-Red-Chili-Jalapeno 352

HOTLIX CLASSIC POPS - CHILI-LIX ASSORTED (MULTI UPC)

Arizona’s sun-soaked desert landscapes are home to the iconic prickly pear cactus, but we have found the perfect lollipop that perfectly embodies the Grand Canyon state’s essence. For those craving some heat the next time you enjoy a sweet treat, Hotlix Chili-Lix Lollipops, are infused with real chili peppers, offering a sweet and spicy adventure in every lick! Each box comes with Red Chili, Jalapeno, and Habanero flavors for the true heat-seekers out there.

2. New Mexico: Twist-N-Lik Alien Candy

New-Mexico-Twist-N-Lik-Alien-Candy 62688

TWIST-N-LIK ALIEN CANDY IN DISPLAY

New Mexico is also known for its spicy flavors, but there’s some sort of interstellar allure, thanks to Roswell’s famous UFO incident back in 1947. Maybe they heard all the commotion going on at Los Alamos a few years prior? Who really knows what these extraterrestrial beings may have been up to?

Twist-N-Lik Alien Candy combines fruity flavors like blue raspberry, strawberry, and green apple with a fun, intergalactic twist! For anyone who lives by the motto “we are not alone”, these treats will make you truly believe. In fact, you could even say the sweet fruit flavors are out-of-this-world!

3. Nevada: Fort Knox Milk Chocolate Casino Chips

Nevada-Fort-Knox-Casino-Chips-Milk-Chocolate-Medallions 39920

CASINO CHIPS IN MESH BAG IN DISPLAY

Famed for its glitzy casinos and atomic history, Nevada always pairs excitement with state-of-the-art indulgence. From the bright, flashing lights of the Las Vegas strip to the rugged mountain escapes just west of Reno, or even the raw old-west vibe of Winnemucca and Elko, Nevada has always pioneered a spirit all its own.

If you’re looking to cash in on some of Nevada’s unique charm, Fort Knox Milk Chocolate Candy Casino Chips bring a touch of luck to the candy aisle! These are casino chips you can eat, so they’re already way better than the boring plastic ones you get when playing blackjack!

4. Texas: Lammes Candies' Texas Two Step Gift Box

Texas-Lammes-Texas-Two-Step-Pecan-Praline-Longhorns-Gift-Box 291L

LAMMES TEXAS TWO STEP PRALINE & LONGHORN 9 PC GIFT BOX

Everything is bigger in Texas, including its sweet treats! Texas is the home of Redstone Foods, so it’s very near and dear to our hearts. Celebrate our home in the Lone Star State with Lammes Candies’ Texas Two Step gift box, featuring the rich, buttery goodness of chewy pralines, crafted with crunchy Texas pecans, and decadent chocolate-covered Longhorns.

Each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, from the melt-in-your-mouth pralines to the creamy caramel and chocolatey delight of the Longhorns. Perfectly packaged for gifting or personal enjoyment, these classic Southern confections embody our state’s rich culinary traditions and are a true celebration of Texas sweetness.

5. Oklahoma: Wild West Twisty Lollipops

Oklahoma-Wild-West-Twisty-Lollipops-Large-in-Display 59723

WILD WEST TWISTY LOLLIPOPS W/DISPLAY LARGE

Smack dab in the middle of Tornado Alley, Oklahoma is a land of striking contrasts, from its wide-open plains to its vibrant Native American heritage. Known for its iconic wind-swept landscapes and dynamic weather patterns, this state is as colorful and captivating as our Wild West Twisty Lollipops. These oversized, tutti frutti-flavored spiral lollipops are a fun and vibrant treat, standing an impressive 11 ¾ inches tall and bursting with massive flavor and bright colors!

The twisting design of these lollipops mirrors the spiraling storms Oklahoma is famous for, but thankfully this kind of twist is all about sweetness! Whether you’re exploring Route 66 or enjoying the great outdoors, these playful pops are the perfect companion to brighten your day in the Sooner State.

6. Kansas: Sweet Tarts Ropes – Twisted Rainbow Punch

Kansas-Sweet-Tart-Ropes-Twisted-Rainbow-Punch 10724

SWEETARTS ROPES SHARE PACK IN DISPLAY - TWISTED RNBW PUNCH

There’s no place like home, and for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, that home was Kansas – a land of twisters, endless prairies, and the promise of rainbows. Sweet Tarts Ropes Twisted Rainbow Punch perfectly captures this magic with its vibrant colors and bold, fruity flavors! These soft and chewy ropes, with their creamy fruit punch-flavored center, are as playful as they are delicious, just like the magical journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

If you’re heading to the movie theater this holiday season to watch The Wizard of Oz prequel, Wicked, these Sweet Tart Ropes are the perfect companion to your buttery popcorn and ice-cold soda pop. Whether you share them with a friend or enjoy them all by yourself, this treat is a nod to Kansas' iconic place in pop culture, made even sweeter by the rainbow of flavor in every bite.

7. Nebraska: Sweet Chaos Drizzled Popcorn – Peanut Butter Cup

Nebraska-Sweet-Chaos-Drizzled-Popcorn-Peanut-Butter-Cup 300596

SWEET CHAOS DRIZZLED POPCORN - PEANUT BUTTER CUP

While candy corn might seem like the obvious choice for the Cornhusker State, Nebraska deserves something more innovative to celebrate their rich heritage. Don’t get us wrong, we love all the Halloween candy corn items, but there’s so many other options!

Sweet Chaos Drizzled Popcorn Peanut Butter Cup Drizzle combines the comforting essence of popcorn with the indulgent flavors of your favorite chocolate and peanut butter candy bars. Hand-popped in coconut oil, this treat features creamy drizzles and skips artificial additives, creating a snack that's both satisfying and delightful!

Much like Nebraska's reputation for hard work and ingenuity, this popcorn turns a simple kernel into a gourmet masterpiece. Whether you’re enjoying a laid-back movie night or a break from your busy day, Sweet Chaos is the perfect tribute to the state’s top agricultural product and its love of deliciously inventive snacks!

8. Iowa: GGB Giant Gummy Breakfast with Bacon, Egg, and Waffle

Iowa-Giant-Gummy-Breakfast-Bacon-Egg-Waffle 5300B

GGB GIANT GUMMY BREAKFAST W/ BACON EGG WAFFLE PEG BLISTER

As the “Food Capital of the World,” Iowa is renowned for its agricultural leadership, but the state’s contributions extend far beyond the farmstead. In the 1930’s, researchers at Iowa State University built and operated the world’s first electronic digital computer, showcasing Iowa’s innovative spirit and ahead-of-the-curve thinking.

This blend of tradition and ingenuity is perfectly captured by Giant Gummy Breakfast Candy. Featuring gummy versions of bacon, eggs, and waffles, this playful treat is an eccentric nod to Iowa’s culinary creativity. Whether you’re starting your day or indulging your sweet tooth, this candy is a fun reminder that Iowa serves up brilliance in every field, whether it be complex technology, or just some simple, down-home tasty treats!

9. North Dakota: Zeno’s Busta Bears Sour Taffy with Gummy Bear Center

North-Dakota-Zenos-Busta-Bears-Sour-Taffy-Gummy-Bear-Center 78241

ZENOS BUSTA BEARS (SOUR TAFFY W/GUMMY BEAR CENTER) BULK

Famous for its rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, North Dakota is a land of unexpected treasures – just like Zeno’s Busta Bears Sour Taffy with Gummy Bear Centers. These fruity, gummy-filled taffies offer a delightful surprise with every bite, much like exploring the state’s breathtaking natural beauty. They’re the perfect addition to your bulk candy bins, no matter what state you’re in!

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, named after the president whose conservation efforts helped shape America's national park system, is a cornerstone of this stunning state. Fun fact: Teddy bears were named after Roosevelt himself, making this gummy-inspired treat a perfect nod to North Dakota’s history and wild spirit.

10. South Dakota: Kimmie Choco Rocks Hot Rocks

South-Dakota-Kimmie-ChocoRocks-Hot-Rocks-Tube 4010K

KIMMIE CHOCO ROCKS TUBE - HOT ROCKS

Home to the iconic Mount Rushmore, the world’s largest motorcycle rally in Sturgis, and the awe-inspiring Black Hills, South Dakota is a state steeped in natural beauty, history, and adventure. The Black Hills, with their rugged terrain and geological wonders, are a fitting backdrop for Kimmie Choco Rocks Hot Rocks! These dark chocolate chunks, spiced with chili and encased in black candy shells, are as bold and unique as South Dakota itself.

The colorful, rock-like candies also reflect the state's deep ties to its Native American heritage, where the Black Hills are considered sacred ground for the Lakota Sioux. Much like South Dakota’s blend of cultural richness and dramatic landscapes, these treats offer an intriguing mix of smooth, rich chocolate with a fiery kick. Whether you’re marveling at Mount Rushmore or exploring the Badlands, Kimmie Choco Rocks are the perfect sweet companion to honor this adventurous and awe-inspiring state.

Explore More with Redstone Foods!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the Southwest and Great Plains, where every one of these popular candies tells a story about the state’s culture, history, and flavors. From Sour Patch Kids to jelly beans, chewing gum, and even ice cream-inspired treats, Redstone Foods brings a world of sweetness and variety to your fingertips.

At Redstone Foods, we’re proud to bring you the best in candy, snacks, craft sodas, and more. Whether you’re stocking up on bulk candy or looking for regionally inspired treats to delight your customers, we’ve got you covered!

Check back soon for part three of our State Candy Feature series, where we’ll explore the Great Lakes and Midwest. Until then, browse our extensive inventory and sign up for an account online or give us a call to see why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!

1-800-444-3520