State Candy Feature: Sweet Treats in the Mountain West

Have you ever wondered what candy captures the spirit of each state in the United States of America? Welcome to our State Candy Feature series, where we’re traveling from coast to coast to uncover sweets that truly represent each unique state of our great nation. Each article in this series will focus on 10 states from a set region of the country, so we’ll be doing 5 articles in total: 1. Mountain West, 2. Southwest & Great Plains, 3. The Great Lakes & Midwest, 4. Northeast & New England, and 5. Southeast & Gulf Coast regions.

Rather than just listing sales data of the most popular Halloween candy, official state candies, or a perceived “favorite candy” from each state, we’ve opted for treats that embody the flavors, history, and character of each state. From the tropical allure of the Hawaiian Islands, to the sun-soaked coast of California, to the rugged tastes of the Intermountain West, this series is all about showcasing the unique essence of each of the United States – one candy at a time!

Sweet Treats of the Mountain West, Alaska, and Hawaii

The Mountain West is a region known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and distinct local flavors. In this part of our series, we’re exploring the sweets that define these wild and wonderful mountain states. Each candy we’ve chosen isn’t just a favorite of the state – it captures something essential about each state, whether it’s flavors inspired by local produce, regional traditions, or just the quirky, rugged charm of the Mountain West.

From areas as diverse as the wide-open spaces of Montana, to the towering mountain ranges of Colorado, to the island paradise that is Hawaii, here are some sweet treats that exemplify the unique charm of each of these great and wonderous parts of our country!

1. Alaska – White Chocolate Covered Gummi Polar Bears

While the Land of the Midnight Sun is primarily known for its oil and gas exports, a robust fishing industry, and its world-record sized produce (thanks to 22 hours of daylight during peak growing season), Alaska is also home to a diverse wildlife population. This, along with its natural beauty, and wide-open spaces make tourism the state’s second-largest industry.

These gummy “polar bears” are a fun nod to Alaska’s iconic wildlife, adding a sweet twist to the state’s mostly icy landscape. A chewy, fruity gummy bear meets the creamy allure of white chocolate in this confection, creating a treat that reflects both Alaska’s playful side and its cool, majestic landscapes. The chocolate’s smooth, rich layer envelops the gummi polar bear, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This unique candy embodies the beauty and wonder of The Last Frontier, merging childhood nostalgia with decadent indulgence.

2. California – Almond Roca

California’s almond-rich regions make almond candy a perfect fit. The Golden State produces around 80 percent of the global supply of almonds! Almond Roca, which features caramel, chocolate, and California almonds, is a well-loved choice that captures the state’s sophisticated, yet casual vibe. Almond Roca’s buttercrunch toffee, combined with chocolate and ground almonds make this an elegant treat that is as irresistible as it is decadent.

3. Colorado – Rocky Road

Inspired by Colorado’s stunning Rocky Mountains, Annabelle Candy Company’s Rocky Road candy bar captures the rugged spirit and sweet rewards of adventure. This iconic treat blends fluffy marshmallow crème with crunchy cashews, all coated in smooth milk chocolate – a texture and taste combo reminiscent of a trail mix, yet perfectly indulgent for any candy lover.

Just as the Rocky Mountains offer plenty of peaks and valleys, Rocky Road delivers a delightful balance of soft and crunchy textures, making it a fitting tribute to the adventurous heart of the Centennial State. Whether you’re scaling mountain peaks or just craving a sweet escape, this candy bar has a piece of colorful Colorado charm in every bite.

4. Hawaii – Mahalo Candy Bar

Hawaii’s tropical vibes come to life with the flavor of almonds and coconut, staples of the islands’ natural bounty in this vegan and gluten-free chocolate bar from Go Max Go. The Mahalo incorporates crunchy almonds, with coconut, encased in a creamy rice milk chocolate with absolutely no artificial ingredients whatsoever.

In Hawaiian culture, mahalo is more than just "thank you." It conveys a profound sense of gratitude and recognition for life’s daily blessings – a sentiment that resonates with the tranquil, yet vibrant atmosphere of the islands. With each bite of the Mahalo bar, you’re not only savoring a delicious candy, but also experiencing the deeper spirit of Hawaii’s warmth and hospitality. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll know exactly what that means!

5. Idaho – Idaho Spud

Quirky, iconic, and distinctly Idahoan, the Idaho Spud candy bar has been proudly produced in Boise since 1918 and remains a nostalgic favorite. Shaped like a potato to celebrate Idaho’s status as the nation’s top potato producer, this classic treat is filled with a soft, cocoa-flavored marshmallow center and covered in a dark chocolate coating, then sprinkled with coconut flakes.

The Idaho Spud is not just a candy bar – it's a piece of the state's farming heritage and a sweet embodiment of the "Famous Potatoes" Idaho is known for worldwide. For locals and visitors alike, biting into an Idaho Spud is a super-tasty way to honor Idaho’s rich agricultural legacy!

6. Montana – Huckleberry Licorice

Although a name like Wiley Wallaby has more of an Australian connotation, Montana’s wild huckleberries make this licorice flavor a perfect fit for Big Sky Country. Known for its scenic mountains and vast open landscapes, Montana is one of the few places where huckleberries grow in abundance, and they’re cherished for their uniquely sweet and tart taste.

This huckleberry-flavored licorice captures the spirit of Montana’s rugged terrain and berry-picking tradition. With every chewy bite, you get a taste of the wilderness that defines Montana’s character: sweet, bold, and a just the right amount of wild!

7. Oregon – Martian Poop Marionberry Flavored Soda

Oregon’s unique blend of lush forests, rugged coastlines, and high desert makes it one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S. Known for its quirky and creative spirit, Oregon is also the only place in the world where marionberries are grown, making this Martian Poop Marionberry Soda from Rocket Fizz a perfect fit.

This soda combines the earthy sweetness of marionberries with a fun, offbeat twist that captures both the countryside charm of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and the “Keep Portland Weird” vibe. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind drink for a one-of-a-kind state!

8. Utah – Saltwater Taffy

Although saltwater taffy may evoke memories of coastal boardwalks, Utah has embraced it as a beloved treat, especially in Salt Lake City’s nostalgic candy shops. Home to two of the largest taffy producers – Taffy Town, and Sweet Candy – Salt Lake City has made this chewy, stretchy candy a local favorite, where people appreciate simple, timeless sweets.

While the Beehive State is known for its honey and cherries, the presence of the Great Salt Lake (the Western Hemisphere’s largest inland body of saltwater) makes salt water taffy a fitting tribute to Utah’s unique geography and its love of classic, family-friendly treats.

9. Washington – Caramel Apple Pops

As the top apple-producing state in the U.S., Washington is practically synonymous with apples. To celebrate the Evergreen State’s fruity fame, Caramel Apple Pops from Tootsie Roll are a fitting choice here.

These tangy green apple lollipops coated in caramel bring a taste of Washington’s autumn orchards to candy lovers everywhere. This combination of crisp apple flavor and sweet caramel reflects Washington’s balance of nature and indulgence – a little taste of an apple orchard in every delicious lick.

10. Wyoming – Jackson Hole Snake River Sarsaparilla Soda

Wyoming is a place where the spirit of the Old West is alive and well! Jackson Hole Soda’s Snake River Sarsaparilla takes you straight back to those days of saloons and frontier exploration. With its distinct, herbal taste that’s similar yet subtly different from root beer, sarsaparilla has a flavor all its own – much like Wyoming’s rugged, untamed beauty.

As you take a sip, it’s easy to imagine the dramatic landscapes of Yellowstone National Park, where geysers, bison, and wide-open vistas define the state’s wild character. This soda captures Wyoming’s adventurous spirit, transporting you to the heart of the Equality State’s iconic landscapes with each refreshing sip.

We hope you enjoyed this sweet journey through the Mountain West’s iconic treats! From coast to coast, our State Candy Feature series will continue to spotlight the unique confections that capture the spirit of each region. Stay tuned to our blog as we release new articles each month, showcasing a new set of states and their signature sweets.

At Redstone Foods, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best in candy, snacks, energy drinks, and craft sodas from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for nostalgic classics or the latest candy trends, our vast inventory has something for everyone.

Create an account with us today or give us a call to see why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor – where the sweetest selections are just a click away!

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