State Candy Feature: Midwest & Great Lakes Sweet Treats

Welcome to the third installment of our State Candy Feature series, where we’re unwrapping the sweetest treasures the United States has to offer! So far, we’ve explored the sugary delights of the Mountain West, and indulged in the iconic confections of the Southwest and Great Plains states, now for part three, we are going to turn our attention to the Midwest and Great Lakes states, where rolling farmland, bustling cities, and picturesque lake shores provide the perfect backdrop for some truly memorable sweet treats!

From the chocolate-covered cherries of Michigan to the rich candy history of Illinois, this region is packed with popular candies that reflect the rich heritage, local ingredients, and undeniable charm of America’s heartland. Each state brings its own flavor to the table, offering a mix of timeless classics and unique specialties that are sure to capture your imagination (and your sweet tooth).

Whether you’re a candy enthusiast, a curious foodie, or a retailer looking to stock up on Midwest foods and regional favorites of the Great Lakes, get ready to explore the iconic sweet treats these states have to offer! Let’s dive in and discover what makes these candies so special.

1. Minnesota: Pearson’s Nut Goodie

Minnesota, often called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is a state that’s full of natural beauty, cultural richness, and innovative creativity. Known for its pristine wilderness, vibrant Twin Cities, and a music legacy that includes icons like Bob Dylan and Prince, Minnesota holds a special place in American history and culture.

When it comes to candy, one sweet treat stands out as is Pearson’s Nut Goodie. Created by Pearson’s Candy Company in Saint Paul, this classic confection has been delighting candy lovers since its debut in 1912. Each Nut Goodie is a delightful cluster of real milk chocolate and roasted peanuts, surrounding a luscious maple nougat center. With its rich, indulgent flavor and satisfying texture, it’s no surprise this candy has remained a regional favorite for over a century.

Whether you're exploring Minnesota’s endless lakes or strolling the vibrant cityscape of the Twin Cities, the Nut Goodie is the perfect companion for a sweet taste of the state’s charm and history!

2. Wisconsin: Cow Tails Strawberry Smoothie

Wisconsin, famously known as “America’s Dairyland,” is a state synonymous with cheese, milk, and all things dairy. From rolling farmland to some iconic cheese curds, this Midwestern gem is a haven for dairy lovers. And what better way to honor its bovine legacy than with a sweet treat that’s udder-ly delicious?

That’s why for The Badger State we’ve chosen Cow Tales Strawberry Smoothie – a playful candy that brings together the creamy charm of Wisconsin’s dairy heritage with the fruity sweetness of strawberry. Made by Goetze Candy, who’ve been crafting delicious caramels since 1918, this delightful treat reimagines their signature Caramel Cream in a fun, stick-shaped format. The Strawberry Smoothie flavor adds a sMOOth twist (pun intended!) that’s a perfectly lighthearted nod to Wisconsin’s agricultural pride.

3. Illinois: Snickers Candy Bar

Chicago, Illinois has been famously dubbed “the Candy Capital of the World.” With confectionery giants like Wrigley and Mars Inc. calling it home, and countless iconic candies originating from this bustling city, it’s no wonder the Windy City holds such a sweet title. From chewing gum to chocolate bars, the Prairie State’s sugary history actually made it really difficult to choose just one treat to represent the Land of Lincoln!

But when it comes to candy royalty, few products can top the Snickers bar. Created by Mars Inc. in 1930, this legendary candy bar is a perfect blend of milk chocolate, nougat, caramel, and peanuts. Not only is Snickers one of the most popular candy bars in the world, but it also embodies the bold, innovative spirit of Illinois' candy-making legacy.

Whether you're strolling along Chicago’s Navy Pier, exploring Lincoln's historic sites, or simply enjoying a snack break, Snickers is the ultimate pick-me-up. Packed with flavor and a satisfying crunch, the Snickers bar is a true Illinois original that has definitely withstood the test of time.

4. Indiana: Albanese Gummi Bears

Indiana isn’t just known for its legendary motor speedways and sprawling farmland – it’s also home to Albanese Confectionery, which makes some of the finest gummy candies in the world! Located in Merrillville, Indiana, Albanese has perfected the art of crafting high-quality confections that have earned them plenty of fans far beyond the Hoosier State.

Their 12 Flavor Gummi Bears are a testament to their dedication to quality and innovation. Bursting with a medley of fruit flavors like cherry, pink grapefruit, mango, and blue raspberry, these gummies are as vibrant in taste as they are in color. Made from carefully honed family recipes, each gummi bear offers a soft, chewy texture and pure sweetness that lingers with every bite.

Not only are these treats irresistibly delicious, but they’re also fat-free and gluten-free, making them a guilt-free indulgence for kids and adults alike. Indiana’s penchant for quality shines brightly in every bag of Albanese Gummi Bears, solidifying the state’s place on the candy map.

5. Michigan: Faygo Grape Soda

When it comes to iconic Michigan-made beverages, Faygo Grape Soda stands in a league of its own. Founded in Detroit in 1907, Faygo has been crafting delicious sodas for over 100 years, becoming a beloved staple of the Great Lakes region and beyond.

What sets Faygo apart is its commitment to quality and tradition. Still made in Detroit to this day, each bottle is crafted with 100% pure cane sugar, giving it that classic, satisfying sweetness that has stood the test of time. Faygo Grape Soda is a fan favorite, offering a bold, fruity flavor that’s as timeless as the brand itself. Michigan’s contribution to the world of sweet treats doesn’t get much better than this fizzy classic!

6. Missouri: SweeTARTS

Missouri is home to a legacy of candy innovation, thanks in part to Menlo Smith, a St. Louis candy magnate often likened to a real-life Willy Wonka. In 1952, Smith founded what would become the Sunmark Corporation, a company that introduced some of America’s most beloved treats. Among their iconic creations are Fun Dip, Pixy Stix, Sprees, Nerds, and the wildly popular candy, SweeTARTS.

SweeTARTS quickly became a standout with their perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making them a favorite for candy lovers across generations. Originally designed as a less messy version of Pixy Stix, SweeTARTS soon carved out their own identity and have remained a timeless treat ever since.

With its rich history of confectionery creativity, Missouri has firmly established itself as a candy powerhouse in the United States. And with every bite of SweeTARTS, you’re enjoying a little piece of that sweet, tangy St. Louis legacy.

7. Ohio: Life Savers

If you’re spending a hot summer day on Ohio’s north shore of Lake Erie, you might find yourself in need of a sweet flotation device – of course we’re talking about the sweet treat born in the Buckeye State: Life Savers!

This iconic hard candy, known for its signature ring shape, was invented in 1912 by Ohioan Clarence A. Crane. A chocolate maker by trade, Crane wanted to create a candy that could withstand the summer heat without melting, and the result was Pep-O-Mint Life Savers, a treat as practical as it was delicious!

Originally marketed as “summer candy,” Life Savers quickly became a household favorite, eventually offering the refreshing fruit flavors in 1921. From its humble beginnings in Cleveland to its worldwide fame today, this timeless confection is a testament to Ohio’s knack for sweet innovation.

8. West Virginia: Kimmie Black Coal Choco Rocks

West Virginia is well-known for its rugged Appalachian Mountains and its pivotal role in the coal industry. In fact, it’s often referred to as the "Mountain State," thanks to its towering peaks and rich mining heritage.

To celebrate this legacy, we’re spotlighting Kimmie Candy Black Coal Choco Rocks, a deliciously sweet nod to West Virginia’s roots. These bite-sized treats look like little pieces of coal but are actually made from candy-coated chocolate candy, proof that even the toughest of rocks can have a sweet side! Perfect for novelty stocking-stuffers, Kimmie Choco Rocks are way better than normal rocks, because they’re made out of chocolate!

9. Pennsylvania: Hershey Bar

Speaking of chocolate, Pennsylvania is home to perhaps the most iconic milk chocolate candy bars of all time: the Hershey Bar. The Keystone State was another obvious, (yet extremely difficult) choice as they are home to numerous favorite candy brands such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twizzlers, Kit Kat, Peeps, York Peppermint Patties, Carmello, Rolo, Clark Bars, Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, Zagnut, and countless other popular candy products.

But Hershey’s takes the cake in Pennsylvania. In fact, the company was so committed to the sweet life that it built its own town, named after Milton S. Hershey in 1903. The Hershey Bar is as iconic as a candy bar can be – its smooth signature milk chocolate has been a taste of nostalgia for candy lovers across generations.

Not only did Hershey pioneer the art of creating a perfect milk chocolate bar, but it also created a legacy that has shaped the landscape of American candy culture. Whether you're nibbling on a classic Hershey Bar or indulging in one of the many variations, each bite carries with it the sweet history of a company that turned a simple chocolate treat into an everlasting symbol of Americana.

10. New York: Tootsie Roll Mega Super Tube

New York is the birthplace of many iconic American creations, and one of the most beloved is the Tootsie Roll, the chocolate chew that was invented by Leo Hirschfeld in Brooklyn in 1896. While the classic treat put American candy makers on the map, the Tootsie Roll Mega Super Tube takes this iconic candy to great new heights – quite literally! Standing at two feet tall, this oversized tube of Tootsie Rolls is as big as the Big Apple itself, with a flavor that's as timeless as New York City.

Just like the towering skyscrapers that line the Manhattan skyline, the Mega Super Tube represents the larger-than-life spirit of the big city. Whether you're in the heart of the hustle and bustle of NYC or indulging from the comfort of your home, this giant treat is a reminder of how sweet American ingenuity can be. It's a candy experience as grand as the city it came from – bold, unforgettable, and neverendingly sweet.

Explore More with Redstone Foods!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this sweet journey through the Midwest and Great Lakes states, where every candy tells a unique story about the flavors, culture, and history of the region. From the sweetly-satisfying Pearson’s Nut Goodie of Minnesota, to the giant Tootsie Roll Mega Super Tube for New York, these treats are as diverse and rich as the American heartland itself.

At Redstone Foods, we’re excited to offer you 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 retail 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.

Check back soon for more from our State Candy Feature series as we’ll continue to explore the sweetest parts of America. In the meantime, dive into our vast inventory, sign up for an account online, or give us a call to experience why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!

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