State Candy Feature: Sweet Treats in the Southeast States!

Welcome to the fourth installment of our State Candy Feature series, where we’re taking a scenic road trip across the United States in search of the sweetest treats the land of the free has to offer! So far, we’ve explored the sweet peaks of the Mountain West states, tamed the treasures of the Southwest and Great Plains states, and savored the sweet treats of the Midwest and Great Lakes states. Now, it’s time to follow the lines going south and experience the irresistible flavors of the Southeast – a region known for its warm hospitality, rich history, and mouthwatering flavors!

From Georgia’s peachy delights to Florida’s citrus-inspired candies and Louisiana’s rich Cajun heritage, the Southeast is a treasure trove of popular candy and timeless family recipes. Each state brings its own unique flair to the table, offering a mix of classic favorites and regional specialties that are sure to capture your imagination (and your sweet tooth).

Whether you’re a devoted candy lover, a curious foodie, or a retailer searching for the best wholesale candies, join us as we explore the must-try sweets that make the Southeast a true candy lover’s paradise!

1. Arkansas: Trü Frü Dried Fruit in Dark Chocolate – Strawberry

Arkansas’ fertile soil produces some of the sweetest strawberries in the country, and what better way to enjoy them than dipped in dark chocolate? The Trü Frü chocolate-dipped, hyper-dried strawberries are a fresh, fruity treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hiking in the Ozarks or enjoying a quiet evening at home, they’re a delicious way to celebrate the Natural State. Plus, they’re a tasty example of how southeast foods can combine natural ingredients with indulgent fruit flavors!

2. Kentucky: Moon Pie

Although the Moon Pie was invented by the Chattanooga Baking Company in Tennessee, the idea for it came from a Kentucky coal miner, who asked a traveling salesman for a sweet treat that was “as big as the moon.”

This iconic snack, with its marshmallow filling and graham cracker crust, has become an iconic symbol of Southern comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying one at a Kentucky Derby party or pairing it with a cold glass of milk, Moon Pies are a nostalgic nod to the sweet traditions of the Bluegrass State!

3. Tennessee: Goo Goo Cluster Supreme Pecan

Tennessee’s Goo Goo Cluster is a true Southern classic and a favorite candy for many. Created in Nashville in 1912, this iconic treat features a mix of caramel, marshmallow nougat, pecans, and milk chocolate. At the time, it was the world’s first combination candy bar, combining multiple elements into a singular treat!

It’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy, just like the heart of the Volunteer State. Whether you’re exploring Music City USA, or relaxing on a Tennessee porch swing, Goo Goo Clusters are a must-have for any candy lover!

4. Louisiana: Asher’s Chocolates – Turtle Fudge

Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage shines in its Turtle Chocolate candies. These decadent treats by Asher’s Chocolates combine creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth milk chocolate fudge, which is a trio as iconic as the holy trinity of Cajun cooking (onions, bell peppers, and celery). Whether you’re strolling through the French Quarter on Mardi Gras, or enjoying a cozy night in, these Turtle Chocolates are a sweet taste of the Pelican State’s indulgent side.

5. Mississippi: Chex Mix – Muddy Buddies

Mississippi is famous for its rich, chocolatey Mississippi mud pie, and Chex Mix Muddy Buddies carry on that deliciously messy tradition in a portable, snackable form! These crunchy, peanut butter-and-chocolate-coated Chex treats are dusted with powdered sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy goodness.

Muddy Buddies are the ideal road trip snack, whether you’re cruising down Highway 90, fishing off the pier, or lounging on the white sands of the Gulf Coast… So, wait a minute… Are we still calling it the Gulf of Mexico? Or is it the Gulf of America now? No matter what you call it, one thing remains the same: Muddy Buddies are a bona fide crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself) as you soak up that warm Southern sun!

6. Alabama: Bali’s Best Tea Candy – Classic Iced Tea

Tea may not have originated in the South, but once folks got their hands on it, (and added plenty of sugar) it became a cultural icon. Alabama’s warm Southern hospitality is perfectly captured in Bali’s Best Tea Candy, made with real tea extract that’s packed with natural antioxidants.

Their Classic Iced Tea candies deliver a refreshing blend of sweet and tangy flavors, just like a tall glass of Southern-style sweet tea on a sweltering summer day. Whether you’re exploring Little River Canyon National Preserve or relaxing on a shady front porch in Birmingham, these candies offer a smooth, satisfying taste of the Yellowhammer State – no ice cubes required!

7. Florida: Key Lime Tea Cookies

Florida’s vibrant citrus groves and tropical beaches inspire some of the most refreshing treats in the Southeast, and J&M Key Lime Cookies are a perfect example! These delicately crafted cookies offer a zesty burst of real key lime flavor, balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Inspired by the Sunshine State’s iconic Key Lime Pie, these cookies are like a mini vacation to the Florida Keys in every bite! Perfect for beach days or poolside snacking, they’re a must-have for any Florida-inspired snack collection.

8. Georgia: Albanese Gummi Peach Rings

Georgia is called The Peach State for a reason… And no, it’s not just because they like slapping peaches on license plates, street signs, and every souvenir imaginable. It’s because nothing beats the sweet, juicy flavor of a perfectly ripe Georgia peach, that is except for maybe, an Albanese Gummi Peach Ring!

These chewy, fruity rings deliver a mouthwatering burst of peachy goodness without all the sticky juice running down your chin. Whether you’re strolling through the Little Five Points neighborhood in Atlanta or kicking back on a porch swing in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Peach Rings are a deliciously fun way to celebrate Georgia’s most famous fruit no slicing, or peeling required!

9. South Carolina: Charleston Chew

Now, we might could be stretching the rules a bit with this one – but hear us out! Charleston Chew wasn’t invented in South Carolina, but it sure does have a name that ties it back to the Palmetto State. Inspired by the wildly popular Charleston dance of the 1920s (which, of course, was named after the historic harbor city of Charleston, SC), this chewy, chocolate-coated vanilla nougat bar has been a nostalgic favorite for over a century.

While it may not have Southern roots, it shares the same timeless charm and indulgent sweetness that defines Lowcountry hospitality. So, whether you're watching the waves roll in at Folly Beach or enjoying a night out on Charleston’s historic cobblestone streets, this treat is a fun way to honor the classic city with every chewy bite!

10. North Carolina: Cheerwine

North Carolina is home to many beloved Southern traditions, and one of the sweetest is Cheerwine, a “Uniquely Southern” cherry-flavored soda that’s been quenching thirsts for over a century. Born in 1917 during a sugar shortage, this fizzy favorite was created with a bold cherry essence that delivered big flavor without needing as much sweetener. The result? A refreshingly unique soft drink that quickly became known as the “Nectar of North Carolina.”

But Cheerwine isn’t just a drink, it’s a piece of Tar Heel State history. Over the years, it has inspired everything from Krispy Kreme doughnuts to ice cream, proving that its one-of-a-kind taste belongs in more than just a glass bottle. Whether you’re enjoying it ice-cold on a hot Carolina afternoon or using it to add a cherry kick to your favorite Southern desserts, Cheerwine is a true taste of North Carolina’s homegrown flavor!

Sweeten Your American Candy Experience with Redstone Foods!

From the peachy perfection of Georgia’s Peach Rings to the indulgent richness of Mississippi’s Muddy Buddies, this journey through the Southeast has been a celebration of the region’s most iconic sweet treats. Each candy tells a story, and we’re here to help you and your customers experience the best of what America has to offer!

At Redstone Foods, we’re proud to bring you a handpicked selection of wholesale candies that capture the spirit of the Southeast. Whether you’re stocking up on bulk candy for your store or curating a lineup of regional favorites, we have the flavors and variety to make your candy offerings stand out. With nearly 60 years of experience in the confectionery industry and a commitment to exceptional customer service, we’re here to help you find exactly what you need to delight your customers.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our vast inventory of over 6,000 unique candy, snack and craft soda products and discover why candy stores across the country trust Redstone Foods to bring the sweetest flavors to their shelves.

Sign up for an account online or give us a call today. You’ll find out why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!

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