Vermont is known for producing some iconic candies that have become beloved regional treats. The state’s cold winters and dairy-rich agriculture make it well-suited for candy production. Let’s explore some of the most popular candies that Vermont is famous for.
Maple Candy
One of the candies Vermont is best known for is maple candy. With Vermont producing more maple syrup than any other state, it’s no surprise that maple candy is a specialty here. Maple candy is made by boiling pure maple syrup to a concentrated point where it crystallizes into maple sugar. This maple sugar is then poured into candy molds or formed into maple candy flakes. The end result is a sweet, distinctive candy that showcases maple’s rich flavor. Maple candy has been produced in Vermont for well over a century and is a iconic part of Vermont’s maple tradition.
Types of Maple Candy
There are a few main types of maple candy made in Vermont:
- Maple sugar candy – Formed into lollipops, bars, or individually wrapped pieces
- Maple cream or maple butter – A spreadable maple candy with a smooth, creamy texture
- Maple candy flakes – The crystallized maple sugar poured into thin flakes
- Maple candy coated nuts – Pecans, walnuts, or almonds coated in maple syrup then toasted
Popular Maple Candy Brands
Some of the most popular maple candy brands from Vermont include:
- Butternut Mountain Farm – Known for their maple walnut fudge and maple candy coated nuts
- Bascom Maple Farms – Produces a wide variety of maple candies including maple cream and gift baskets
- Morsel Munk – Specializes in unique flavored maple candies like cappuccino and cinnamon
- Wilcox Maple – Old school maple candy and sugar produced in a traditional way
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Another renowned confection from Vermont is the chocolate produced by Lake Champlain Chocolates. Founded in 1983 in Burlington, Vermont, Lake Champlain Chocolates makes gourmet chocolates, truffles, and specialty chocolate candies. They use only the finest ingredients like Madagascar vanilla, fresh cream, and butter to create premium chocolates. Some of their signature candies include:
- Five Star Bars – Chocolate bars with unique fillings like cherry almond and raspberry ganache
- Chocolate-dipped berries – Strawberries and raspberries coated in chocolate
- Truffle Boxes – Assorted truffles in flavors like cranberry cabernet and peanut butter seasalt caramel
- Creme Brulee Eggs – Eggs made with French creme brulee-infused milk chocolate
Lake Champlain Chocolates has won numerous international chocolate awards and makes for great edible souvenirs from Vermont.
Morsel Munk
Morsel Munk, located in the Mad River Valley of Vermont, has been making specialty chocolates and candies for over 30 years. They are known for their innovative candy flavors that combine chocolate with Vermont’s iconic maple syrup. Some of their inventive candies include:
- Maple Creamsicles – Maple syrup blended with vanilla fondant and dipped in chocolate.
- Maple Caramels – Soft caramels flavored with maple syrup.
- Maple Almond Bark – Dark chocolate, maple syrup, and almonds.
- Maple Sugar Spoons – Pure Vermont maple sugar molded into spoon shapes
Morsel Munk uses whimsical designs and fun candy shapes to make their chocolates into works of art. Their creatively flavored and designed candies make for a unique Vermont food gift.
Perry’s Nut House
Perry’s Nut House located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont has been family-owned for over 90 years. They are best known for their nutty confections, with a huge selection of maple candies and brittles. Some of their specialties include:
- Maple Walnut Brittle – Shards of buttery brittle chock full of Vermont walnuts and pure maple syrup.
- Maple Peanut Brittle – Their classic peanut brittle recipe enhanced with maple sweetness.
- Maple Almond Brittle – Slivers of almond set in crispy maple-laced brittle.
In addition to brittles, they make maple cream fudge, candied walnuts, chocolate-drizzled popcorn, and more. Perry’s Nut House uses old-fashioned recipes and quality ingredients to handcraft each batch.
Sweet Maple Fudge
Located in Barre, Vermont, Sweet Maple Fudge continues Vermont’s tradition of outstanding fudge. Their fudge is naturally flavored with real Vermont maple syrup and cream. Sweet Maple Fudge offers both traditional and unique fudge flavors including:
- Maple Walnut Fudge – Classic fudge with crunchy toasted walnuts
- Chocolate Maple Cream Fudge – Rich chocolate fudge swirled with maple cream
- Pumpkin Maple Fudge – Smooth maple fudge with pumpkin pie spices
In addition to maple fudge, they make chocolate, peanut butter, and other flavored fudges. Sweet Maple Fudge handcrafts their fudge in small batches and focuses on quality ingredients for great taste.
Wilcox Maple Products
Wilcox Maple Products is a family-owned sugarhouse operating since 1888. They produce pure Vermont maple syrup and traditional maple candies using old fashioned methods. Some of their signature maple candies include:
- Maple Leaf Candy – Formed into the iconic maple leaf shape
- Maple Candy Hearts – Heart-shaped pieces of crispy maple sugar candy
- Maple Candy Sticks – Pure maple candy hand pulled into sticks
In addition to the maple candies, they make maple cream fudge, maple nut brittle, and more. Wilcox Maple Products uses the finest Vermont maple syrup to handcraft authentic maple confections.
Candy Made from Other Vermont Ingredients
In addition to maple and chocolate, some candies showcase other iconic Vermont foods like:
- Milk & Fruit Confections – Caramels, chocolates, and other candies flavored with local fruit jams, cider, and dairy milk or cream.
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Originally founded and produced in Vermont, many shops sell pints of Ben & Jerry’s.
- Cabot Cheese Chews – Chewy candy made by Cabot Creamery flavored like their famous cheddar cheese.
- Heady Topper Beer Brittle – Brittle made with Heady Topper beer that originated in Vermont.
Where to Find Vermont Candies
You can find Vermont candies at the following places:
- Gift shops and country stores – Many shops around the state sell an assortment of Vermont candies.
- Statewide retailers – Some grocers and general goods stores have sections dedicated to local Vermont products including candy.
- Factory tours and stores – Take a tour or shop right at the source, like at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
- Farmers markets – Products from small batch candy producers are often sold at markets.
- Online – Candy makers offer online ordering and countrywide shipping.
Fun Facts About Vermont Candy
- Vermont produces about 40% of all maple syrup produced in the United States.
- Morsel Munk was one of the first to blend maple and chocolate candies starting in the 1980s.
- Lake Champlain Chocolates uses solar power and green energy sources to produce their chocolates.
- Perry’s Nut House still uses the original recipe for their famous peanut brittle from over 90 years ago.
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Creamery was founded in Burlington, Vermont in 1978.
Conclusion
Vermont’s natural resources like dairy, maple, fruits, and nuts allow it to produce some of the country’s finest candies. Sweet maple treats, chocolate delights, nutty brittles, and fruit confections are quintessential Vermont candies. Brands like Lake Champlain Chocolates, Morsel Munk, and Wilcox Maple Products exemplify Vermont candy at its best. When visiting Vermont, be sure to take home some of these tasty confections as edible souvenirs and a sweet taste of Vermont.
