Gourmet News

Vermont Takes Title as Top Candy Store State

Published November 15, 2024

A new study has identified the candy capitals of America, with Vermont claiming the top spot, based on the number of candy stores there.

Price-tracking website Pricelisto analyzed the locations of 23,667 candy stores across the United States and compared them to state populations to find out which states have the most candy stores per 100,000 people.

Vermont has been crowned the candy capital, with 12.2 candy stores per 100,000 residents.

Middlebury Sweets is the largest candy store in the state, located in South Middlebury. It’s home to over 1,500 types of candy, as well as handmade chocolate available on site. The store is also attached to a motel, so candy fanatics can stay overnight for an extended experience.

New Hampshire is second, boasting 10.63 candy stores per 100,000 residents.

The state is home to Chutters, a candy store with the world’s largest candy counter. There are three locations in New Hampshire, but if you want to see the massive 112-ft candy-filled counter for yourself, you’ll need to head to the store in Littleton.

Maine is third, with 9.74 candy stores per 100,000 residents.

Seavey’s Sweets is credited with the original creation of the Needham, a dessert bar made from sugar, chocolate, coconut, and surprisingly, potato. Although the shop is no longer operating, Needhams remain a classic favorite for Mainers.

In fourth is New York, with 9.11 candy stores per 100,000 residents.

After California, New York has the highest number of candy stores out of any state at a whopping 1,782. Economy Candy is New York City’s oldest store, stocking all types of candy, nuts, and dried fruit since 1937.

Rhode Island is fifth, home to 8.94 candy stores per 100,000 residents.

Anchor Toffee, Lolli and Pops, and Candy 4 Pennies are just a few of the highly rated candy stores located in Rhode Island.

New Jersey ranks sixth, with 8.37 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is credited with the creation of Salt Water Taffy, a type of soft and chewy candy, after a boardwalk candy shop supposedly flooded with ocean water in 1883.

Pennsylvania is seventh, with 8.02 candy stores per 100,000 residents. According to oral tradition, the popular candy corn was invented here in the 1880s by candy-maker George Renninger.

A very close eighth is Illinois, with 8.01 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is home to 1,005 candy stores in total, the sixth highest of any state.

Massachusetts is ninth, with 7.54 candy stores per 100,000 residents. One of the biggest stores here is Penny Candy, offering over 1,000 types of candy.

Wisconsin is tenth, with 7.04 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Goody Goody Gumdrop is the largest candy store in the state, found in Wisconsin Dells.

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Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Expands Pet Treat Options

Published November 13, 2024

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a leading name in the U.S. pet service industry, has launched 40+ treat options for pets. The treats, ranging from crunchy chips and jerky to bark-b-q-picks and functional chews, are part of nine distinct expanded product lines that emphasize variety and innovation in what they offer. With a focus on quality and natural ingredients, the new treats were developed in response to passionate customer feedback and demand, reinforcing Woof Gang’s position as the trusted source and best place for treats, as recognized by its customers.

“We believe that all pets deserve treats—and they should be natural, high quality, and delicious,” said Ricardo Azevedo, CEO of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. “From rigorous research and testing to truly taking our customers’ feedback and desires into account, we believe these new products live up to the expectations of pets and pet parents everywhere. The treat line expansion is part of a strategic growth plan to continue providing the best service and selection to our communities across the country.”

As its customers’ trusted source for treats, Woof Gang chose to enhance the treat experience for pets and pet parents, ensuring they would have access to hand-picked treats exclusive to Woof Gang locations. The strategic expansion of the proprietary treat portfolio includes All Natural Biscuits, Crunchy Chips, Crunchy Straws, Turkey Tendons, Jerky Line, Bark-B-Q-Picks, Natural Chews, Functional Treats, and Dental Chews. All 40+ products are made from all-natural ingredients that you can pronounce, free from artificial ingredients and preservatives, and tested by the official Woof Gang family pack of office dogs.

Woof Gang’s proprietary treat launch doesn’t stop there—its ongoing focus on strengthening relationships in the community and making a positive impact is also part of the launch celebrations. The brand partnered with the Pet Alliance, inviting shelter dogs to pick which one of their new Crunchy Chips is their favorite. Turns out dogs love all the new crunchy Chips, check out the video here. The brand will also give away Chicken Chip treats to every pet parent who adopts a dog from Pet Alliance Sanford for the rest of the year.

Meet the nine lines of proprietary Woof Gang treats:

Crunchy Chips – Crispy, Crunchy, oh so Yummy!
- Our fan-favorite Crunchy Chips are made with just one ingredient, naturally air-dried to perfection, delivering an irresistible taste and satisfying crunch. Available in four flavors—Chicken, Turkey, Bully, and Sweet Potato—these treats are a go-to choice for pups who love simple, natural ingredients.
Crunchy Straws – Crispy, Crunchy, oh so Yummy!
- A fun twist on our best-selling Chips! Available in Tuna, Chicken, and Sweet Potato, these straws provide a new, crunchy texture that complements our Chips line. Made with 100% naturally air-dried protein, free from preservatives or artificial ingredients, these treats meet the highest standards of quality. Perfect for dogs craving a variety of flavors and textures!
All Natural Biscuits
- Free from wheat, corn, soy, artificial ingredients, and preservatives, these biscuits are available in an array of 12+ flavors, like Pumpkin Little Bites, and offer savory or sweet options to satisfy any pet craving.
Turkey Tendons
- High in protein and sourced in the U.S., these treats offer a delicious and safe alternative to rawhide and come in four unique shapes and sizes: Full Tendon, Half Tendon, Turkey Rings, and Turkey Bones.
Jerky Line
- Containing no added salt, sugar, or cane molasses, these wholesome rewards are thoughtfully sourced and crafted and are available in MSC-certified Wild-Caught Salmon, USDA Organic Turkey, Chicken, and Beef.
Bark-B-Q-Picks
- These barbecue-flavored goodies are high-protein jerkies crafted using premium-sourced protein and no artificial additives. Each shape and flavor are sure to delight pup taste buds: Chicken flavor in a savory nugget, sizzling Pork flavor in a strip, and juicy Beef flavor in a patty.
Natural Chews
- These are handpicked customer favorites of existing natural chews, packaged up to go. Promoting bone and joint health, skin and coat well-being, and overall dental health, these bagged treats include Chicken Fillets, Bully Sticks, Chicken Feet, and Pig Ears.
Functional Treats
- Specially formulated to elevate well-being, these treats are tailored for pets of all sizes and make the holistic choice for enhanced digestive health, coat shine, and joint mobility with the Digestive, Skin & Coat, and Hip & Joint treat options.
Dental Chews
- Available in two sizes, these treats cater to big and small pups, both enriched with collagen and vitamin C to help maintain dental hygiene by cleaning teeth and freshening breath.

To learn more about Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, visit www.woofgangbakery.com.

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Crave Brothers Family Shares Holiday Recipes

Published November 13, 2024

Cheese Curd Cloud Bites

With the holiday season around the corner, Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese is sharing some time-tested family favorite recipes from the farm to add to your holiday spread. These easy and delicious recipes were handpicked by various generations of the Crave family and each feature one or more of their award-winning cheeses.

Holiday meals offer a chance to enjoy friends and family and celebrate long-standing traditions. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese combines both with their family-owned dairy farm that has a tradition of using farm fresh milk to make cheeses such as fresh mozzarella and mascarpone.

Enjoy some of these farm-to-table favorites of the Crave Family:

Patrick – Cheese Curd Cloud Bites: This classic makes a great holiday appetizer and a gluten-free option for people with dietary restrictions.
Debbie – Shakshouka: An international recipe that has become a family favorite holiday breakfast or brunch with a fresh twist using Crave Brothers Marinated Fresh Mozzarella.
Pumpkin Mascarpone Mini-Trifles

Roseanne – Pumpkin Mascarpone Mini-Trifles: A dessert originally developed for a youth 4-H project that has stood the test of time in the family recipe book.
Mark & Tina – Creamy peanut Toffee Torte: A sweet treat using Crave Mascarpone showing that cheese belongs in every course of the meal.
Beth – Butternut Squash Risotto: Rich and creamy with the perfect flavor profile for fall.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift idea for the cheese lover on your list, Crave Brothers’ offer a variety of gift boxes including a Chocolate Mascarpone Pie Kit, a Mascarpone Caramel Sauce with Candied Pecans gift box and a Crave Cheese Sampler Box. Shipping is available within the United States and gift boxes can be purchased on the Crave Brothers’ website – www.cravecheese.com.

The Crave family farms 2,500 acres of productive land in south-central Wisconsin, growing soybeans, corn and alfalfa to use as nutritious feed for their Holstein cows. From the biodigester to water recovery and recycling, sustainability is top-of-mind on the farm and cheese factory. The Crave Brothers Farm LLC and Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese LLC utilizes sustainable practices in their everyday operations. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese produces Fresh Mozzarella, Mascarpone, Oaxaca, Farmer’s Rope String Cheese and Fresh Cheddar Cheese Curds.

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