8 Iconic New England Food Brands

For the Weekends with Yankee episode “Arts & the Sea” (season 4, episode 2), we visited the PEZ factory in Orange, Connecticut, to learn about the history of the famous candies and see how they’re made. Here, we’re sharing a list of eight more celebrated New England food brands. [caption id="attachment_164924" align="aligncenter" width="780"] 8 Iconic New England Food Brands[/caption]

8 Iconic New England Food Brands

B&M

When: 1867 in Portland, Maine What: Canned baked beans and canned brown bread Why: Yes, bread in a can is a real thing, and it’s delicious. For the ultimate authentic New England experience, slice up a loaf of brown bread, toast and butter it, then top with B&M baked beans and grilled hot dogs. Learn More: bmbeans.com

Bell’s

When: 1867 in Boston, Massachusetts What: Savory seasonings, stuffings, and gravies Why: In a nutshell, it’s not a New England Thanksgiving without Bell’s, and the packaging is retro gold.  Learn More: bellsfoods.com [caption id="attachment_15374" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Bell's Seasoning[/caption]

Ben & Jerry’s

When: 1978 in Burlington, Vermont What: Premium, delicious, fair-trade ice cream known for its chunky texture. Why: Ben & Jerry’s pints and scoops might be famous all over the world, but its factory tour, gift shop, ice cream parlor, and “Flavor Graveyard” can be experienced only in Waterbury, Vermont.  Learn More: benjerry.com

Del’s

When: 1948 in Rhode Island What: A “soft frozen lemonade” Rhode Island food truck favorite Why: The ideal summer sipper, a green-and-yellow waxed cup of Del’s is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and refreshing. Learn More: dels.com

Dunkin’ Donuts

When: 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts What: Makers of hot and iced coffees, frozen Coolattas, decadent doughnuts, mini Munchkins, and much, much more. Why: America might now “run on Dunkin’,” but New England got there first, and our love runs a deep orange-pink. Learn More: dunkindonuts.com [caption id="attachment_24973" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Marshmallow Fluff[/caption]

Marshmallow Fluff

When: 1917 in Somerville, Massachusetts What: Sticky, sweet, and deliciously spreadable marshmallow goodness Why: Because there’s nothing like a soft and gooey fluffernutter sandwich (that’s Fluff paired with peanut butter, of course) to make you feel like a kid again. It makes pretty good fudge, too.  Learn More: marshmallowfluff.com

Ocean Spray

When: 1930 in Hanson, Massachusetts What: Fresh cranberries, canned cranberry sauce, and bottled juices, straight from the bog Why: What seasonal fruit is more symbolic of an entire holiday than cranberries at Thanksgiving? Bake the fresh berries into breads, muffins, and pies; use them to make homemade cranberry sauce; or skip the hassle and go straight to the can for neat slices of wobbly cranberry perfection. Learn More: oceanspray.com

Table Talk Pies

When: 1924 in Worcester, Massachusetts What: Makers of dessert pies large and small, they’re especially famous for their tasty 4-inch variety in flavors like blueberry, apple, lemon, chocolate eclair, pineapple, pumpkin, peach, and banana creme. Why: Delicious pies in tasty mini form means you can sample multiple flavors in one sitting without judgment. What’s not to love? Learn More: tabletalkpie.com

See More Great New England Eats: 75 Classic New England Foods