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.
8 Iconic New England Food Brands Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
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.comBell’s Seasoning Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
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.comMarshmallow Fluff Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
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
