Merry Christmas ya’ll!
While we love sharing about health foods (and you can look for more in 2015), this is the time of year families love to celebrate with food. So in the spirit of the season, we’re reviewing a traditional American treat that has “quality” written all over it.
Enjoy!
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Mention her name to anyone left of the Sierra Nevada and you’ll liable to cause a stampede.
Her chocolates are gobble-worthy, her bridge mix is all the rage, and even the lollypops qualify for corporate gifting.
(Most of the east coast doesn’t know what they’re missing!)
If you “SEE” the unmistakable black and white retro signage you’ll know you’ve found it. . .
Arguably the greatest candy in the USA. . .
See’s Candy is an American heritage to truly be proud of.
Once you try See’s you’ll never be lost for gift ideas ever again.
The American Tradition: Where It All Began
See’s Candy makes chocolates unlike any other brand, and is THE epitome of quality, refinement, and taste. This kind of legacy doesn’t come out of nowhere.
See’s owes it’s successful founding to the old time recipes of none other than Mary See.
Born in 1854 in Canada, Mary was known for her great candy and great values. When her son landed in L.A. in 1921, it was her recipes and old-timey values that made the company a terrific success here.
As I learned from their great newsletter (which, by the way, sometimes has coupons!), while other candy manufacturers cut corners during the Great Depression to keep profits up, See’s candy never wavered from its values. The founders would rather sacrifice profits or even close up shop than sell inferior product to the people that bought their candy. Either they would make it “right,” or nothing at all.
Although that meant less figurative dough, and sacrificing the bottom line, the strong legacy of integrity has proven to be one of See’s most valuable assets.
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Amidst a rapidly changing world, See’s Candy hasn’t changed much. They’re committed to their founder’s vision and recipes.
Even the iconic sparkling clean white and black kitchen-look we see today (and online!) resembles Mary’s home kitchen.
The Finest American Chocolate and Candies
Today See’s is famous for quality whole ingredients.
Sometimes the words “quality” and “whole” are thrown around too much today. But See’s ACTUALLY uses the best of the best. You can taste it. The nuts are bigger, the creams are “creamier.” Its just real.
See’s built their legacy on the belief that compromise and settling for “second best” was (and is) out of the question.
We the customers notice.
Once you’ve tried See’s (it only takes one) that’s it. You’re spoiled. For good.
Mass-marketed half wax, half high fructose corn syrup “chocolates” just won’t cut it anymore.
See’s Candy may be old fashioned, but their traditional candies have never once gone out of style.
A Healthi-er INDULGENCE!
Ok, so I understand sugar ain’t a health food. I’m under no delusions.
I also can’t vouch for every tid bit ingredient in every recipe on the site, but on the whole See’s does a great job with their ingredient list.
See’s candy is still made with no added preservatives! Their candy features real food ingredients like butter, cream, premium nuts, real fruit and regular sugar. . . just like the original recipes.
It’s why See’s is so beloved by anyone who’s fortunate enough to have tasted one.
If you’re really sticking to your guns or if you have dietary restrictions such as no-soy or dairy or corn. . . just ask for the ingredient list and decide which ones fit within your personal guidelines.
All See’s Candy is gluten free!
Note that See’s hasn’t expanded itself into every grocery shelf in America as other “name brands” have. Most of the tacky brands you see in the grocery store have already compromised their candy with strange substitutions like PRGR, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils (bleck!!!)
Not Sees!
Their impeccable commitment to “Quality Without Compromise®” was always the motto, and continues to drive the company today.
It’s why they ship their chocolates so carefully in insulated packaging and ice during summer months, and demand all retail outlets sell ONLY the freshest chocolates.
You’ll never see a box that’s been sitting. All See’s candy’s come direct from the factories in Los Angeles, and San Fransisco, California and must be sold fresh or not at all. (Check out this little photo tour on Serious Eats/Sweets).
While the lack of retail shops does make it a bit harder to buy on the East Coast, it’s not at all out of reach.
Right now they’re doing $5 flat rate shipping, which is a FANTASTIC DEAL. And if you’re order is over $65, its completely free.
If you want to really give someone a special gift this holiday. . .
See’s Candy is your best choice.
Some say that chocolate is the way to a woman’s heart.
But when they say chocolate. . . I think they really mean See’s.
What do I recommend?
All of it.
No seriously, the basic nuts and chews box is a great value.
Marzipan is also a family tradition for us, but its not for everyone. (Being from Anaheim, its kind of a German thing.)
Within the nuts and chews box, I’m partial to the molasses chips, walnut squares, the pecan bud, and the Rum Nougat. For a few dollars extra, you can make a custom mix and pick out each one!
For those who like truffles, go for the Soft Center box or the Truffle box.
Among them I think the Lemon is a favorite, and anything white chocolate. Those are fantastic. 🙂
They even have awesome stuff under $10, like an entire package of molasses chips, or licorice, lolly pops (great for kids AND adults), toffee, “peanut butter cups,” chocolate covered nuts, peppermints, mini-boxes, candy bars and brittle!
If you’ve never tried See’s though, or can’t decide, you can’t go wrong with the Assorted Chocolates.
It even comes gift wrapped for the holidays!
In fact, every holiday offers different varieties so check back often (especially Easter!) to find new goodies in addition to the classics.
And who knows, maybe you’ll discover that See’s will be your family’s new American made holiday tradition too.
Quality US Products 