6 Makers Of Tasty Sweet Treats

Whether it's an indulgent dessert or a quick snack, few things hit the spot like a good sugary treat. From old-fashioned candies to modern artisanal creations, there are no shortage of options when it comes to satisfying one's sweet tooth. In no particular order, here are some companies crafting delectable confections that are sure to please kids and adults alike.

Showing up at #1 is LICKALIX, a family-run British company producing handmade, healthy organic popsicles free from lactose, dairy, gluten, and nuts. Made with real whole fruit, its frozen treats come in flavors such as strawberry lemonade, citrus burst, and mango raspberry swirl. The company maintains a commitment to environmental sustainability by using 100% compostable, plastic-free packaging.

LICKALIX popsicles are stocked at hundreds of retailers across the UK and internationally. Customers can find them at locations including Whole Foods, Planet Organic, and Jamie's Italian restaurants. In addition to its family-friendly range of sweets, LICKALIX makes alcoholic popsicles that are available at events during the festival season.

For #2 we get McCrea's Candies. This confection company is headed by chemist Jason McCrea, who embraces the idea that good candy must be made with good ingredients. With an abiding appreciation for natural flavors, he and his team make handcrafted caramels using fresh milk, cream, and butter, along with various salts, spirits, and seasonings.

The aim of McCrea's is to find the perfect combinations of smooth, sweet, fresh, and unexpected caramels using the fewest possible ingredients. Among its flavors are tapped maple, ginger fusion, single malt Scotch, and dark roasted mocha. There are also candies that include Hawaiian black and New England sea salts, as well as ones that use truffle mushrooms and fresh rosemary.

At #3 is Just Born Quality Confections. A third-generation, family-owned candy manufacturer in business since 1923, it produces iconic brands including PEEPS, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales. The company is one of the largest candy producers in the US, employing over 600 associates, most at its world headquarters and factory in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Just Born's most widely known brand, PEEPS Marshmallows come in a wide array of shapes and colors, and feature flavors such as sour watermelon, root beer, and cotton candy. Other offerings from the company include Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, which were once provided by the US military as a WWI ration bar, and Just Born Jelly Beans, predominantly sold in the Northeast during Easter.

For #4 we find Verve, an independent, certified woman-owned business, dedicated to linking world communities and creating environmentally and socially responsible products. Based out of a solar-powered building in Providence, Rhode Island, it produces Glee Gum, a chewing gum made without artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

Absent of popular synthetic ingredients, Glee Gum is made using chicle, a tree sap harvested sustainably from the rainforests of Central America. Flavors include tangerine, cinnamon, spearmint, mixed berry, and several sugar-free options. Additionally, Verve makes Glee Tarts and Gum Pops, as well as Make Your Own Candy Kits, a line of educational activity kits for kids.

Coming in at #5 is PreGel America. The North American subsidiary of Italian company PreGel s.P.A., it's a business-to-business developer, manufacturer, and distributor of authentic, semi-finished dessert ingredients. The group's primary goal is to fulfill the needs of suppliers of gelato, sorbetto, ice cream, specialty beverages, and more.

PreGel's dessert ingredients are made specifically for the creation of authentic Italian artisanal frozen desserts. The company provides bases, stabilizers, texture improvers, and toppings, and offers a host of flavorings such as banana, amaretto, and pomegranate. PreGel also hosts International Training Centers in select US cities, where it teaches aspiring chefs the fine art of crafting specialty artisan sweets.

Finally, for #6 we have La Newyorkina. Founded and owned by pastry chef Fany Gerson, this Mexican sweets company specializes in all-natural, handmade paletas, ice cream, baked goods, and confections. It works closely with farmers in New York to source its organic dairy, seasonal fruits, and herbs, and supports small producers in Mexico by importing non-native ingredients such as Oaxacan chocolate and hibiscus.

La Newyorkina has a brick-and-mortar shop in Manhattan's West Village, as well as several seasonal locations. Among its many sweet offerings are rugelach, babka, and pies. There are also churro ice cream sandwiches, plus dessert specials including sweet empanadas and flan. On top of the regular paletas, customers can purchase mini paletitas in flavors such as mixed berry, mango chile, and cucumber lime.