Founded by Tara Wright, Yum-Wick® makes completely edible chocolate candles with a patented almond wick that burns like a candle, self-extinguishes, and can be eaten afterward. The Plainview, New York company also applies the innovation to peanut-butter cookie candles made for dogs, while giving a portion of proceeds to local food-pantry programs—a mission it says has supported community meals since 2015.
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The Buckeye LadyPandemic-born and women-owned, The Buckeye Lady handcrafts Ohio’s peanut butter-and-chocolate buckeye candy, including its signature Stuffed Buckeyes in rotating varieties. Founded as a fundraiser for service-industry workers, the Columbus confectioner now honors founder Jeremy’s memory by donating a portion of every sale to area dog rescues and shelters.COLUMBUS, OH
toby barBorn from the post-retirement partnership of two business executives and Airedale enthusiasts, toby bar makes bite-sized milk chocolate bars with a crunchy peanut butter and molasses center in Ohio. The company pairs its candy-making venture with a practical mission: a portion of every sale supports Airedale Terrier Rescue & Adoption, the volunteer organization that has cared for the founders’ beloved breed.NOVELTY, OH
Gertrude Hawk ChocolatesGertrude Hawk Chocolates has been making chocolate and candy in northeastern Pennsylvania since Gertrude Hawk began the business in her Scranton kitchen in 1936. Now based in Dunmore, the company still makes its chocolate centers by hand with copper kettles and marble slabs, while its long-running fundraising programs help schools and community organizations raise money. Its signature Smidgens® and freshly prepared hand-dipped treats carry that family-rooted tradition into stores and gift boxes.DUNMORE, PA
DarkStarForged in Buffalo, DarkStar makes small-batch cannabis chocolate edibles shaped by four generations of family confectionery experience. Its artisan bites use custom cannabinoid blends to pair handcrafted chocolate with moods ranging from daytime focus to nighttime rest.