Needhams are a Maine Delicacy I’ve Never Learned to Love

Am I the only one who's never learned to appreciate candy made with potatoes?

There are Plenty of Maine Staples That I Love But Needhams Aren't Among Them

Most Maine favorites are foods I love. I can't get enough lobster, and a whoopie pie is truly one of my favorite treats. And Humpty Dumpty barbecue chips? I can eat a whole bag in one sitting.

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But I've never learned to love Needhams. I still remember the first time I had one. I was an adult, waiting in line at a convenience store, and there was this box of individually wrapped candies. I saw dark chocolate and coconut in the description and I was hooked. When I noticed that the ingredients included potatoes, I hesitated but decided to give it a try.

Needhams Have Three Ingredients I Love, Just Not Together

My friend also grabbed one and polished hers off immediately, while I took an experimental nibble. Dark chocolate...great. Coconut....delicious. Then a second bite. Potato and chocolate. Um. No. Ewww. Really? People eat this stuff?

Now, no offense to people who love Needhams. I assume they're an acquired taste, like Moxie. (which I hated as a child but now absolutely love) Maybe if I ate more of them. Maybe if I had them with Moxie. Maybe...winter in Maine will include bathing suits and 75 degree days. It's just not going to happen.

No Offense to Potato Lovers Because I'm One of You

Don't get me wrong. I love potatoes, especially with butter and sour cream. But in a candy? It just doesn't fit.

The good news is, if you're ever at a gathering with me and the refreshments include those chocolate, coconut, and potato treats, you can have mine. I'll stick to the maple candy and Gifford's ice cream. No potatoes allowed.