Please reach us at explore@thesweeteststate.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! The Sweetest State Confections is proudly woman-owned and operated, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. We run an online shop, partner with local stores and boutiques, and regularly participate in farmers' markets and special events. We take great pride in supporting our community and collaborating with local organizations.
To see where we’ll be next or find a shop near you, visit our Locations page.
Many of our confections contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and/or wheat (gluten). All items are crafted in a North Carolina Department of Agriculture-certified home processor kitchen, using shared equipment and utensils. Because of this, there is a risk of cross-contact, and we cannot guarantee that any product is entirely free from these ingredients.
We want you to feel confident in what you're enjoying- so we’re always happy to answer questions about ingredients. As we continue to develop new creations, we’ll add detailed ingredient information for each item.
We also hand-mix all of our colors using pigments imported from Australia, where food dye regulations are more restrictive. This allows us to work with select, approved ingredients and create our signature vibrant hues.
Our confections are handcrafted in a kitchen that handles dairy, gluten, nuts, and other common allergens. While some of our offerings- like our dark confection base- do not contain dairy ingredients, we cannot guarantee that any product is allergen-free due to the potential for cross-contact.
We do offer a dairy-free dark assortment featuring only our dark base and carefully chosen decorations, the Dairy-Free Dark Collection. If you have any questions about ingredients or are seeking a special option, please feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help guide you toward the best fit for your needs.
A mendiant (men-dee-ahnt, French pronunciation: [mɑ̃.djɑ̃]) is a traditional French confection with a rich history, consisting of a chocolate disk adorned with nuts and dried fruits. The term "mendiant," meaning "beggar," refers to the four mendicant monastic orders that took vows of poverty and begged for charity. Historically, each fruit and nut on the mendiant represents one of these orders and their robe colors: almonds for the Dominicans (white), raisins for the Franciscans (gray), hazelnuts for the Carmelites (brown), and dried figs for the Augustinians (purple). These ingredients not only symbolize the items the monks traditionally begged for but also reflect the colors of the robes worn by each group of friars during the Middle Ages, making each mendiant a tribute to their heritage.
Much like the traditional mendiants that reflect the history and monastic heritage of France, our mendiants are thoughtfully crafted to embody the distinct flavors and unique stories of each state, celebrating their regional tastes and traditions.
Our mendiants are a perfect blend of truffle and bar- crafted in small batches and topped with flavors that reflect regional tastes and seasonal flair. While some toppings and colors may contain preservatives, our custom chocolate compound blends are made without glucose syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or added preservatives.
Because our confections are delicate by design, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place between 55–65°F.
Orders are shipped with insulated liners and cold packs to help prevent melting during transit. If you’re purchasing from a local market, please take similar care when transporting your treats.
For the sweetest experience, we recommend enjoying your confections within 45 days. While they’ll remain safe beyond that, this window offers the best flavor at its peak.
Yes! Our creations are very sensitive to temperature, especially heat, and may soften or “bloom” if exposed to extremes. While it may affect the look, it’s perfectly safe to eat and doesn’t impact flavor.
If your sweets arrived home a little too warm, don’t worry! Just pop the box in the freezer for a few minutes to help everything firm back up. They may not look exactly as we intended, but the flavor journey is still delicious.
To keep your treats looking and tasting their best, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place between 55–65°F.
Did you know? A chocolate bloom is a whitish-grey film or streaks that can discolor or dull the surface of the chocolate. It is very common and is simply the cocoa butter or fat within the chocolate rising to the surface.
You’ll find answers to these questions and more on our Shipping Information page. We encourage you to review the details before placing your order, and we’re always happy to help with any additional questions you may have!
Because our confections are handcrafted perishable treats, we cannot accept returns or exchanges to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality. That said, your satisfaction is important to us, and we’re committed to addressing any concerns promptly. Please reach out right away, and we will work with you to ensure your chocolate journey remains as sweet as possible.
Yes! We would be delighted to be part of your special event. Whether you’re looking for wedding favors inspired by the couple’s home state or custom-tailored gifts for your occasion, we’re here to help make it memorable.
Please reach us at explore@thesweeteststate.com for more information. We are honored to share in your sweet journey!
Yes! We love creating custom gifts for businesses, teams, and events. Whether you're thanking clients or celebrating with your staff, we can include your business logo on our gift tags to make it extra special.
Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the order, but we’re happy to work with you to find an option that fits your needs.
Contact us to explore bulk ordering or corporate gifting opportunities- we’d love to help create something memorable.
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