A Legacy of Quality and Core Ingredients
For over a century, See's Candies has built a reputation on using high-quality ingredients, from premium cocoa to fresh dairy. While the specific recipe varies for each type of candy, some core ingredients form the foundation of most of their confections. These include sugar, milk, cream, and butter, which provide the rich, classic flavor base. The chocolate itself comes in various forms, such as milk and dark chocolate, with the dark chocolate bar, for instance, being made from sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, and soy lecithin. The milk chocolate variant is composed of sugar, cocoa butter, milk, chocolate, and soy lecithin, as well as an artificial flavor called vanillin.
Milk Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate Ingredients
Understanding the differences in base ingredients is crucial for discerning the flavor and nutritional profile of See's chocolate. The primary distinction lies in the presence of milk and cream in milk chocolate, which is omitted in the dark chocolate recipes. Dark chocolate, in its purest form, relies more heavily on the richness of cocoa butter and chocolate liquor.
| Ingredient | See's Candies Milk Chocolate | See's Candies Dark Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Yes | Yes |
| Cocoa Butter | Yes | Yes |
| Chocolate | Yes | Yes |
| Milk | Yes | No |
| Cream | Often (in assorted) | Sometimes (in truffles) |
| Soy Lecithin | Yes | Yes |
| Vanillin | Yes | Yes (in classic bar) |
| Milk Fat/Butter | Often (in assorted) | Yes (in classic bar) |
Popular Candy Ingredients and Fillings
Many of See's signature candies feature unique combinations of ingredients for their distinct fillings and textures. A classic example is the Toffee-ettes®, which are made with sugar, almonds, butter, cocoa butter, and milk. The recipe also includes salt, soy lecithin, and artificial vanillin for flavor. Another popular product, peanut brittle, contains peanuts, sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt, and baking soda.
Fillings for assorted chocolates also contain an array of ingredients to create their signature tastes:
- Caramel: Often includes sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter.
- Nut Centers: Contain various nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews.
- Cream Centers (like Bordeaux™ Pecan): Feature rich, buttery fillings often made with sugar, cream, butter, and nuts.
- Fudge: Crafted with ingredients like sugar, cream, butter, and walnuts or pecans, depending on the flavor.
The Role of Additives and Flavors
Beyond the primary components, See's utilizes several other ingredients to perfect its products. Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier used to create a smooth, consistent texture in the chocolate. Vanillin, an artificial flavor, is also frequently included to enhance the flavor profile. While the company emphasizes its commitment to quality, some products, particularly certain assorted varieties, may contain natural and artificial flavors and even food colorings like Red 40. It is important to note that many ingredients, like corn syrup and soy lecithin, are flagged by groups like the EWG as having some level of concern, primarily regarding processing and sugar content.
Allergens and Cross-Contamination
For those with allergies, understanding the production environment is as important as the ingredient list. See's Candies provides detailed allergen information, which is crucial given their diverse product lines. Their facilities process products containing tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, coconut), peanuts, soy, milk, and eggs. This means that while some products may not have these ingredients in their recipe, cross-contamination is a possibility. The company explicitly states that candies produced in their own facilities do not contain gluten, with limited exceptions for certain specialty candies purchased from third-party manufacturers.
Ingredient Sourcing and Quality
See's maintains that its ingredients are sourced for quality, a policy it has upheld for over a hundred years, even during times of rationing. However, like many food producers, the company uses ingredients like corn syrup and non-organic dairy, which are standard in mass-market confections. The use of “natural and artificial flavors” also indicates that while quality is a focus, the ingredients are not exclusively all-natural across the board, particularly in assorted boxes.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in See's Candies are built upon a foundation of classic, rich confectionery components like sugar, cream, butter, and quality chocolate. Specific items are then differentiated with the addition of nuts, fruit purees, and other flavorings, sometimes including artificial ones like vanillin. While the company maintains a high standard for its products, it's essential for consumers to check individual ingredient labels, especially due to the wide range of fillings and the potential for cross-contamination with common allergens like nuts and dairy. For the most up-to-date allergen details, always consult the official See's Candies Allergen Information page.
