Chocolate-covered items are associated with Maine due to the historical prominence of certain local ingredients and the state's rich tradition of local confectioners.
The primary reasons for this association are:
The Needham Candy: The most significant chocolate covered item unique to Maine is the needham a confection bar made from sugar coconut and the distinctive ingredient of mashed potatoes, enrobed in dark chocolate. The potato is a major crop in Maine especially Aroostook County and it's speculated that the ingredient was incorporated into recipes to reduce food waste or as an abundant staple. The candy originated around 1872 and is considered sacred and peculiar to Maine with many local candy shops selling them year round and especially during holidays.