New to eating gluten free? Or just looking to change it up a bit? Val from Mangiamo Hoboken brings us the latest gluten free goodies and where to purchase them in Hoboken:
Ruth’s Chia Goodness: This is an alternative to breakfast cereal. Made of completely raw ingredients (and is vegan), you just need to add water or almond milk and it’s a completely filling breakfast, snack, etc. I tried the chocolate one and the ingredients are: chia seeds, buckwheat, hemp seeds, organic cacao, raw cacao nibs, dates, almonds, cane juice and celtic sea salt. Other flavors are original, apple almond cinnamon, and cranberry ginger.
Sold at: Shoprite
Ruth’s 100% Raw Chia Goodness
Copra: 100% Raw Coconut Water: I have become such a fan of coconut water. It is a great alternative to energy and sports drinks by replenishing your electrolytes after exercising or even after a night out! This company is based out of Thailand and all the ingredients are raw and come straight from the Thai coconuts.
Sold at: Aspen Market
Copra 100% Raw Coconut Water
Foods by George Gluten Free English Muffin: This company started in 1991 by George, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and began baking gluten free products. Of all the brands of breads I have tried and disliked, this is my favorite. It has the least amount of ingredients and never lacks taste. It is sold in the frozen food section and just needs to be heated, then you can enjoy! Other flavors are
Sold at: Shoprite, Basic Foods, Whole Foods, Wegmans
Foods by George
Natural Nectar: Gluten Free Cracklebred: These “cracklebreds” are some of my gluten free crackers. They are super light and fluffy and delicious. They are paired great with cheeses or just by themselves! Comes in Original, Sun dried Tomato & Oregano, Multigrain.
Sold at: Kings, Shoprite
Natural Nectar Cracklebred
Ci vediamo. Mangia bene, Hoboken!
Want to find more gluten free goodness in Hoboken? Check out Part I and Part II of this series!
A List of Old-Fashioned Candy + Chocolate Shops in Northern New Jersey
For some, taking a quick trip to the nearest convenience store will satisfy that late-night sweet tooth. For others, it’s a craving for the extraordinary taste of handmade chocolates and candies. Luckily, various local shops have been specializing in just that for decades. We’ve compiled a list of these old-fashioned gems located throughout Northern New Jersey. Read on for our favorite candy and chocolate shops in the Northern New Jersey area.
Bromilow’s Chocolates | 350 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park + 891 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell
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Bromilow’s Chocolates is not only a local favorite but was also named a historic landmark by Woodland Park. Bromilow’s has been churning out a selection of homemade candies and chocolates for over 60 years. Upon entry, fill your box with a variety of bite-sized chocolates, truffles, and even sugar-free chocolates from the candy case, or choose from pre-packaged bags and boxes to take home. Bromilow’s also has a second location with more room to shop in West Caldwell.
Read More: A Definitive List of Hoboken Desserts You Must Eat ASAP
Candy Connections | 327 Lakeview Avenue, Clifton
Candy Connections in Clifton is a one-stop-shop for all things candy and baking. The sweet-tooth haven sells Mercken's chocolate, baking supplies, chocolate molds and special holiday treats. The kind staff is also available to guide shoppers through their unique stash of hard-to-find baking items.
Chocolates with Love | 47 Interstate Shopping Center, Ramsey + 68 Ridgefield Avenue, Ridgefield Park
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Jumbo turkeys, Santa Clauses, hearts, jack-o-lanterns, and the Easter Bunny are among the specialty chocolate molds that can be found at Chocolates with Love. For over 40 years, customers have been indulging in homemade chocolates and chocolate-covered goodies. We’re thinking about the white chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate and rainbow sprinkle-covered pretzels, and, of course, the classic chocolate-covered strawberries.
Conrad's Confectionery | 107 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
Conrad's Confectionery has been creating homemade candy since 1928. The long-standing ice cream and candy shop in Westwood is a North Jersey staple with old-school vibes. From holiday specialties like chocolate covered strawberries to mobile sweet treat events, Conrad's is a classic go-to for all of your sugary needs.
Dayton Homemade Chocolates | 1053 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton
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This family-owned and operated business has been serving the Clifton community since 1912. Dayton has assorted boxes of chocolates available for purchase. Gourmet truffles and sugar-free chocolates are other alternatives to try out. For the holiday season, hot cocoa bombs, Santa-shaped chocolates, and peanut butter holiday-shaped chocolates are sold. Dayton’s catalog can be viewed here.
Enjou Chocolat | 8 Dehart Street, Morristown
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Enjou Chocolat is a luxurious chocolate experience in Morristown. The chocolate shop serves up specialty selections such as chocolate covered pretzels, nonpareils, sea salt caramels, and more. In addition, Enjou Chocolat is known for its curated gift baskets and unique molds.
Gary's Sweet Shoppe | 444 West Side Avenue
For over 50 years, Gary's Sweet Shoppe has been an iconic part of Jersey City. The cozy spot serves more than just popular candies too as locals can stop by for coffee quick bites, and other convenience items. The shop is open from 3:30AM to 7PM daily for a candy fix nearly any time of day.
Genevieve’s Chocolates | 174 Ray Street, Garfield
Customers describe Genevieve’s Chocolates as “a chocolate lovers paradise” and home to the best chocolate on the planet. Since its opening in 1944, Genevieve’s has been family-owned and operated, producing the finest handcrafted chocolate. Some of the everyday favorites include chocolate-covered marshmallows, Oreos, and nuts. Celebrate special holidays with loved ones from afar with a gift from Genevieve’s, which can be shipped via USPS between November and May.
Kilwins | 1 Towne Centre Suite #1011, Cliffside Park + 121 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
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Kilwins has been a staple in the ice cream and chocolate game since 1947. The business is rooted in strong family values dating back decades. Now, Kilwins has expanded with locations all over the country serving high-quality ice cream, chocolate creations, and confections.
Krause’s Homemade Candies | 50 Bergen Boulevard, Fairview + 203 McLean Boulevard, Paterson
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Known for its famous chocolate-covered strawberries made fresh daily, Krause’s Homemade Candies has been a staple for the chocolate lover since 1929. Whether for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a simple thank you, Krause’s has everything to make the perfect gift. For those who can’t make it to a store, place orders online throughout the fall and early spring (before it gets too hot) and have them shipped to a loved one… or your front door.
Laurie's Homemade Candies | 600 Berdan Avenue, Wayne
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Laurie Walker’s story began just over fifty years ago when she opened her chocolate store after following her passion in the kitchen and studying candy making. After walking into Laurie’s, the shopper’s senses are bombarded by the chocolate scent in the air and the entire wall of assorted Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors and jelly fruit slices. Laurie’s Homemade Candies can also be found at various retail partners around North and Central Jersey such as Demarest Farms in Hillsdale and Richfield Farms in Clifton.
Lee Sims Chocolates | 743 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City
The family behind Lee Sims Chocolates is now in its fourth generation of ownership and operates from the same storefront where it all started way back when. There is now a factory not too far away from where much of the chocolates are produced. No matter what the occasion or celebration, Lee Sims Chocolates is ready to make all the chocolate treats of your dreams come true. HG pro tip: go for one of the pyramid boxes which has various assortments and try a little bit of everything!
Lepore’s Chocolates | 105 4th Street, Hoboken
Family-owned since 1980, this Hoboken chocolate shop is beloved by both Hudson County residents and people like the Sinatra Family. The owner got his inspiration from traveling and working in Europe, bringing what he learned to Lepore’s. The chocolates are made on-site each day, and the shop has all kinds of custom chocolates, gift baskets, occasion favors, and more to customers.
The Chocolate Nook | 11-11 River Road, Fair Lawn
The Chocolate Nook in Fair Lawn is known for its specialty selection of truffles and custom favors, baskets, and platters. The chocolate-centric business has unique holiday molds for every occasion and even has same-day delivery.
Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road Suite #2, Upper Montclair
Vesta Chocolate is owned and run by hospitality veterans Julia Choi and Roger Rodriguez. The couple uses their food expertise to bring mouth-watering chocolate treats to Montclair. On Vesta’s menu, there are Vesta Bars that come in flavors like matcha, golden latte, and maca ashwaganda. For sweeter cravings, chocolate baked goods are available — ranging from brownies to cookies.
See More: The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Spots in Montclair
Zigarelli Chocolates | 34 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover
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Originally from Belleville, Zigarelli Chocolates has been a family-owned operation for more than 55 years. The Gennarelli family pulls out all the stops for handmade chocolates like chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, truffles, and hazelnut bark. Consider a hot cocoa bomb, which makes for the perfect dessert, especially during these cold winter nights.
