Cocomels

When my daughter was little, I would tell her stories that always had some kind of candy theme involved – chocolate rivers, caramel waterfalls, bedroom walls covered with edible 3-D wallpaper, red licorice tunnels, coconut snowballs – because I never outgrew my love for sweets or my interest in talking about candy. The possibilities were endless and I was never at a loss for words when it came to confections. At this stage in my life, it’s safe to conclude that I’ve tasted a lot of candy so it’s not often that a new sweet comes along and blows me away but this past week one did and they are called Cocomels.

A Cocomel is a coconut milk caramel made with four ingredients: coconut milk, organic brown rice syrup, organic evaporated cane juice, and salt – that results in a smooth, chewy caramel with a hint of coconut. Rich coconut cream is used instead of dairy fat (butter and cream) which makes the Cocomel a natural, creamy, and decadent artisanal treat with a delicious and unique flavor. All natural, dairy free, gluten-free, GMO free and vegan, Cocomels are worthy of a new candy category.

The genius behind the Cocomel is a self-described kooky Willy Wonka-ish candy man named JJ Rademaeker who goes by JJ. As Chief Candyman and Founder of JJ’s Sweets, JJ created the first Cocomel in 2010 in Boulder, Colorado where the company is based.  The company’s motto is “when you eat sugar, you should eat it in moderation and in the form of special treats that really deliver” and the Cocomel really delivers on flavor and texture. A premium product made with natural and organic ingredients, Cocomels are made in small batches in copper kettles and wrapped by machine to resemble a single serving piece of taffy.

Cocomels come in four flavors: original, vanilla (with vanilla extract), sea salt, and java (with organic espresso roasted coffee). The “flagship” box of each flavor contains approximately 12 Cocomels (3.75 ounces) and retails for approximately $9. Cocomels are not cheap, sugary treats made with additives, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Instead, the Cocomel is a “high quality, unique, and transcendent sweet that should be cherished and shared.”  The price reflects the quality of the ingredients and JJ’s commitment to pay fair wages to his employees at his Colorado based candy company.

Available at more than 150 retail locations in Colorado and California, Cocomels can also be purchased on-line directly through the company’s website (listed below).

JJ’s Sweets
PO Box 3312
Boulder, Colorado  80307
303-800-6492
jjssweets.com