Source: 10+ years bulk candy sales data from CandyStore.com.
Buttered Popcorn
(Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas)
Drum roll, please. The most popular jelly bean flavor in the country is buttered popcorn! It’s the best-selling flavor in a total of 10 states, including California, New York and Texas. This will be sure to raise eyebrows for some (myself included), but buttered popcorn was also the most popular Jelly Belly flavor back in 1998.
For more buttered popcorn goodness, check out the best brands of microwave popcorn.
Black Licorice
(Alaska, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee)
This controversial flavor was one of the original eight jelly bean flavors that Jelly Belly debuted in 1976, and shockingly, sits pretty as the second-best flavor overall in the country. The folks who buy black licorice-flavored beans more than any other flavor live in Alaska, Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota and Tennessee.
Cinnamon
(Delaware, Kansas, Nevada, Virginia, Wyoming)
The sweet-and-spicy punch of cinnamon makes it amazing to bake with (here are our go-to cinnamon recipes) and it happens to make for a killer jelly bean flavor, too. The cinnamon beans seem to resonate with a lot of people—especially if they’re from Delaware, Kansas, Nevada, Virginia or Wyoming.
Here are 10 candy-coated secrets from the Jelly Belly warehouse.
Watermelon
(Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin)
Watermelon is grown in Southern states like Alabama and Florida thanks to hot weather all year long—so it only makes sense that watermelon is the best-selling flavor in those spots. But Hawaii, Oregon and Wisconsin love the watermelon-flavored beans, too.
Watermelon Recipes to Help You Stay Cool
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Frosty Watermelon Ice
For a different way to serve watermelon, try this make-ahead frozen dessert. It's so refreshing on a summer day...and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Cool and Creamy Watermelon Pie
This simple pie is so refreshing that it never lasts long on warm summer days. Watermelon and a few convenience items make it a delightful dessert that doesn't take much effort. —Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois
Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon Kabobs
My three sons can polish off a watermelon in one sitting. Before they dig in, I set aside a few slices to make these zesty shrimp kabobs. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Tangy Watermelon Salad
The refreshing blend of watermelon, red onions and a splash of citrus always does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors have a chance to blend, and I use the rind as a colorful serving bowl. If you're short on time, simply substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. —Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma
Juicy Watermelon Salad
This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer Salsa
The first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon go with the peppery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Watermelon and Spinach Salad
Summer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mojito Marinated Fruit
All the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you’ll want to sip the luscious syrup! —Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Strawberry Watermelon Slush
We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Yellow Squash & Watermelon Salad
I always like to bring this to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate having a healthy option. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Watermelon Gazpacho
This is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve as a side or with pita and hummus for a meal. It’s so refreshing—guests will love it. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, Tennessee
Spicy Watermelon Salsa
I threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the first bite. You can serve it right away but the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup
This is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I slightly tweaked their recipe to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Melon-Berry Salad
The best way to cool down on a warm day is a chilled fruit salad. Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad, otherwise the toasted coconut will get soggy. —Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Watermelon Cups
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Watermelon Chocolate Chip Sorbet
Summertime and watermelon go hand in hand. My melon sorbet is fresh, fruity and without the gluten and eggs you get in many other frozen desserts. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts
These fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens.—Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Watermelon Feta Flag Salad
Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
Watermelon Vodka Sorbet
This icy granita is a cooling delight on a hot summer day. This is an adults only goody. You can use watermelon vodka for plain vodka if you like. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Watermelon Spritzer
It couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! “Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cherry
(Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, D.C.)
Cherry is a simple flavor that’s perfect for everything from dump cake to cobbler. It turns out that cherry jelly beans are taking a break from their longstanding role as the most popular Jelly Belly jelly bean flavor, as this crowd-pleasing bean is now the best-selling flavor in only a handful of states.
Juicy Pear
(New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington)
It’s the hit-or-miss flavor of the jelly bean world. I would say that juicy pear-flavored jelly beans do a pretty good job of tasting just like the actual fruit, while still providing a satisfying burst of sugary sweetness.
Orange
(Idaho, Maryland)
You might be surprsied to hear that fruit-flavored jelly beans aren’t in high demand this year. But orange, however, makes its way to the top of the list for two states on opposite ends of the country, Maryland and Idaho.
Our Most Irresistible Orange Recipes
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Orange Cheesecake Breakfast Rolls
These yummy rolls are a nice change of pace from the typical brown sugar and cinnamon kind. They make a nice treat for breakfast or brunch. — Hannah Cobb, Owings Mills, Maryland
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Orange Spritz Cookies
Brown sugar gives these spritz cookies a lovely light caramel tint. This variation has a rich buttery shortbread taste and texture with a hint of orange flavor. They are a delightful addition to my holiday cookie tray. -Sean Fleming, St. Charles, Illinois
Roasted Citrus & Herb Turkey
Thanksgiving has never been the same since I tried this recipe. I have made it for the past three years, and it never fails to impress both in presentation and taste. This is a true showstopper! —Nancy M. Niemerg, Dieterich, Illinois
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Coming from Oregon, a state famous for its cranberries, this bread is a given at our house. Each fall my husband and I scrounge around for walnuts to go in it. It's a regular on our table, and not just at Thanksgiving. I freeze the berries so I have a ready supply all year long. —Elaine Kremenak, Grants Pass, Oregon
Orange Ricotta Pancakes
These popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska
Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub and a glaze sparked with orange juice are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Pineapple Orange Cake
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
Orange-Glazed Pork with Sweet Potatoes
When it's chilly outside, I like to roast pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes, apples and an orange. The sweetness and spices make any evening cozy. —Danielle Boyles, Sparta, Wisconsin
Creamy Orange Caramels
Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Tilapia with Citrus Sauce
The lemon, lime and orange sauce adds zest to this flaky, delicate-flavored fish. —Francis Garland, Anniston, Alabama
Florida Citrus Meringue Pie
Why limit a great dessert to just one kind of citrus fruit? Thanks to orange and lemon, this lovely pie packs a bold sweet-tart flavor! —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Cranberry Orange Scones
Moist and scrumptious, these scones come out perfect every time. I savor the chewy dried cranberries and sweet orange glaze. There's nothing better than serving these remarkable scones warm with the delicate orange butter. —Karen McBride, Indianapolis, Indiana
Lemon Orange Cake
I like to bake this lovely three-layer cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn't any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Honey-Orange Broccoli Slaw
When you need coleslaw quickly, here's a great choice. Hints of honey and citrus make it special. —Debbie Cassar, Rockford, Michigan
Orange Buttermilk Cupcakes
These delightful little cupcakes have wonderful old-fashioned taste without all the fat and calories. And the creamy orange glaze will keep the kids coming back for more.—Kim Chester, Cartersville, Georgia
White Chocolate Fruit Tart
It takes a little time to make, but this tart is absolutely marvelous, especially in summer when fresh fruit is in abundance. —Claire Darby, New Castle, Delaware
Crispy Orange Chicken
These tangy Asian-inspired nuggets go a long way. We eat them over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Salty pretzels pair nicely with sweet oranges in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that's a slam dunk at Thanksgiving and fall potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Orange Appeal
Oranges add color and great taste to winter meals! This dish looks very bright and appealing served in a glass bowl, and it's a light and easy dessert to finish off a hearty holiday meal. As far as I'm concerned, the citrusy aroma of oranges is a must at Christmas time! —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
Scallops with Chipotle-Orange Sauce
Kindle cozy conversation with these tender scallops in a spicy sauce. It’s a surefire recipe for warming up a twosome in no time! —Jan Justice, Catlettsburg, Kentucky
Jazzy Gelatin
Finish things off with a bang with this colorful gelatin garnished with a chorus of fresh grapes. Chock-full of mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple, it's so refreshing that guests won't be able to refrain from seconds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pork Chops with Glaze
Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Chilled Fruit Cups
This refreshing frozen salad is easy to assemble ahead and serve to a group at breakfast - or any time of day. It's a convenient and colorful addition to a holiday buffet. —Andrea Hawthorne, Mozeman, Montana
Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa
My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan
Orange Crispies
When I want to drop a little sunshine into my cookie jar, I bake up a double batch of these citrusy and sweet treats. —Ruth Gladstone, Brunswick, Maryland
Cranberry Orange Pancakes
As special as the holidays, these fluffy pancakes are drop-dead gorgeous, ready in just minutes and brimming with sweet, tart and tangy flavor. Seconds, anyone? —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Curried Pork & Orange Kabobs
I love the sweet flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summer when they are inexpensive and plentiful, plus I think they taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario
Arctic Orange Pie
This frosty orange pie is so easy to make. I have tried lemonade, mango and pineapple juice concentrates instead of orange, and my family loves each one. —Marie Przepierski, Erie, Pennsylvania
Orange Lemonade
This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
Cran-Orange Icebox Cookies
These are a favorite cookie of my family around Christmas. The cran-orange flavor makes them special. —Nancy Rollag, Kewaskum, Wisconsin
Citrus Scallops
My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio
Double Orange Cookies
I serve these nutritious, tasty cookies to my husband and our four children. Also, because my husband is a minister, I often cook for guests in our home. —Pamela Kinney, Irving, Texas
White Chocolate Brie Cups
Try these unique little tarts as an appetizer before a special meal, or save them for a surprisingly different dinner finale. They’re sweet, creamy and crunchy—and very addictive! —Angela Vitale, Delaware, Ohio
Happy Orange Turkey
Here’s the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Champagne and oranges flavor this special bird that will become one of your favorite turkey recipes ever. —Tara Baier, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Orange & Lemon Wafer Cookies
These light citrus cookies go so well with a cup of coffee or tea after a heavy holiday meal. —JoAnn Belack, Bradenton, Florida
Grandmother's Orange Salad
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to appetites of all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Orange Dream Mini Cupcakes
The bright taste of these cute cupcakes reminds me and my friends of orange-and-vanilla frozen treats. —Jen Shepherd, St. Peters, Missouri
Rustic Cranberry & Orange Bread
Studded with cranberries, slices of pretty bread make the perfect holiday brunch treat. Don't forget to dust the top with flour for artisan look! —Megumi Garcia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Citrus Steak Salad
Your family will think you spent hours on this beautiful main dish salad with its from-scratch dressing, but it's an absolute cinch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Macadamia Sunshine Bars
Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Orange Dream Angel Food Cake
A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Orange Jelly Candies
Making candy is my favorite thing to do. I've been collecting candy recipes for more than 40 years and have taken several candy-making classes. These soft confections are fantastic. —Leah Jackson, Washington, Utah
Orange-Glazed Ham
This delicious ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for Easter dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can't match the wonderful taste. -Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Triple Citrus Scones
I love the bright and buttery flavor of these tender scones. Serve them with a yummy jam, or try them as a base for strawberry shortcake. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey
Orange Jelly
For a change of pace, give this yummy jelly made from frozen orange juice a try. I've given it as gifts to friends and family—and many times the jars have been returned for refills. —Mary Rice, Maysville, Oklahoma
Beef Orange Stir-Fry
This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Glazed Ginger Bars
I can’t think of the holidays without these luscious bars. The scent and flavor of ginger are just right for the season, and the light glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Fruit Salsa
Serve this fruity salsa anywhere you'd use ordinary salsa. My son and I experimented with different ingredients to find the combination we liked best. Preparing it in a slow cooker is really convenient. —Florence Buchkowsky, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Glazed Cornish Hens
If you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner table, we suggest these Cornish game hens topped with a sweet apricot glaze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sparkling Oranges
We were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled— we had a surplus of fresh oranges! Since it's prepared ahead, there's no last-minute fuss. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas
Orange Soda Sherbet
For birthdays, we pull out the old-fashioned ice cream maker and crank out a sherbet made with orange soda. We're all crazy about it, especially my son. —Heather Craft, Paducah, Kentucky
Citrus-Marinated Chicken
This juicy, zesty chicken stars in many of my family’s summer meals. While there are a million ways to dress up poultry, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again. It’s that quick and easy! —Deborah Gretzinger, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake
The aroma of orange zest hints at how heavenly this delicate cheesecake tastes. Gingersnap cookie crumbs make a distinctive crust, while glazed orange slices become a blossomlike topping. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cranberry Orange Sandwich Cookies
My sweet-tart cookies make a terrific addition to a holiday dessert tray. I love the creamy orange filling.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Buttery Orange Sugar Cookies
My husband's grandmother made a variety of cookies every year for her grandkids at Christmastime. She would box them up and give each child his or her own box. This crisp, orange flavored cookie is one of my favorites from her collection.—Heather McKillip, Aurora, Illinois
Chipotle-Orange Baklava
Citrus, cinnamon and smoky chipotle peppers make my version of this flaky, sweet pastry so unique. It's really rich, so a little goes a long way. —Christine Neary, Portland, Oregon
Frozen Citrus Fruit Cups
Add some sparkle to your next get-together or church supper with these sunny citrus treats. The refreshing cups burst with color and flavor, plus they look so cute served in shiny foil containers. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Cranberry-Orange Bars
My mother has had this recipe for years. I love it! These bars make great snacks, but can also be served for dessert. —Margaret Adelman, Bellingham, Minnesota
Orange Dream Mimosas
Toast Mom at a Mother's Day brunch with this "grown up" creamsicle beverage. For the kiddos, make a non-alcoholic version with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling cider, or ginger ale. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Orange Natilla Custard Pie
After tasting natilla for the first time at a Cuban restaurant in Key West, I knew I had to turn that traditional custard into a pie. For a festive garnish, add curls of orange peel. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
Orange Twists
These soft and sweet twists have a long shelf life. You can make a number of variations on this recipe, including lemon, cherry and almond. I also like to add confectioners' sugar glaze. —Raine Gottess, Wellington, Florida
Cranberry-Filled Orange Pound Cake
I made this for a holiday dinner with my family. Everyone loved the cran-orange flavor and the sweet glaze drizzled on top. For a fun variation, add 2/3 cup flaked sweetened coconut when including the orange juice to the batter, and sprinkle the finished cake with toasted coconut. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Orange Juice Spritzer
This refreshing and pretty spritzer is a nice light wake-me-up drink and an easy way to give a twist to an ordinary glass of orange juice. Most people appreciate that it is not overly sweet.—Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California
No-Knead Citrus Rolls
Margaret Otley's flavorful homemade rolls can come fresh from the oven any morning. "Besides the fact that they don't require kneading, the goodies are ideal to start preparing the night before and then bake for breakfast," she pens from Waverly, Nebraska. "You won't have to get up at the crack of dawn, either...but the sweet filling and flaky texture will taste like you did!"—Margaret Otley, Waverly, Nebraska
Spiced Orange-Hazelnut Oatmeal
I’ve banished ho-hum oatmeal. My new best blend is loaded with fruit and fiber. I flavor the whipped cream with cardamom and ginger to top it off.—Heather Porter, Kalispell, Montana
Orange Breakfast Souffle with Dried Cherries
Our family often took this decadent breakfast souffle to a local park on Father's Day. It's easy to make the night before, pop in the oven the next morning and go!—Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York
Quince Orange Marmalade
Quince sweetens this marmalade as it simmers and fills the house with its distinctive autumn aroma. It’s great on toast or bagels for breakfast in the morning! Thanks to our Test Kitchen for the recipe.
Candied Citrus
This tart and sweet candied citrus is so easy to make, and it adds a zippy pop to drinks, desserts and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Budapest Roll
If you’re a fan of Yule logs and pumpkin rolls, taste my Swedish specialty made from hazelnut meringue. People are in awe every time I bring it somewhere. —Catherine Walbridge, Boise, Idaho
Orange Cashew Bars
Two of my favorite ingredients, oranges and cashews, make a fantastic combination for a holiday bar—especially when you use fresh-squeezed orange juice in the glaze. —Anna Wood, Cullowhee, North Carolina
Citrus Cream Tartlets
This rich and creamy dessert is especially nice for company. It's attractive and easy to serve, and much of it can be made ahead of time. The citrus flavor is refreshing after a meal or on its own with coffee.
Cinnamon-Orange Honey Butter
This is such a delicious butter spread for afternoon tea or with a dessert bread. Just mix it up and get ready for the compliments. —Mary Bates, Cleveland, Ohio
Orange-Fig Pull-Aparts
For breakfast on Thanksgiving, my mom requested an orange pull-apart bread. I tried making one by dressing up tubes of refrigerated rolls. She loved it!—Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Honey-Orange Winter Vegetable Medley
Tossed in sweet-savory sauce, this hearty veggie side makes a lovely addition to a holiday dinner. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Orange-Cranberry Nut Tarts
My friend gave me a recipe for orange cookies. I just had to embellish it. Now my friends and family crave these tarts. —Nancy Bruce, Big Timber, Montana
Orange Pistachio Cookies
I had never tried pistachios until I visited a friend who served me these cookies. I was in love! I made the recipe my own, and now my family can't get enough of them. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Marmalade Candied Carrots
My favorite way to make baby carrots is to steam them, then drizzle with an orangey glaze that makes them candy-sweet. —Heather Clemmons, Supply, North Carolina
Coconut Citrus Layer Cake
Make a showstopper holiday treat: tender white cake layered with tangy grapefruit curd and topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting. To make it more spectacular add a little toasted coconut and some citrus garnishes. Your guests will never guess you started with a convenient boxed mix. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, UT
Powerhouse Protein Parfaits
Parfaits have marvelous taste and texture, but many are loaded with sugar and leave you peckish for more. Here’s my protein-inspired option with yogurt, fruit and nuts. —Jen Hubin, Minnetonka, Minnestoa
Orange Poppy Seed Cookies
My friend Sandy and I have gotten together for years to bake Christmas cookies. One year we made 16 different kinds in a day. I like this cookie because the orange flavor makes a nice change of pace from all the classic holiday cookies. —Kathy Jessen, Sarasota, Florida
Fruit & Spinach Salad
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Orange Marmalade Linzer Tarts
These little cutout tarts are almost too pretty to eat! The golden sandwich cookies dusted with confectioners’ sugar reveal a colorful, citrusy center of orange marmalade.
Orange Tea
My children always appreciated a hot cup of this beverage after walking home from school. The tea is refreshing and tasty, and it warms you up. For about half the year, warmth is something we can always use more of around here!
Orange-Almond Choclava
A twist on classic baklava, this recipe adds semisweet chocolate to the nut filling and drizzles even more on top. Christmas gift-giving has never been yummier! —Nella Parker, Hersey, MI
White Chocolate Cranberry-Orange Bars
This is my take on my mother's recipe for chocolate chunk bars, which she made every Christmas Eve. Our family is scattered across the country now; making these reminds me of home. If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use two sharp knifes or a potato masher. My mom makes this with semisweet chocolate chunks. —Erin Powell, Amarillo, Texas
Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Vanilla Citrus Cider
My mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrusy-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Orange Sugar Cookies
I make these citrusy cookies for parties and special occasions, and we always get to eat the ones that don't come out perfectly. Eventually I had to start making extra "mistakes" to keep my family happy! —Myrrh Wertz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Marmalade Chews
I live in the heart of citrus country and think this cookie really captures that area's flavor. Orange marmalade, juice and peel give the cookie and frosting a delightful tropical taste. —Shirleene Wilkins, Lake Placid, Florida
Green Apple
(Maine, Mississippi, Oklahoma)
Pucker up! It’s anyone’s guess as to how they get all the sour flavor into every bean, but the green apple flavor is pretty dang delish. The South seems to agree, as green apple jelly beans were the best-selling in the states of Mississippi and Oklahoma.
Coconut
(Massachusetts)
One is the loneliest number, especially when it comes to coconut flavored jelly beans. The tasty, tropical-flavored treat is only the best-selling jelly bean flavor in Massachusetts.
Use your beans to make Jelly Bean Cookies!
Strawberry
(Louisiana, South Dakota)
Enjoyed as a sip of strawberry lemonade or devoured as a dessert, anything strawberry has a tart and syrupy taste like no other. Louisiana and South Dakota found strawberry-flavored jelly beans to be extra addicting.
Cotton Candy
(Montana)
Most of the United States is happy to be gobbling up cotton candy and other treats at the State Fair, but cotton candy-flavored jelly beans are a year-round treat in Montana.
Blueberry
(Indiana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia)
During President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1981, three and a half tons of red, white and blue jelly beans were shipped by Jelly Belly to Washington, D.C.—of course, blueberry-flavored jelly beans were included in that mix. Today, blueberry jelly beans are beloved by states out east, including Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
For real blueberry flavor, here are 30 recipes for fresh blueberry treats.
Chocolate
(Illinois)
It might be an ingredient in all the best-ever snacks, but chocolate—at least in the form of jelly beans—doesn’t seem to be a good buy anywhere but the state of Illinois.
(Forget the beans. Don’t miss the recipes for our most decadent chocolate desserts.)
