Needham (food)

Needham is a type of potato candy originating in Maine, United States. It consists of a filling made from mashed potatoes, confectioner's sugar, coconut flakes, and often vanilla flavoring, coated in dark chocolate. The texture of the filling is typically soft and slightly grainy. Needhams are usually sold as individual bars or small squares and are considered a regional specialty in Maine, often associated with local candy shops and homemade treats. The exact origins of the candy are somewhat unclear, but it has been a popular confection in the state for many decades. Some believe the name derives from a family or individual associated with its initial creation or popularization.