Startup CPG Newswire:
Essential Candy Achieves USDA Organic Certification for Botanical Lozenges

PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY Dean Ernst for Essential Candy

GREENVILLE, SC (APRIL 2026) — Essential Candy, a South Carolina-based, woman-owned brand producing botanical lozenges, has achieved USDA Organic Certification for its product line. The certification marks a key milestone as the company continues to expand within the better-for-you confection and wellness category.

Founded by Tracy Ernst, Essential Candy produces plant-based lozenges made with organic ingredients and botanical extracts. The company manufactures its products in its South Carolina facility and focuses on clean-label formulations without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The USDA Organic Certification reflects the company’s sourcing standards and manufacturing processes, particularly within a category that has traditionally relied on conventional ingredients. In addition to USDA Organic, Essential Candy’s products are Gluten-Free Certified, Vegan Certified, and Non-GMO, and are produced in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility.

“This certification represents our commitment to using real, organic ingredients and maintaining high standards in everything we produce,” said Tracy Ernst, Founder of Essential Candy. “We’ve always focused on creating products that are simple, plant-based, and made with purpose.”

The brand has grown through a combination of direct-to-consumer sales, retail expansion, and in-person events, and continues to explore opportunities across both food and dietary supplement channels. Its lozenge format offers an alternative to traditional gummies and capsules, aligning with consumer demand for portable and simple product formats.

Essential Candy also operates a “Candy With A Purpose” initiative, through which the company donates products to individuals facing health-related challenges, including patients and caregivers.

About Essential Candy

Essential Candy is a South Carolina-based, woman-owned brand producing botanical lozenges made with organic plant ingredients. Founded by Tracy Ernst, the company offers a clean-label alternative to traditional confectionery and supplement formats. Positioned at the intersection of candy and wellness, its shelf-stable, portable lozenges align with demand for plant-based, better-for-you products. All products are manufactured in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility and are USDA Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Non-GMO. Essential Candy distributes through DTC, retail, and event channels and continues to expand national partnerships.

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