Yaw Asare’s Dream Brings Ghanaian Heritage to Wisconsin

One crunchy bite at a time, Yaw Asare is introducing the flavors of his Ghanaian heritage to Wisconsin. Asare is the founder of Gold Coast Candy in Appleton. His flagship product is Ghana Style Brittle which reimagines classic peanut brittle with a West African twist.

“I’m originally from Ghana in West Africa,” Asare says. “I came to the U.S. in 1992, attended Lawrence University, met my wife, and now I have three kids.”

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Listen to audio of the story by Konrad Krueger here:

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Asare never forgot the vibrant flavors of his homeland while building a life in Northeast Wisconsin. He decided to find a way to share his favorite childhood snack—peanut brittle—with others following a conversation with his business partner. 

He started with just 300 bags of brittle and sold it all to family and friends. He and his partner expanded their vision by 2020. They bought Sweet Pea’s Pantry, which had been producing the brittle for Gold Coast Candy under a private label. This acquisition allowed them to broaden their confectionery offerings to include chocolate-dipped orange peels, candied pecans, sponge candy, and more.

Asare also now offers two varieties of brittle. There’s a whole nut and smooth. Smooth features finely chopped nuts encased in caramelized cane sugar. It’s what sets Ghana Style Brittle apart. 

“Unlike traditional brittle, we don’t use corn syrup, baking soda, or butter. It is an all-natural recipe,” Asare explains. “It’s made with caramelized cane sugar, making it less sticky and easier to bite into.” 

The innovation also led to their tagline: ‘The not-too-sweet, nutty treat that doesn’t stick to your teeth.’

Asare is making his dream come true in Wisconsin thanks to his childhood favorite. And his brittle is bridging cultures and sweetening lives—one bag at a time.

Gold Coast Candy products are available at local Appleton retailers like Festival Foods and Free Market, as well as through their website here.

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Listen to Maino and the Mayor’s interview with Asare to learn more about the way Project Pitch It supported his dream:

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