If you have a sweet tooth (or ten), you know the sugar lust that comes with stepping into an amazing candy shop. We've assembled a guide to some of the best chocolate and candy companies in Massachusetts so you can indulge with discernment. Here they are:

1. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, Salem

Don't let the painfully quaint name put you off: the Pepper Candy Companie is actually an incredibly old sweet shop. This place produced America's first commercially available candies over 200 years ago. And the story behind their signature confections, Salem Gibraltars, is almost unbelievable. In 1806, an English woman named Ms. Spencer and her son were shipwrecked just off the coast of Salem. Using a barrel of sugar donated by her sympathetic new neighbors, Ms. Spencer tried getting by through candy-making. And it worked. Her melty and delicious Gibraltars are still around and on sale today. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie in Salem is one of the oldest and best of all Massachusetts candy companies.

2. Phillips Chocolates, Boston

At over 90 years old, Phillips Chocolates is Boston's oldest chocolatier. Four generations of the family have cared for this candy shop and the tradition is holding strong. They artfully blend premium fresh ingredients in small batches using original recipes and methods. Rumor has it that Oprah herself is a huge fan of their chocolate turtles! Check out their "build-your-own" 1lb fudge box and their maple half-dips. Phillips Chocolates is one of the best chocolate shops in Massachusetts.

3. Kandy Korner, Hyannis

This place is an old-fashioned candy, chocolate, and gift extravaganza. Watch gigantic blobs of taffy being hand-pulled by artisans (they do this right against the front display windows so you don't even have to go inside to catch the show) and fill a paper bag with penny and nickel candy. Grab a bag of freshly popped popcorn, a giant bag of cotton candy, or take home a big box of homemade fudge. They have a huge selection of local favorites like cranberry bog frogs and homemade beach plum jams, as well as vintage and hard-to-find candies older patrons might remember from their childhood. Of course, modern brand favorites are there as well. Visit the official website for the Kandy Korner in Hyannis to learn more.

4. Cocoapelli Chocolates, Natick

Editor's Note: Cocoapelli Chocolates in Natick is permanently closed, unfortunately.

This place was founded by a former carpenter, Jonathan Spillane. He makes each of the delectable treats in his shop by hand. These chocolates are truly edible art. Try the buttercream caramels and the key lime ganache.

5. Chocolee, Boston's North End

Editor's Note: Chocolee in Boston's North End is permanently closed, unfortunately.

Lee Napoli founded this fascinating shop in 2007 after a long and illustrious career as an award-winning pastry chef. All of her creations are sophisticated and mouth-watering, but Chocolee's truffles are especially glorious. Try truffle flavors like chile, espresso, and Grand Marnier. The shop also offers chocolate-making classes. And don't forget a chocolate-dipped beignet!

6. Pop's Biscotti & Chocolates, Wilbraham

Here's a wonderfully sweet option in western Mass. Pop's offers an amazing selection of hand-crafted chocolates and candies like peanut butter pyramids and ancho chile chocolates. And obviously, their biscotti are mouth-watering. It's one of the most charming candy companies in Massachusetts. Visit the Pop's Biscotti & Chocolates Facebook page for more information.

7. Chatham Candy Manor, Chatham

The Chatham Candy Manor was founded in 1955 by Naomi Louise Turner. Today, this place is a local sugar institution. Expect homemade goodies made with lots of local flavors and love. Sample their rainbow of candy fruit slices or a hunk of their rocky road fudge. It's one of the best chocolate shops on Cape Cod. Visit the official website of the Chatham Candy Manor to learn more.

8. Harbor Sweets, Salem

All-natural and allergen-sensitive candy ahoy! Harbor Sweets offers a large selection of gluten-free, sugar-free, and seasonal chocolates and candies that seriously do not disappoint. Definitely pick up a box of their salted butter crunch chocolates (my mouth is tingling just writing that) and add a bag of their gluten-free peanut butter sea biscuits and chai truffles while you're at it. This is one of the best-known candy companies in Massachusetts. Visit the official website of Harbor Sweets to learn more.

9. Berkshire Bark, Sheffield

Berkshire Bark specializes in top-quality Belgian chocolate "bark" packed with whole roasted nuts, fresh citrus zest, and dried fruits. It may be time to upgrade from that Hershey's bar to something from one of the best chocolate shops in Massachusetts. Visit the official website of Berkshire Bark in Sheffield for more information.

10. Prides Crossing Confections, Prides Crossing

This is a great old-fashioned candy shop. Don't miss their almond butter crunch or delicately iced chocolate confections. Every offer is crafted to the demanding standards of grandmothers who won't settle for less than the best for their grandkids' Easter baskets. Find out why this is one of the favorite chocolate shops in the state. Visit the Prides Crossing Confections website to learn more.

I think my blood sugar is spiking just by looking at all those delectable goodies. What are your favorite chocolate and candy companies in Massachusetts for a sweet treat? Tell us in the comments!