This Candyman Makes a Wonka-Style Candy Feast | WIRED

Candy maker Greg Cohen and the staff from Lofty Pursuits show the process of concocting new candy flavors by making a full meal out of round hardy candy. Using century’s old techniques, watch and see how Greg and the staff make a candy feast, including blueberry pie, apple cider, sweet corn and...vegan ham!
Try Lofty Pursuits candy for yourself at pd.net/
Hand made hard candy in Tallahassee, Florida.
Check out Lofty Pursuits KZbin channel here: / loftypursuits
Director: Katherine Wzorek
Director of Photography: Charles ""C.B"" Lorch
Editor: Jeremy Ray Smolik
Talent: Greg Cohen
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon White
Production Manager: D. Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Assistant Camera: Lee Berger
Sound Mixer: Adrien Mariner
Production Assistant: Cris Collins
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Additional Editor: Jason Malizia
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
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[@franbongard7710]

The narration for this video is so emotive. The delivery is exquisite. This candy master has so much passion, a real story teller. Imagine working your whole life and loving what you do! Pure magic! So happy I watched this!

[@HeyLook287]

Lofty Pursuits has their own channel!

[@sebastianrombach6711]

Came here to say exactly this!

[@AlexorPwnsAll]

He really like a real life Willy wonka!

[@franbongard7710]

@HeyLook287, thanks to you, I just subscribed. Xoxo

[@bcaye]

​@@AlexorPwnsAll, did any of the actors in the 3 movies look as if they had ever worked as hard as this man?

[@Alacaelum]

The WIRED team didn't say one word in this over his explanation, and I respect them for it. They let him tell his passion, and I felt it in every word he said, this is a man who dedicated his life to a craft and he loves every moment of it, the success, the failures, everything built who he is now.

[@mooolinator]

In hard hitting journalism through their magazine and in their curation of videos on KZbin Wired are rock solid. Highly recommend supporting them if you can.

[@blunderbass851]

These are _exactly_ the type of people I expect to be candymakers. Wonderful job, and really fascinating video!! Feast for the eyes, too.

[@HeyLook287]

Lofty Pursuits has their own channel!

[@Chitose_]

the oompa loompa in wonka is called lofty. convenient!

[@Mizuladin]

@@Chitose_ Most likely done on purpose, lol.

[@arnoldrothsteinnyc]

This dude is talented and I admire the antique hardware

[@diegotovar1179]

his candy tastes amazing too. bought my first bag in 2017 😂

[@HeyLook287]

Lofty Pursuits has their own channel!

[@kareningram6093]

Right? Those rollers are beautiful.

[@jonhu4127]

Odds are that before Greg restored them, a lot of his hardware was in a bad way. He has videos about his restoration techniques on his channel, too.

[@Star_Rattler]

most candy making places that make candy like this will have cooling tables, hooks, and presses. the difference between the old antiques and the newer ones is simply age, but they pretty much look identical.

[@memberberry.]

Ok, this is straight up BRILLIANTLY edited, it flowed better than most of the docs on Netflix. The ASMR sounds at the perfect times are EVERYTHING ❤

[@dillanwhite6667]

100%

[@RabidArtists]

Thanks, had a fun time making this!

[@Chitose_]

the oompa loompa in wonka is called lofty. convenient!

[@memberberry.]

@@Chitose_ oh yeah I member!

[@themugwump33]

Greg is making the world a better place. He’s like the Mr. Rogers of candy and just oozes goodness. Every child needs a man like Greg in their life.

[@42069daddysgirl]

Meanwhile you don’t know if Willy wonka is gonna kill you or not

[@leo_mas_922]

Not really. Selling unhealthy food

[@shiivainu9442]

@@leo_mas_922sad to hear you’ve lost any sense of joy in life

[@leo_mas_922]

@@shiivainu9442 Is that a projection?

[@shiivainu9442]

@@leo_mas_922 no just an observation :) this guy is lovely and classic candies are an integral part of childhood memories for a lot of people. Silly thing for you be negative about.

[@lenahajjar4746]

Greg’s narration made me cry- he’s so passionate and it’s clear that his job is magic

[@cleverusername9369]

I'm sorry, a guy talking passionately about candy made you cry? Good lord, get a hold of yourself.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

@@cleverusername9369 lWhat's wrong with that? You're acting like this person is having a full emotional breakdown or something, all she said was she cried

[@autophagic5924]

I'm sorry you've never felt joy over the small beauties in life @@cleverusername9369

[@jp8649]

@@cleverusername9369 Found one that wasn't allowed to cry as a kid and is now projecting being emotionally stunted onto others.

[@MIKEx2112]

@@jp8649 No,but because its down right cringe...If you are getting emotional to the point of crying,my god,see a doctor

[@samuelbenzecry8561]

This man’s passion is truly charming to hear. I wish I loved my job as much as he does.

[@HeyLook287]

Lofty Pursuits has their own channel!

[@nelsonw8848]

Congratulations to Lofty Pursuits and the team, so glad Wired is showing more people the wonders of Lofty Pursuits and their awesome KZbin channel.

[@mysticdryad2069]

and their great hard candies. love them

[@ran0427]

This guy can go on about artificial flavoring for hours, utterly fascinating dude

[@happymantis2860]

As a Food Science major, I love all the food science in this video- chemistry, physics, flavor perception, and more! These candy makers have such amazing knowledge and skill, honoring traditional methods and equipment while also using innovative flavors and techniques! I liked learning about the pulled candy, how the air increases the surface area to make it more flavorful. I didn't realize that there wasn't much difference in its formulation other than the incorporation of air, because it looks so different!

[@86fifty]

Gosh, this guy really IS living his best life! Someone who's eyes can still light up with excitement describing what he's doing after so many years? It's a real treat to see :)

[@julianjazz7296]

11:04 that's so cute

[@RabidArtists]

Haha yeah I loved that moment

[@xxKEVZxx]

He has his own KZbin channel btw @loftypursuits

[@peterawesomeness1]

Not two days ago I decided to get into the candy making business. Already made my first batch of Candy Canes. I always watched Lofty Pursuits and am amazed at Greg's attention to detail, creativity, and ingenuity. I just wanted a deeper look into their actual process for making rock, and it looks like the Universe said "yes, go make candy, and let Greg show you how". Thanks everyone involved for this.

[@LookingForLoo]

I've bought some of Lofty Pursuits' candy online and I can confirm it's even better than it looks. Words can't describe it, you really can taste the love and craftsmanship that went into it. I can't recommend it enough

[@maimajid3130]

This man is the David Attenborough of candy

[@Dell-ol6hb]

no kidding, he's an incredible speaker and storyteller and his sheer passion for candy makes it a joy to listen to him talk about it

[@Dreadfultime]

This was absolutely incredible. What a trip! This guy needs his own movie.

[@HeyLook287]

Lofty Pursuits has their own channel!

[@NOLASkaGuitarist]

Glad to see LoftyPursuits getting some recognition. Been watching for the longest time. I used to do henna tattoos in this mall kiosk right outside a fudge shop where the workers would sing a cappella tunes and make fudge all day, so I like going to candymaking videos to bring be back.

[@TheLazyJAK]

Never expected to see Greg on wired! Unexpected but beloved crossover. He deserves so much

[@PhantomPh1re]

they actually already did a video with him a year ago. was interesting to see yet another one show up!

[@homesteadgamer1257]

Sweet corn (or Honey and Cream corn) fresh off the stalk really is like candy in itself. I rarely cook my corn anymore unless it's in soup.

[@JustinC._]

Something you cannot fake, a person doing something that they love. I hope that everyone of us finds our own niche. Because that is what truly makes life worth living.

[@SpectrumSwordtails]

Mr Wonka would definitely be proud. These candy-smiths are not just making candy. They are literally bringing back your favorite childhood memories. I don't know how they're gonna top this.

[@astrogallotron]

I love the Lofty Pursuits channel, one day I will try one of their candies!

[@ryanshurmon2946]

Totally worth it

[@chasederringer]

Seconding this, it’s totally worth it. Get the weird flavors, like mushroom and ham

[@aaronchamberlain4698]

You can order them online. I managed to grab some of his first Altoid Sours and some Mushroom Candy because the sours are such a memory for me. They were a stocking stuffer every year for Christmas.

[@KhaziirEverflight]

same... even tho the shipping would cost me about as much as the candy itself (living in germany rn) xD

[@stevelp]

I have to admit, the candyman narrating this video is impressive. Has to be one of the coolest videos I've seen.

[@normajbaker20001]

I could listen to you talk about candy all day. The information is presented simply, but not patronizingly so, and the tone and cadence of your speech is soothing!

[@fnomore333]

I absolutely could listen to this guy explaining candies or anything.. He's obviously still in love with what he does & it brings joy listening!

[@trythewiki]

When I went to school in Tallahassee, going to Lofty Pursuits was such a treat. Every time I went Greg was there working hard. So glad I stumbled across this video. If you're ever near Tallahassee Florida please check them out!

[@mastod0n1]

So glad you brought this guy and his staff back on the channel.

[@yalejosie]

It's such a blessing to listen to a guy who clearly loves his job, and is super knowledgeable about his specialty! :D

[@wifipigeon01]

I've met a lot of people who are excited about their jobs, but never one that seems to love it as much as this guys seems to 😄

[@lasaboteur]

I never thought I'd see Lofty pursuits on Wired, but I'm glad to see them get more recognition!

[@i_guess109]

isn't this the second time they've been here?

[@Fizzlefuse]

I love the way this man talks about his craft. It really shows how passionate he is about making candy, how much he loves putting flavors together in candy form. Honestly, just watching this really makes me want to try his candy.

[@cajunyokai]

Aw, I love Greg and Lofty Pursuits. Their candy making videos are so relaxing to watch.

[@assassinxsteveo]

I have a deep and profound respect for anyone who hand makes candy!! It’s therapeutic to watch and i wish i could eat it!!!!

[@crucialblue]

Been watching Lofty Pursuits for some time, good to see them getting some exposure!!!

[@EricGranata]

I clicked because I like lofty pursuits. Then was delighted. I love the way Greg talks about candy.

[@bighonkies]

I never thought making candy could be this interesting!

[@HeyLook287]

Lofty Pursuits has their own channel!

[@starv2855]

Ham, if it's a honey glazed ham, isn't just ham. It's the smoke. It's the salt. It's the sensation of just the way the meat comes into contact with your mouth. And when you put this candy in your mouth your going to go "Oh my God, it's a piece of ham"

[@joeys2234]

I love lofty pursuits, finally put in an order recently and the candies are stunningly delicious and taste exactly as they’re described

[@XeresKyle]

This man has found his calling. He's so passionate about making and experimenting with different candy flavors. I wish I had even 15% of his motivation and passion about anything.

[@onehitkill5816]

I had Lofty Pursuits and i must say it was perhaps some of the best candy ive ever had, I LOVED the rootbeer flavor and all the other candy was delicious the best part it breaks eaisly you dont have to crack your teeth to break it up and release the flavor more and thats why I dearly want more of Lofty pursuits delicious candy.

[@Sirpatpat]

I enjoy these types of videos. I've always been big on sour candies, maybe not the hard drops in particular, but the process is always super cool to see. It was refreshing to just hear the creator of this art explain every step of the way, rather than the people who own the channel narrating over them and what not. Its kind of relaxing a bit. But the fact that we can capture meals and what not in a single bite sized piece of candy? That is truly magical, people often forget the things we are capable of today! The future looks exciting.

[@YasuTaniina]

As a 30 some year old who grew up making candy the traditional softball/hard crack method with my mom in our kitchen, I love these videos that give me more tips. I remember seeing a candy hook for the first time at 12 and tell my mom I wish we had one. I need to dust off my marble slab...

[@magicolmos]

Love to see Greg and Lofty Pursuits get some shine! His videos on their KZbin channel are so great

[@Jdrunnin]

Greg clearly loves his job and profession and does a phenomenal job sharing it with all of us!

[@Scrufflelump]

Never thought I would want to cry while watching candy being made, but that ending really hit me.

[@wackman123]

This guy should have a series. I could listen to him explain candy all day

[@NWEDC]

That is a guy that has never worked a day in his life. I wish I loved my job half as much as he does his. Kudos Greg, you found the meaning of life.

[@Sfb396]

I love how educational this video is. Greg Cohen thank you for also teaching us history and science.

[@willow_rayne6678]

A true candymaker!! Someone who knows and understands the SCIENCE behind the why and how of the candy, and all its parts. Not many people today have the patience to learn the skill behind candy making. I hope you pass down your knowledge and love of the craft, so one day when the time comes, someone else will be able to take over and keep this artisan craftsmanship alive.

[@jjuupa]

Im so glad more people are getting to know about one of my all time favorite KZbin channels! Lofty pursuits always delivers the most relaxing yet exciting candy making videos.

[@whatevil]

Uri made some custom candy for my wedding back in 2017. We had blueberry-lemon-vanilla and it was amazing - we had lots of comments about how great it was!

[@edolux_.]

LOFTY PURSUITS! absolutely adore Greg and his team---and the candy of course!! so thoughtfully made and special. I love their forrays into the savory, too! There's an amazing video about his foray into mushroom candies--an amazing watch that made me immediately order them. Very unique and fun experience, especially after watching its whole conception/actualization story! Love to see it, and kudos to Wired for such a lovely video.

[@niobiumblu6990]

I love his narration. Passion, love, wonder, and mastery in every breath and word. If you told me this was the real Mr. Wonka, I would absolutely believe you.

[@mayarc6268]

It's been ages since I used to watch Greg a lot. One of the most passionate and amazing person I've ever seen. I'm glad to see he's getting even more recognition. He certainly deserves it.

[@MorganaDarkgoddess]

Completely engaging yet educational, I enjoyed every part of it! The way he talks about the process makes you feel how much he enjoys what he does. Instant subscription.

[@davemoss36]

Who tf is this guy!?!? I blinked and the video was over I was so enthralled. Amazing job! Really cool old school appliances

[@daemondan666]

If you like it, check out Lofty Pursuit's own youtube channel! Tons of vids with Greg's narration about their candy making process

[@SVRGE_]

I have been watching lofty pursuits for a few years and loved the nature of their videos and the way they explain the process. It makes me happy knowing they are getting more recognition !!

[@SassyOnline]

This guy really knows his stuff holy moly, I love his focus on psychology. That combined with his skilled staff, I'm sure that's why they've found success.

[@bobbyllama]

when i saw 'candyman' i had a hunch it might be about greg. so glad to finally see him getting the widespread exposure he deserves

[@cyclos12]

The glee and pride of this Man for Ham Candy is Wonka-esque pure and simple!

[@walterengler5709]

I love watching such talent candy makers do this, as an way to just relax a the end of the day. Always amazed at how they think this all through to produce the perfect products.

[@rachelc1082]

i’ve always loved lofty pursuits! so glad they’re getting more recognition:)

[@missipenix]

Lofty Pursuits makes the BEST candy! I'm so happy they're getting more notice!

[@Heljhammack]

I love lofty pursuits! Their floral image candy is out of this world!! Their flavors are always so unique.

[@lemongris3208]

His narration is so engaging, great video overall! I remember watching their videos a few years ago and wondered why everything was familiar

[@stephh1228]

Tallahassee native here! It made me so happy to see this!!! Their ice cream is really good too 😋

[@EeveeRealSenpai]

Best candy shop I've ever seen on this site. The guy narrating really knows his stuff!

[@blaze-jb4xz]

I like the deep scientific explanation of the candy making process alot of others don't have so much detail that's very multi talented it's not just simple but deeply expains why each segment does whaand understandable 😄

[@charger3339]

I’m so glad to see Greg and lofty pursuits have a video on a bigger channel because he really deserves way more recognition because I’ve been watching for like 4 years and he hasn’t grown much since I found him even though his passion is so high for what he does

[@IveGotYourSix]

Watching this 4 months late to the holiday meal pack but still just ordered April 16th purely because of the love of his craft this man expressed throughout this video in his descriptions

[@TexasBulldog74]

Had to order some, im dying to try the sweet corn candy. So glad they ship

[@Realistic_Secret]

Ah, I love lofty pursuits!!! Their channel is incredible

[@thanksomuch1557]

I LOVE Lofty Pursuits! It's great that others get to see just how awesome and passionate they are through the lens of this amazingly well done video!

[@jadenwhitford7245]

I’ve been watching lofty pursuits channel for about 5 years now. Every worker in the shop are all skilled and experienced

[@hoofhearted4]

this was amazing! I love his joy!

[@davidminear]

This guy is so passionate about candy. I've seen him in a couple other videos and he never fails to mesmerize.

[@Enrique-ru9wo]

I can attest to the brilliance of the ham candy. Absolutely delicious.

[@BatSTUD]

Bought the candy. It's phenomenal. Ear to ear smile for the entire experience. Immediately bought more candy online. Kudos.

[@melindaflick631]

This is so much fun to watch and just beautifully explained and illustrated! Love this!!!

[@SithMami]

Greg--I ordered this exact candy and it came in yesterday. I was blown away--the snozzberries actually taste like snozzberries! Seriously, my favorite one was probably the one that tasted like corn! It tasted just like it, with warm butter and everything! The apple cider was a close second-crisp, effervescent, and a direct hit of delectably ripe apples! The ham one actually tasted like I was eating smoked bacon, and the blueberry pie was awesome, too. You nailed it!

[@AddictedToWT]

you can tell that this man truly loves his job

[@sonny1524]

I love the line "we can bring imagination, and you can taste it" if that is not their slogan then I don’t know what is, this was amazing

[@megamcee]

Candymaking is one of those "strangely satisfying" visuals. I just wanna play with it, but I realize that it would take a ton of time and practice to do.

[@IunaIia]

I appreciate that WIRED put the Lofty Pursuits link in the description

[@Shilow1233]

I love lofty pursuits! Been watching his videos for years

[@kaylenvee8150]

This guy and the operation straight up feels like a real life Willy Wonka situation where he tours around his candy factory, it's great

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

I like just how much passion this dude has for his job.

[@Jacqueline0221]

I’ve watched a ridiculous amount of “scissors cutting candy” videos hahaha. The candy making process is so beautiful and satisfying

[@freshmanfrenchman1]

the creativity and mastery on display are blowing my mind. the depth of knowledge of the physical properties of candy is so impressive. i enjoyed this a lot.

[@davidandora]

More of this! This video was perfection!

[@DenemeDokio]

Nice to see Lofty Pursuits get some bigger coverage. They have done amazing videos over the years.

[@mikeE997]

Wow, great video. The narration mixed with the cinematography was excellent. I loved the in depth chemistry. I can tell this guy knows his stuff.

[@holmsey8700]

Ah Greg!! How lovely to see you sharing your craft in other places! Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@zacharylee7683]

I just love this mans channel and his store. I always try to stop when passing through Flordia.

[@nekoyamaanna3798]

I love watching Lofty Pursuits! So relaxing to watch during free time.

[@coreytrevor3910]

This guy loves his job. Such knowledge, such pride.

[@kungasi]

I remember seeing a vid about this store a couple years ago, glad to see the dude hasn't lost his passion!

[@aixfukumoto]

This was a wonderful treat. And that candyman. That's the best kind of candyman. One who absolutely loves what he does.

[@xxKEVZxx]

I love how Greg actually narrates this ❤️ been watching his channel for years!