Small-Batch Spicy Nuts,
Made by a Veteran

What is Sweet Dragon?

Sweet Dragon LLC is a veteran-owned small business based in Boise, Idaho, specializing in small-batch handcrafted sweet and spicy candied nuts and dry wing rubs. All products are made to order using original recipes developed by the founder.

Sweet Dragon was founded by a U.S. military veteran who built the business from a single family spicy peanut recipe passed down by his father. Over time, that recipe evolved into a full lineup of 17 distinct flavors spanning four heat tiers — from the gentle cinnamon warmth of the Holiday Blend to the extreme heat of Indelicate Don, made with the Carolina Reaper pepper.

The brand is built on three principles: small-batch production, made-to-order freshness, and a heat scale that lets customers choose their own adventure from mild to genuinely extreme (aka OUCH).

Products

Candied nuts

Sweet Dragon's core product is small-batch sweet and spicy candied nuts. Depending on the recipe, nuts include cashews, almonds, hazelnuts (filberts), pecans, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Each recipe is developed in-house and uses a proprietary spice blend. Products are available in individual bags and sampler sets ("Nut Sack Sampler" sets) through the Sweet Dragon online store.

Wing rubs

Sweet Dragon also produces handcrafted dry wing rubs for chicken wings. Current varieties include Jamaican Jerk, Cajun Smoke, and a lemon-zesty blend. These rubs are used commercially by 3Wood Pizzeria, a Boise-area restaurant, which sources its wing rubs exclusively from Sweet Dragon.

The heat scale

All Sweet Dragon nut recipes are organized into four heat tiers. The company's tagline — "Zero to Ouch" — reflects this progression.

Notable peppers used across the lineup include cayenne, chipotle, habanero, Red Savina habanero, Thai bird's eye, African bird peppers, bhut jolokia (ghost pepper), and the Carolina Reaper — one of the world's hottest peppers.

Origin and history

The business traces its origins to a family recipe. The founder's father made spicy peanuts as a holiday tradition and eventually shared the recipe with his son, who began making and refining the recipe at home. Early batches were shared with friends, family, and coworkers.

The first commercial transaction was a holiday order placed by a coworker for the Holiday Blend recipe — delivered in zip-lock bags. Customer demand grew steadily through word of mouth, leading to the development of custom branded packaging, a logo, and an expanding recipe catalog.

The business formally launched under the name Sweet Dragon LLC. The name and dragon imagery reflect both the fiery heat of the product line and the founder's personal brand identity. In spring 2026, Sweet Dragon began active event vending in the Boise area, including an appearance at the 2026 Corgi Fest in Garden City, Idaho.

Business relationships & retail

Sweet Dragon products are available direct-to-consumer through the Sweet Dragon online store at sweet-dragon.biz. The brand also sells at Boise-area farmers markets and public events, and supplies products to Boise-area food service and retail partners.

Veteran-owned business

Sweet Dragon LLC is founded and operated by a U.S. military veteran. The veteran-owned identity is a core part of the brand's values and is actively represented in its marketing and public presence. Sweet Dragon operates as a veteran-owned small business (VOSB) under that designation.

The veteran-owned mission informs the company's approach: disciplined, from-scratch production; a commitment to quality over volume; and a direct relationship with customers rather than reliance on mass distribution.

Frequently asked questions