Imagine a place where the world’s most exciting candy shops are found. Each one offers a peek into the history and future of sweets. From classic spots to new innovators, America’s candy scene is a sensory wonderland. But which shops are a must-visit for a sweet adventure?
America has always been a leader in candy, with a history that goes back to the early days. Today, the candy industry is booming, with Americans spending over $42.6 billion on sweets in 2022. This number is expected to jump to more than $54 billion by 2027. The country is home to a wide range of candy shops, each offering something special for every sweet lover. This guide will lead you to the best candy spots in the country, showing you their history, culture, and unique treats.
Key Takeaways
- The United States has a rich history of candy-making dating back to the colonial era.
- Americans spent $42.6 billion on candy in 2022, with a projected increase to over $54 billion by 2027.
- Iconic candy shops across the country offer a diverse array of classic and innovative confections.
- Certain states, such as California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, are known for their significant contributions to the national candy industry.
- Visiting America’s best candy shops can provide a unique and immersive experience for sweet tooth enthusiasts.
A Sweet History of American Candy
The history of American candy is a fun journey through time. It shows how simple Colonial treats turned into today’s tasty delights. Early colonists enjoyed hard candies, sugar-glazed fruits, and nuts. This was because sugar was rare and people were creative with what they had.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, sugar became easier to get and candy making got creative. This led to the creation of famous candies like Hershey’s, Tootsie Roll, and Life Savers. New things like chewing gum and ice cream sundaes also appeared. The New England Confectionary Company started in 1847, showing how candy making got more advanced.
Now, American candy is always changing to meet what people like. The candy market in the US was worth $15.3 billion in 2023. Companies like Lily’s Sweets and Unreal are making candies that are better for you. They’re responding to people wanting to eat healthier.
From simple Colonial sweets to today’s amazing candies, American candy’s history is full of creativity and resilience. It shows how candy has always been a big part of our lives. We love the classic candies and are excited about new ones too.
From Colonial Confections to Modern Masterpieces
American candy started with the colonists, who enjoyed hard candies and fruits. As sugar became more common, candy became a treat for everyone. This led to a creative explosion in candy making.
Many famous candies were born, like Hershey’s, Tootsie Roll, and Life Savers. New things like gum and ice cream sundaes also came along. The New England Confectionary Company started in 1847, showing how candy making got more advanced.
Today, candy is always changing to please us. From old favorites to new ones, American candy’s story is one of innovation and fun. It’s a tale of how candy has become a big part of our lives.
“The candy industry in the United States experienced growth and innovation during periods such as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where iconic American candy makers like Hershey’s, Mars, and Wrigley emerged, shaping the industry’s landscape for generations to come.”
The Candy Capital of the World
Chicago, Illinois, is known as the “Candy Capital of the World.” It has a long history in making candy. Since the 1800s, the city has been a key place for candy making and new ideas. Famous brands like Tootsie Roll, Wrigley’s Gum, and Ferrara Candy Company started here in Chicago.
By the early 1900s, Chicago had over a thousand candy shops. The National Confectionery Association, started in 1884, spoke for 69 candy companies in the city. The Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 brought in nearly 26 million visitors. This event made Chicago even more famous as the candy industry’s center.
During Prohibition (1920-1933), Chicago saw candy shops grow. Old taverns turned into candy or soda stores. Charles F. Gunther introduced caramels to America in the city. The Manufacturing Confectioner magazine, based in Chicago, helped candy makers all over the world.
| Iconic Candy Brands with Roots in Chicago | Year Established |
|---|---|
| Tootsie Roll | 1896 |
| Wrigley’s Gum | 1891 |
| Ferrara Candy Company | 1908 |
Now, the Chicago area has over 155 candy businesses. They add $6.3 billion a year to the national candy industry. Chicago is still the top “Candy Capital of the World.”
Iconic Candy Shops You Can’t Miss
Across the United States, many famous candy shops are must-sees for those who love sweets. Places like the M&M’s Store in New York City’s Times Square and Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, are perfect for this. They let you dive into the world of iconic American candies and the history of sweets.
In New York City, the M&M’s Store in Times Square is a dream for candy fans. It shows off the brand’s history and lets you make your own candies. Hershey, Pennsylvania, is home to Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can learn about the chocolate brand and even make your own candy bars.
Don’t miss out on the See’s Candies flagship in San Francisco, the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, California, and the original Kilwins in Petoskey, Michigan. They’ve been making handcrafted sweets since 1947 and are a treat for anyone who visits.
| Candy Shop | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| M&M’s Store | New York City, NY | Customizable M&M’s products |
| Hershey’s Chocolate World | Hershey, PA | Hershey’s chocolate brand experience |
| See’s Candies | San Francisco, CA | Handcrafted chocolates and confections |
| Jelly Belly Factory | Fairfield, CA | Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans |
| Kilwins | Petoskey, MI | Handcrafted candies and confections since 1947 |
These iconic candy shops in the US offer a special experience for those who love sweets. They show off the rich history and creativity of American candy making.
Candy Wonderlands: America’s Sweetest States
Some states lead the way in the candy industry. The top 10 candy-producing and consuming states in the US are a candy lover’s dream. They stretch from the West Coast to the East, filled with candy makers and innovative shops.
California tops the list, adding $7.7 billion to the candy industry each year. Illinois follows with about $6.3 billion, and Pennsylvania adds $5.9 billion thanks to Hershey’s.
Texas, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Tennessee also shine in candy production and consumption. These states are candy paradises, offering a wide variety of treats.
| State | Annual Candy Industry Contribution |
|---|---|
| California | $7.7 billion |
| Illinois | $6.3 billion |
| Pennsylvania | $5.9 billion |
| Texas | $2.6 billion |
| New Jersey | $2.5 billion |
| New York | $2.3 billion |
| Ohio | $1.9 billion |
| Wisconsin | $1.8 billion |
| Indiana | $1.4 billion |
| Tennessee | $1.4 billion |
These states are candy hubs, offering a wide variety of sweets. From big names like Hershey’s and Mars to small, innovative shops, they’re candy wonderlands. They’re waiting for you to explore their sweet offerings.
Innovative Candy Makers Pushing Boundaries
Exploring the Cutting-Edge of Confectionery
A new wave of candy makers is changing the game. They’re mixing bold flavors, unique textures, and eco-friendly ingredients. This creates candy experiences like no other.
Jelly Belly in California is famous for its wide range of jelly bean flavors. Their “Beanboozled” line surprises with unexpected tastes. In San Francisco, Annabelle’s Candy Company crafts truffles and chocolate bars with ingredients like chili peppers and matcha.
In Austin, Texas, Delysia Chocolatier is a big name. They won 95 awards in 2023 and were named the Best Chocolatier in the Americas. They use sustainable cacao and top ingredients to make their treats.
Delysia Chocolatier has earned over 95 awards in the last year. They won gold and silver medals in many categories. They make everything by hand in Austin, focusing on sustainable chocolate and quality ingredients.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co. has made a mark with their chocolate bars. They offer unique flavors like Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana and Dark Chocolate Bee-Berry Honey Caramel.
Hammond’s Candies is known for its creative bars. They introduced flavors like PB&J Sandwich, Soda Pop!, and Coconut Cream Pie. Their Pigs N’ Taters bar, with potato chips and bacon in milk chocolate, has a big fan base.
These candy makers are redefining the industry. They’re winning over consumers with their creative and tasty products.
Candy Shops for Vegans and Dietary Restrictions
Today, candy shops offer more choices for vegans, people with food allergies, and those on special diets. They have a wide range of plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free sweets. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite treats.
Lagusta’s Luscious in New Paltz, New York, makes vegan candy with top-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. Their Dark Chocolate Party Bundle costs $65.00. It includes treats like Salted Caramel Cups and Raspberry Ganache Truffles.
The Chocolate Garage in Palo Alto, California, is famous for its allergy-friendly candy. Their Fruity Bundle is $46.00 and has a mix of candy for dietary restrictions. You can find Whiskey Stones for $21.00 and Vegan Latte Stones for $14.00.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate Party Bundle | $65.00 |
| Fruity Bundle | $46.00 |
| Whiskey Stones 6 Pack | $21.00 |
| Vegan Latte Stones | $14.00 |
| Dark Salted Chocolate Caramel & Pistacchio Vegan Love Buttons | $12.00 |
| Passion Fruit Preserve Vegan Love Buttons | $12.00 (8 pieces) |
| Vegan Chocolate Bars (Black Currant, Raspberry Dragon Fruit, Dark Chocolate Turmeric, Blueberry Mango, White Chocolate Splendor, Vegan Chocolate Jam) | $9.00 each |
| Vegan Brittle (Pistacchio & Toasted Sesame Seed, Toasted Pumpkin Seed & Cardamom) | $8.50 each |
| Vegan Agar Jellies (Lemon & Ginger, Blood Orange) | $8.00 each |
These candy makers focus on including everyone. They offer sweets for vegans and those with dietary restrictions. This makes the candy world more welcoming for all.
Candy shops
America is full of family-owned and small-town candy shops. They offer unique flavors and a personal shopping experience. These shops are community hubs, celebrating candy-making and offering a sweet treat for locals and visitors.
Places like the historic Savannah Candy Kitchen in Georgia and the whimsical Kilwins in the Midwest are special. They add to America’s rich candy culture.
These local candy stores show the creativity of their owners. They use the best ingredients and perfect their recipes. You can find everything from classic fudge to new flavors in these small-town candy shops.
These family-owned candy businesses are more than just shops. They host events and classes, bringing people together over candy. They are the heart of their communities, offering a sweet escape and preserving American candy traditions.
| Candy Shop | Unique Offerings | Specialty Items |
|---|---|---|
| Lolli & Pops |
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| Savannah Candy Kitchen |
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| Kilwins |
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“These cherished candy shops contribute to the diverse tapestry of American confectionery culture.”
Candy Tours and Factory Visits
Behind-the-Scenes Look at Candy Production
For candy lovers, many candy companies in the U.S. offer candy factory tours. These tours let you see how candy is made up close. It’s a fun way to learn about the candy-making process.
Places like Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania and the Jelly Belly Factory in California let you see how these famous candies are made. You can even make your own candy. These candy-themed attractions show you how simple ingredients turn into yummy treats.
| Candy Factory | Location | Tour Details |
|---|---|---|
| Theo Chocolate | Seattle, WA | The only organic, fair-trade, bean-to-bar chocolate producer in the U.S. |
| Cerreta Candy Company | Phoenix, AZ | Free 30-minute guided tours every weekday at 10am and 1pm |
| Wolfgang Candy | York, PA | Free chocolate factory tours every Monday to Friday at 10am and 2pm, including a quarter-mile walking tour and displays of antique confectionery equipment |
| Anthony-Thomas Chocolates | West Columbus, OH | Free open house factory tours every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 2:30pm |
| Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker | Berkeley, CA | Hour-long factory tours where visitors can learn about chocolate making and sample fine chocolates |
| Hammonds Candies | Denver, CO | Free factory tours every half hour from Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, and Saturdays 10am to 3pm |
| Hershey’s Chocolate World | Hershey, PA | Tour experience featuring animated characters and special effects, along with Chocolate Tasting 101 classes |
These candy attractions give a fun look at how candy is made. They show the steps from simple ingredients to the sweets we love.
Celebrating Candy Festivals and Events
Across the United States, candy fans can dive into many festivals and events. These celebrations are all about the sweet world of candies. From the Hershey Chocolate Festival in Pennsylvania to the Candy Cane Lane Festival in Wisconsin, they bring together candy lovers and experts.
These candy festivals and candy-themed events have exciting candy-making demos, tasty tastings, and fun activities. They let people dive into the culture and history of American candy.
Whether it’s a small town event or a big festival, these gatherings celebrate the country’s love for sweets. Events like the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago and the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City show off new sweets and trends. They’re perfect for those who love sweets.
There are also smaller, regional candy festivals and candy-themed celebrations around the country. The Retail Confectioner’s International event in Pittsburgh is great for networking and learning in the candy industry. The ISM – International Sweets and Biscuits Fair in Cologne, Germany, is a global event for candy and snack innovations.
These candy festivals and candy-themed events do more than just feed our sweet cravings. They honor the history, innovation, and cultural importance of candy in the United States.
“The U.S. confectionery industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states.”
Pairing Candies with Other Treats
The candy world is always changing, with new ways to mix candies with other treats. Now, we see chocolate-dipped pretzels and candy-infused ice creams. These decadent candy and dessert combinations bring a fun twist to classic tastes.
Companies like Milka in Germany have made candy bars with chocolate, cookie, and more. This mix creates a special candy and dessert experience. They blend sweet and savory, salty and creamy, making new kinds of unique candy-infused products and innovative candy mashups.
Indulgent Combinations for the Ultimate Sugar Rush
Candy makers love pairing peanut butter and caramel or even pomegranate and kiwi. They keep finding new ways to excite our taste buds. From the fresh taste of orange and watermelon to the cozy feel of apple and cinnamon, there’s a candy mix for every sweet craving.
| Candy Pairing | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Lemon and Sour | Citrusy sourness with a kick |
| Strawberry and Banana | Subtle sweetness and tartness |
| Chocolate and Peppermint | Smooth chocolate with refreshing mint |
| Grape and Chocolate | Unexpected yet delightful flavor combination |
| Maple and Pecan | Rich, creamy, and reminiscent of pecan pie |
By mixing sweet and savory, salty and creamy, candy makers are creating new treats. These candy and dessert combinations are sure to amaze and please.
Conclusion
The United States has a rich and vibrant American candy industry that keeps growing. It offers a wide range of sweet treats and unique candy-making experiences. From historic spots like Chicago and Hershey to new innovators, the American candy scene shows the country’s love for sweets.
As tastes change, the candy industry is adapting. It looks like the future of candy in the US is bright. We can expect new innovations and classic favorites to make people happy for years to come.
Candy trends in the US show how American tastes are changing. Artisanal and specialty candies are becoming more popular, along with healthier and sustainable options. The candy industry is showing it can change and keep up with new trends.
Technology and what people want are shaping the candy world. The future of American candy looks exciting and full of new tastes for those who love sweets.
If you love candy or are new to it, the American candy industry is full of new things to try. It has both classic candies and new ones that are sure to please. American candy keeps drawing people in, one tasty bite at a time.