As a kid, I was obsessed with sweets and would have given anything to live in a candy mecca. Although many adults try to stick to moderation, some grown-ups know how to enjoy the occasional decadence. And for youngsters, the candy capitals of the U.S. is vital information.
You may be surprised to learn that not every state delivers on the confectionery front. A recent study analyzed nearly 24,000 candy stores across the U.S. to figure out which states are at the top.
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these sugary utopias, congrats! If not, this might be your new travel list for 2025. Plus, there’s nothing like the joy and nostalgia that comes from wandering the aisles of a great candy store. Happy candy hunting!
Vermont
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, Vermont will call your name. This state is the undisputed candy capital of the U.S., boasting a whopping 12.2 candy stores per 100,000 residents. At the heart of this sugary paradise lies Middlebury Sweets, the largest candy shop in Vermont. It has over 1,500 types of sweets, handmade chocolates, and nostalgic favorites like Sour Patch Kids and jelly beans. You can even book a stay at their candy-themed motel—perfect for a sugar crash!
Other must-visit shops include Shelburne Country Store and Red Kite Candy, where you’ll find delicious treats.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is also proud of its own dessert paradise, with Chutters in Littleton offering the world’s largest candy counter. That’s right, a massive 112 feet of sugary goodness. This iconic shop, dating back to the 1800s, is a treasure trove of sweets. Grab a bag and fill it with sours, gummies, chocolates, and nostalgic treats you loved as a kid.
With 10.63 candy stores per 100,000 residents, New Hampshire knows how to satisfy your cravings. Stop by Lee’s Candy Kitchen in the Lakes Region for fudge or Granite State Candy Shoppe for handcrafted chocolates!
Maine
Ever heard of Needhams? They’re a classic Maine treat, a sweet bar made with sugar, chocolate, coconut, and—guess what—potato! Crazy, right? Seavey’s Sweets is credited with inventing them way back in the 1870s. While the original shop is gone, Needhams lives on, a beloved taste of Maine. If you’re craving one, head to Perkins Cove Candies, where you’ll also find saltwater taffy and chocolate-covered Oreos.
The Pine Tree State ranks third in candy stores, with 9.74 per 100,000 residents. Check out Sweetz & More in Wiscasset, the largest candy store in New England, or Ava’s Candy Depot for throwback treats like Pop Rocks and Bit-O-Honey.
New York
The Big Apple takes candy seriously, with 1,782 stores—9.11 per 100,000 residents. Ever seen the line outside Lil Sweet Treat? It’s worth it for their global gummy collection, from sweet to sour, neatly displayed in Plexiglas bins.
Tourists always want to visit Economy Candy, New York City’s oldest candy store since 1937, filled with nuts, dried fruits, and every candy imaginable. But if you specifically want sweets imported from Sweden, BonBon’s NYC outlets have your international delight fix covered!
Rhode Island
Rhode Island will have your mouth watering with its irresistible candy options, including chocolate-covered pretzels, malted milk balls, gummy bears, jelly beans, and more. With 8.94 candy stores per 100,000 residents, it’s hard to pick just one shop to visit!
Anchor Toffee offers a range of toffees in flavors like almond butter and coconut almond. For those seeking sugar-free or organic options, Sweet Lorraine’s Candy Shoppe is the place to go. You’ll also find sweet treats at Lolli and Pops and Candy 4 Pennies, both highly rated spots.
New Jersey
You may already know that New Jersey is home to the world’s largest non-production candy store, IT’SUGAR. It has over 10,000 types of candy from brands like Hershey’s, Reese’s, and Starburst. In fact, it’s the biggest non-production candy shop in the world!
New Jersey ranks sixth with 8.37 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Visit places like Mrs. Hanna Krause Candy, Black River Candy Shoppe, and Giambri’s for sweet Valentine’s treats. Plus, the state can claim credit for inventing saltwater taffy after a boardwalk shop was flooded in the 1880s!
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may rank seventh, but it’s still impressive, with 8.02 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Philadelphia’s Shane Confectionery is the oldest candy store in the U.S. and one of the best. But wait till you see Daffin’s Candies! Their 20,000-square-foot shop is pure magic. Grab a bag and fill it with those nostalgic candies you can’t find anywhere else.
A519 Chocolates creates beautiful, vibrant truffles that are nearly too pretty to eat. Plus, did you know candy corn might have been invented in Pennsylvania in the 1880s by candy-maker George Renninger?
Illinois
Illinois is the eighth candy capital, with 8.01 candy stores per 100,000 residents. That’s 1,005 candy stores in total – the sixth-highest in the U.S.!
Not sure where to start? Candycopia offers over 170 bulk candies, ice cream, and retro treats. Fill My Jar has handcrafted goodies like lemon bark and toffee. Anderson’s Candy Shop in Richmond has been a local favorite for decades, known for its caramel apples, sponge candy, and Snappers. I could go on and recommend many more shops, but that’s up to you to explore!
Massachusetts
Boston was once America’s candy capital, and Cambridge’s Main Street was known as Confectioner’s Row. The Old Bay State is easily a sweet lover paradise with 7.54 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Today, you can still find a wide variety of delicious treats across the state.
One of the most popular candy stores is Penny Candy, featuring over 1,000 types of sweets. This huge shop offers both classic and modern treats at hard-to-beat prices. Step inside and find colorful walls and bins filled with goodies like Peach Rings and Bit O Honey.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin just squeezed into the top 10 candy capitals in the U.S., with 7.04 candy stores per 100,000 residents. In Wisconsin Dells, candy stores are as iconic as caramel apples and saltwater taffy. Have you been to Goody Goody Gumdrop? It’s the largest candy store in the state, packed with 1,000 types of sweets.
If you’re craving something yummy, check out Old Glory Candy in Shawano. This old-fashioned candy store carries over 200 kinds of treats, making every visit a mix of nostalgia and indulgence.
Source: Pricelisto
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