8 Nostalgic Ohio Candies That Take You Back In Time
Remember when a simple piece of candy could make your whole day? Ohio has a rich history of sweet treats that have delighted generations of candy lovers.
From family-owned chocolate shops to nationally recognized brands, the Buckeye State has produced some of America’s most beloved confections. Join us on a sugary trip down memory lane with these classic Ohio candies.
1. Buckeyes
Nothing says ‘Ohio’ quite like these peanut butter delights! Named after the state tree’s nut, these homemade treasures combine creamy peanut butter centers with a chocolate coating, leaving that distinctive bare spot on top.
Grandmas statewide pull out their recipes during OSU football season, creating these bite-sized gems that disappear faster than you can say ‘Go Bucks!’
2. Spangler Candy Canes
Since 1906, the little town of Bryan has been cranking out these iconic holiday treats. The distinctive red-and-white stripes have adorned Christmas trees and stockings for over a century.
Each candy cane starts as a molten sugar mixture, carefully twisted and cut by machines that mesmerize factory visitors. Their peppermint flavor has remained unchanged, connecting generations through a simple sweet tradition.
3. Dum Dums
Remember digging through the basket at the bank for your favorite flavor? These tiny pops from Spangler Candy Company have been an Ohio staple since 1924.
Each lollipop requires just 8 minutes to make from start to finish. The famous ‘Mystery Flavor’ isn’t actually planned; it comes from the in-between batches when flavors mix together!
4. Malley’s Chocolate Bars
Ask any Clevelander about Malley’s and watch their eyes light up! Since 1935, this family-owned company has created chocolate treasures that define Northeast Ohio’s sweet tooth.
Their signature pink packaging makes them instantly recognizable. School fundraisers featuring these smooth milk chocolate bars meant kids going door-to-door, tempting neighbors with promises of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that no one could resist.
5. Toledo’s Taffy Treats
Toledo’s taffy treats are a quintessential part of Ohio’s candy history, known for their chewy texture and delightful flavors. These candies have been lovingly crafted by skilled artisans who passed down their techniques through generations. The vibrant colors and variety of flavors make each piece a new adventure for the taste buds. From fruity bursts to creamy delights, there’s a taffy for every preference.
6. Esther Price Chocolates
Dayton’s sweetest tradition began in Esther Price’s kitchen in 1926. Her hand-dipped chocolates became so popular that neighbors would line up at her door!
The red box with gold lettering signals something special to Ohioans. Their caramels pull with just the right stretch, and their chocolate-covered cherries burst with that signature sweet syrup that generations have savored during special occasions.
7. Heggy’s Chocolates
Step into Heggy’s in Canton and you’re transported to 1923! The glass cases filled with hand-dipped chocolates look virtually unchanged since Ben Heggy first opened his doors.
Their chocolate-covered nuts, especially cashews; have achieved legendary status among Ohio candy lovers. Families have maintained traditions of stopping by before holidays, with grandparents introducing each new generation to the joy of selecting pieces from the pristine candy counter.
8. Candy Buttons
Those colorful dots pressed onto paper strips bring instant smiles to Ohioans of a certain age! While not exclusively made in Ohio, these nostalgic treats filled penny candy sections in neighborhood stores across the state.
Half the fun was peeling them off without getting paper stuck to the bottom. Kids would debate the best strategy; eat them one by one or bite several at once? Either way, you’d always end up with tiny paper bits and a rainbow-stained tongue!
