Vermont Takes Title as Top Candy Store State

A new study has identified the candy capitals of America, with Vermont claiming the top spot, based on the number of candy stores there. 

Price-tracking website Pricelisto analyzed the locations of 23,667 candy stores across the United States and compared them to state populations to find out which states have the most candy stores per 100,000 people.  

Vermont has been crowned the candy capital, with 12.2 candy stores per 100,000 residents. 

Middlebury Sweets is the largest candy store in the state, located in South Middlebury. It’s home to over 1,500 types of candy, as well as handmade chocolate available on site. The store is also attached to a motel, so candy fanatics can stay overnight for an extended experience.  

New Hampshire is second, boasting 10.63 candy stores per 100,000 residents.  

The state is home to Chutters, a candy store with the world’s largest candy counter. There are three locations in New Hampshire, but if you want to see the massive 112-ft candy-filled counter for yourself, you’ll need to head to the store in Littleton.  

Maine is third, with 9.74 candy stores per 100,000 residents.  

Seavey’s Sweets is credited with the original creation of the Needham, a dessert bar made from sugar, chocolate, coconut, and surprisingly, potato. Although the shop is no longer operating, Needhams remain a classic favorite for Mainers. 

In fourth is New York, with 9.11 candy stores per 100,000 residents.  

After California, New York has the highest number of candy stores out of any state at a whopping 1,782. Economy Candy is New York City’s oldest store, stocking all types of candy, nuts, and dried fruit since 1937. 

Rhode Island is fifth, home to 8.94 candy stores per 100,000 residents.  

Anchor Toffee, Lolli and Pops, and Candy 4 Pennies are just a few of the highly rated candy stores located in Rhode Island.  

New Jersey ranks sixth, with 8.37 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is credited with the creation of Salt Water Taffy, a type of soft and chewy candy, after a boardwalk candy shop supposedly flooded with ocean water in 1883.  

Pennsylvania is seventh, with 8.02 candy stores per 100,000 residents. According to oral tradition, the popular candy corn was invented here in the 1880s by candy-maker George Renninger.  

A very close eighth is Illinois, with 8.01 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is home to 1,005 candy stores in total, the sixth highest of any state.  

Massachusetts is ninth, with 7.54 candy stores per 100,000 residents. One of the biggest stores here is Penny Candy, offering over 1,000 types of candy. 

Wisconsin is tenth, with 7.04 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Goody Goody Gumdrop is the largest candy store in the state, found in Wisconsin Dells. 

For more news of interest to the confections industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.