Hard Candy & Old-Fashioned Sweets

There is a distinct kind of magic found in a classic American general store. The glass jars lined up on the counter, the rainbow of colors, and the promise of a sweet reward for just a few pennies. Our Hard Candy & Old-Fashioned Sweets collection captures that nostalgia and brings it into the modern era.

We have partnered with historic American candy makers—some who have been operating family businesses since the late 1800s—to preserve the art of traditional confectionery. Unlike the mass-produced, flavorless sugars found in big-box stores, these treats are crafted with pride. From hand-pulled taffy made on the Atlantic boardwalks to copper-kettle hard candies flavored with pure essential oils, every piece in this collection tells a story of American heritage, craftsmanship, and simple joy.

Classic Hard Candies & Lollipops

Rediscover the long-lasting pleasure of a quality hard candy. Known as "glass candy" for its beautiful sheen and snap, our selection relies on time-honored recipes.

• Old-Fashioned Drops: Browse the flavors of yesteryear, including Horehound, Root Beer, Anise, and Cinnamon. These drops are often dusted in sugar to prevent sticking and offer a texture that is smooth, not sharp.

• Gourmet Lollipops: These aren't your doctor's office suckers. We stock heavy, hand-poured lollipops in swirling colors and complex flavors like wild huckleberry, cream soda, and watermelon.

• Candy Sticks & Canes: Perfect for stocking stuffers or hot cocoa stirrers, our candy sticks are spun by hand to ensure the stripes are perfect and the flavor is consistent from top to bottom.

Salt Water Taffy & Chews

Born in Atlantic City in the 1880s, Salt Water Taffy is a truly American invention. Our collection features authentic, aerated taffy that is soft, non-sticky, and bursting with flavor

• Boardwalk Classics: Enjoy the pillowy texture of taffy whipped in large batches. We offer traditional assortments featuring vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as modern twists like chili-mango and cupcake.

• Fruit Chews: For those who prefer a tangier bite, explore our fruit chews made with real American fruit purees, offering a juicy burst without the artificial aftertaste.

Gummies & Licorice

Chewy, vibrant, and fun, our gummy selection proves that you don't need to import candy to get the best texture.

• Real Fruit Gummies: Ditch the rubbery imports. Our American-made gummy bears and worms are often made with real fruit juice and natural colors (like turmeric and beet juice) for a cleaner, softer chew.

• Heritage Licorice: Whether you are a fan of traditional Black Licorice flavored with real anise oil or prefer Red strawberry vines, our licorice is cooked slowly to achieve that perfect resistance when you bite.

Sugar-Free & Nostalgic Novelties

We believe everyone deserves a treat, regardless of dietary restrictions.

• Sugar-Free Options: Many of our hard candies and taffies are available in sugar-free versions sweetened with Splenda or Isomalt, making them diabetic-friendly without sacrificing the classic taste.

• Novelty Sweets: From rock candy on a stick to candy buttons and wax bottles, these whimsical treats are perfect for themed parties or introducing the next generation to the fun of "penny candy."

Buying Considerations: The Sweet Details

When stocking your candy dish, a few details can ensure you get the freshest, safest experience:

1. Natural Oils vs. Artificial Flavor The hallmark of a premium "old-fashioned" hard candy is the use of natural essential oils. Flavor oils like Peppermint, Clove, Cinnamon (Cassia), and Lemon offer a potent, aromatic experience that clears the sinuses and lingers on the palate much longer than artificial sprays used in cheap candy.

2. Taffy Texture & "The Pull" Authentic salt water taffy should be aerated (pulled) enough that it is soft and fluffy, not rock hard.

• Storage is Key: Taffy is sensitive to temperature. If it gets too cold, it shatters; too hot, and it melts. Room temperature (70°F) is the sweet spot for the perfect chew.

3. Safety & Choking Hazards Hard candies are also known as "slow dissolve" sweets. While they are a favorite among adults for their longevity, they can be a choking hazard for young children. For kids under 5, we recommend our Gummies or Lollipops (which have safety stick handles) over loose hard drops.

4. Humidity Sensitivity Sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water from the air.

• Hard Candy: In humid climates, hard candy can become sticky or "tacky." Keep them in airtight glass jars or their original sealed wrappers to maintain that glass-like finish.

• Gummies: Keep cool to prevent them from fusing into a giant "gummy brick."