Most of us know that sponge candy is a “Buffalo thing”. But did you know that there are over 15 established chocolate shops and brands that make it? There’s even an entire day dedicated to this toffee treat thanks to Mayor Byron Brown who first declared Sept. 21 Sponge Candy Day back in 2015 to celebrate the Queen city’s favorite candy.
Whether you’re planning to stock up for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, Sponge Candy Day, need to get your fix while you’re in town, or you’re a Buffalonian with a craving, we’ve got you.
Here’s our guide to the best spots to find sponge candy all year long:
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
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1. Aléthea’s Chocolates
8301 Main St, Williamsville / More Info
Aléthea’s Chocolates in Williamsville has been creating fine handmade chocolates for 3 generations, and you can taste the old-fashioned way when you bit into even their newest creations. Head there for your fill of sponge candy that’s always fresh!
2. Antoinette’s Sweets
5981 Transit Rd, Depew / More Info
With roots dating back to 1915, Antoinette’s Sweets is another WNY staple when it comes to candy, chocolates and ice cream. Although the location may have changed over the years, Antoinette’s still has an old-fashioned feel, from the atmosphere to their homemade products. When you walk into Antoinette’s you’ll notice the wooden booths and beams, the neon signs, and the long bar. Looking behind the bar you’ll notice the mixers, tin sundae dishes, and glass milkshake glasses, which all complete the look of a quintessential old-fashioned ice cream bar. The old-fashioned vibe continues when you pick up your order, which is served on a tray with napkins and a glass of water.
3. Della’s Chocolates
512 Main St, Medina / dellaschocolates.com
Della’s Chocolates is a family owned and operated business, located in historic downtown Medina, NY. They offer an assortment of milk, dark, white, orange milk and orange dark sponge candy. You won’t be disappointed.
4. Fowler’s Chocolates
Multiple Locations / fowlerschocolates.com
Milk, dark, or orange– you choose. Fowler’s is a long-time Buffalo favorite for this creamy, rich bite-sized treat. Fowler’s is the original maker of sponge candy, and to this day they make in small batches, so every piece is as good as the last. They have retail shops in across WNY, and they’ve even made their way into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
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5. Henry’s Candy & Gifts
13237 Broadway, Alden / Facebook
Located in Alden, Henry’s Candy & Gifts began its production by making Easter candy. Today it is a well known chocolate, candies, and sponge candy shop open year round. They go beyond the typical sponge candy bites by also offering sponge candy bars.
6. Highland House Candies
1 Buffalo St Hamburg / More Info
Find Highland House in Hamburg’s Staub Square for Sponge Candy, Hot Cocoa Bombs, various chocolate items & gifts. Specialty custom themed chocolates are available as well.
7. Kelly’s Country Store
3121 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island / kellyscountrystore.com
Located on Grand Island, Kelly’s Country Store is known for their homemade chocolate and fudge. This includes homemade sponge candy which comes in orange, milk, and dark chocolate flavors.
8. King Condrell’s Ice Cream & Candy
2805 Delaware Ave, Buffalo / More Info
Self-described as “light as air, almost molasses like sweet and crunchy center that melts into itself once in your mouth, smothered by our delicious chocolate – milk, dark, orange, ivory, or peanut butter.” Yes, you read that right – they have a peanut butter flavor!
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9. Ko-Ed Candies
285 Abbott Rd Buffalo / More Info
A South Buffalo tradition since 1947, Ko-Ed Candies is a staple in the Buffalo area making its #1 favorite seller, sponge candy.
10. Mike’s Candies
2110 Clinton St, Cheektowaga / mikescandies.com
Prepare to fall in love. Mike’s Candies is a favorite for many because this local shop is doing it right. They make authentic sponge candy with artisanal milk chocolate, and word on the street is – it’s basically life-changing. Hit up their shop on Clinton Street and find out why everyone likes Mike’s.
11. Niagara Chocolates
3500 Genesee St, Cheektowaga / More Info
Created in Buffalo in 1956, Niagara by Frey Premium Chocolates manufactures their chocolates right here in Buffalo, NY, including orange, milk, and dark chocolate sponge candy, filled chocolates, gift sets, seasonal chocolates, solid chocolates and more.
12. Park Edge Sweet Shoppe
325 Abbott Rd, Buffalo / More Info
South Buffalonians have a sponge candy shop with a unique twist in town. Forget squares, Park Edge is all about the stick life. We heard the ratio of chocolate to sponge is perfection. If you have a rebel sweet tooth, you’ll be all about this treat.
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13. Parkside Candy
Multiple Locations / parksidecandy.com
Crunchy on the inside with a molasses taste is exactly what you’ll find at Parkside Candy shop. You just can’t go wrong with their melt in your mouth treats. Stop in for crunchy, creamy, chocolatey goodness. Plus, the old-fashioned, quaint atmosphere always makes for a pleasant experience.
14. Platter’s Chocolate Factory
908 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda / More Info
Platter’s Chocolate Factory is located in the famous Wurlitzer building of North Tonawanda and is a chocolate factory/cafe dream. They offer guided tours of the space, coffee and baked goods, an array of chocolate options, and ice cream all year round. Of their sponge candy options, orange chocolate is a Platter’s specialty. Also we’ve heard they’ve collaborated with EBC on a sponge candy beer!
15. Sweet Jenny’s
56 E Spring St, Williamsville / More Info
Sweet Jenny’s uses their own blend of cacao and all chocolates are hand dipped fresh in shop. Offerings vary seasonally. Sponge candy is available in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and Orange Chocolate.
16. Wahl’s Chocolates
130 Losson Rd, Buffalo / wahlscandies.com
A family-owned and operated business, Wahl’s specializes in a multitude of chocolates, including sponge candy. Their sponge candy comes in orange, dark, and milk chocolate options.
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17. Watson’s Chocolates
Multiple Locations / watsonschocolates.com
Imagine 35 tons of sponge candy. Are you swooning? We are! That’s approximately how much sponge candy Watson’s Chocolates makes every year. They’ve been making their famous sponge candy by hand for more than 70 years, and it keeps tasting better and better as far as we’re concerned. Guess what? It’s gluten-free, too!
18. Yia Yia’s Chocolates
3100 Transit Rd, West Seneca / Facebook
Yia Yia’s Chocolates is home of the peanut butter sponge candy. They make a vast range of different chocolates all year round and also do custom orders. Sponge candy comes in milk, dark, orange, and peanut butter options.
19. Oliver’s Candies
211 West Main St, Batavia / oliverscandies.com
At Oliver’s Candies you’ll find the their sponge candy includes a light honey combed center drenched in Oliver’s rich Milk Chocolate. They also offer a peanut butter option too!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
This article was originally published In April 2017 and has been updated.