Photo from Fowler’s Facebook
Buffalo’s love for sponge candy runs deep enough to demand an entire day dedicated to this toffee treat – who knew! Mayor Byron Brown first declared Sept. 21 Sponge Candy Day back in 2015, and now for the third year in a row Buffalo is celebrating the city’s favorite candy.
If you are planning on stocking up, don’t worry we got you. Here’s our guide to the best spots to find sponge candy come on Sponge Candy Day and any day.
Watson’s Chocolates
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 tasty better and better as far as we’re concerned. Guess what? It’s gluten-free, too! They have locations in Kenmore, East Amherst, Ellicottville, Victor, Buffalo, Orchard Park, Lancaster, and Niagara Falls. Pro tip: Order online using the code SPONGE15 to get 15% off your entire sponge candy purchase.
More Info: watsonschocolates.com
Photo from Fowler’s Facebook
Fowler’s Chocolates
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 7 retail shops in WNY, and they’ve even made their way into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Super cool fact– they have a new sponge candy bar. Yum!
More Info: fowlerschocolates.com
Photo from Platter’s Chocolate’s Facebook
Platter’s Chocolate Factory
2017 is an exciting year for sponge candy lovers throughout WNY. Platter’s Chocolate Factory is hosting its first 3-day Sponge Candy Fest. Get yourself to the factory, or deal with the aftermath of FOMO. They are kicking the fest off on Thursday with an all-day sampling celebration and sponge candy demonstrations. Say whatttt!? We also heard there’s also a beer and chocolate pairing on Friday. So, if you are out of your sponge candy coma by then, it’s worth checking out.
More Info: platterschocolates.com
Photo from Parkside Candies’ Facebook
Parkside Candy
Crunchy on the inside with a molasses taste is exactly what you’ll find inside a Parkside Candy shop. You just can’t go wrong with their melt in your mouth treats. They have 4 locations in Blasdell, Tonawanda, West Seneca, and Williamsville. That’s 4 reasons to stop for crunchy, creamy, chocolatey goodness. Plus, the old-fashioned, quaint atmosphere always makes for a pleasant experience.
More Info: parksidecandy.com
Photo from Aletheas’ Facebook
Aléthea’s Chocolates
An authentic A is a WNY favorite. If you don’t know what we mean, it’s about time to change that. 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 on the 21st for your fill of sponge candy that’s always fresh!
More Info: aletheas.com
Mike’s Candies
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.
More Info: mikescandies.com
Photo from Park Edge Sweet Shoppes Facebook
Park Edge Sweet Shoppe
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 stick shaped treat.
More Info: parkedgesweetshoppe.com
Photo from Bella Mia’s Facebook
Bella Mia Chocolate Shop
Just when we thought sponge candy couldn’t get any better… there’s a shop in town bringing new flavors to the sponge candy game. Bella Mia Chocolate Shop has the classics, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and orange chocolate…. and wait for it peanut butter and white chocolate. That’s what we like to call a gamechanger. In other words, hit up their shop on Hertel Avenue, and thank us later.
More Info: bellamiacandy.com
Since picking favorites is honestly impossible, we recommend them all. The more sponge candy, the better. Amirite? We’re thinking plan your own sponge candy tour. Because who wants to go to work on a Thursday anyways. Be sure to share your favorite picks of the day with us using #hashtagstepoutbuffalo.
Did we miss your favorite sponge candy shop? Email us at info@stepoutbuffalo.com with the 411 on your go-to shop in WNY.