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 your 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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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
Antoinette’s Sweets
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.
More Info: antoinettesbuffalo.com
Della’s Chocolates
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.
More Info: dellaschocolates.com
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
Henry’s Candy & Gifts
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.
More info: facebook.com/HenrysCandy
Highland House Candies
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.
More info: highlandhousecandies.net
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Kelly’s Country Store
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.
More info: kellyscountrystore.com
King Condrell’s Ice Cream & Candy
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!
More info: condrells.com
Ko-Ed Candies
A South Buffalo tradition since 1947, Ko-Ed Candies is a staple in the Buffalo area making its #1 favorite seller, sponge candy.
More info: koedcandies.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
Niagara Chocolates
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.
More info: niagarachocolates.com
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
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
Platter’s Chocolate Factory
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!
More Info: platterschocolates.com
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Sweet Jenny’s
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, Orange Chocolate.
More info: sweetjennyswilliamsville.com
Wahl’s Chocolates
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.
More info: wahlscandies.com
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.
More Info: watsonschocolates.com
Yia Yia’s Chocolates
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.
More Info: facebook.com/yiayiaschocolate
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.
