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Top 10 Cities Full of Unique Candy Shops (Sweet Lovers Need to Visit!)

Florida makes an appearance twice on this coveted list.

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Updated Oct. 28, 2024
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Did you know that 61% of adults in the United States consume sweet foods, and your likelihood of having a sweet tooth increases as you age? It’s no wonder we all love a little dessert with our meals and look forward to candy-heavy holidays like Halloween.

Some places surpass others, though, when it comes to sweet tooths. FinanceBuzz conducted research on candy stores across the United States. They counted and compared unique candy shops in over 75 of the biggest cities in America and found which ones have the most locations per 100,000 people — perfect for candy aficionados.

Here are the top 10 American cities with the most unique and nostalgic candy shops. And don’t forget your favorite travel credit card so you can save even more when you visit.

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10. New Orleans, Louisiana: 17.9

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe City street at night

From Mardi Gras to Bourbon Street, New Orleans is always a party. And you can’t have a party without candy.

The Big Easy has the tenth most candy shops to choose from in the United States, according to the FinanceBuzz study, with fun storefronts like Southern Candy Makers, ManhattanJack, and the city’s oldest candy shop, Laura’s Candies. Don’t forget to pick up some pralines, the city’s signature candy.

9. Atlanta, Georgia: 18.0

rodphotography/Adobe suburban houses and downtown Atlanta buildings

While Georgia is more known for candied pecans and peaches, it also happens to have the ninth most candy shops in America, coming in at 18 shops per 100,000 people.

Stop in at community favorites like A Cacao Affair, River Street Sweets, or the Collier Candy Company for a taste of the city’s finest.

8. Miami, Florida: 19.7

Kuteich/adobe buildings and resorts standing tall at miami beach shore with white sand and crystal blue water at day time

In Miami, Florida, you can find incredible chocolate in any one of its amazing candy storefronts. City favorites like Exquisito Chocolates are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, and you can even tour the store’s on-site factory, too.

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7. Salt Lake City, Utah: 21.5

Dansker Digital/Adobe Salt Lake City during day

Not only does Salt Lake City rank seventh on this list, but it is also known for having the third most costume shops in the country. With 21.5 candy shops per 100,000 people, this city had better be hosting Halloween for the ages every year.

Some of the best chocolate shops in the city include Mrs. Cavanaugh’s and Hatch Family Chocolates. Be sure to try the Aztec salted caramels from Hatch Family Chocolates or Mrs. Cavanaugh’s signature chocolate, the Mindy Mint.

6. Cincinnati, Ohio: 23.5

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Cincinnati Ohio skyline

Did you know that Cincinnati is home to the oldest candy cane company in the U.S.? The city is still sweets-positive and is number six on the list of candy-centric cities.

In this Midwest city, you have a host of bright storefronts packed to the brim with bulk candies of all sorts. Stop by Minges Peter & Son, the oldest candy shop in Cincinnati, or Doscher’s Candies, the oldest continuously operating candy company in the country.

5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 25.1

checubus/Adobe pittsburgh pennsylvania

Pittsburgh made it onto this list for having 25.1 unique candy shops per 100,000 people. This should come as no surprise, as Pennsylvania is known for manufacturing candies like Mallow Cups, Mike and Ikes, Peeps, Reese’s, Hershey chocolate bars, York Peppermint Patties, and more.

4. Oakland, California: 28.2

Nicholas J. Klein/Adobe aerial alameda county

Downtown Oakland comes in fourth place and has a very rare walk score of 100, which makes the fact that they have so many candy shops to choose from all the sweeter.

Cajun Bay Sweets and The Chocolate Dragon Bittersweet Cafe and Bakery sell decadent sweets of all types, while Michael’s Chocolates is a bit of an elevated experience.

3. Buffalo, New York: 30.6

Neil/Adobe Buffalo NY skyline during day

Upstate New York is full of mom-and-pop shops and storefronts that will take you back in time. So, it’s no surprise that Buffalo is also riddled with cutesy candy stores and soda shops. In fact, they break 30 for every 100,000 people.

Mike’s Homemade Candies, Parkside Candy, and Hello Sweets Candy and Pop Shop are just a few of the top-rated options to stock up at.

2. St. Louis, Missouri: 30.9

digidreamgrafix/Adobe saint louis missouri with mild traffic during day time

St. Louis is a sprawling metropolitan area filled with fast food chains, bowling alleys, and endless, beautiful churches. The city also has the second most unique candy storefronts in the country.

Stop into Charm me Sweet Candy Store or Crown Candy Kitchen for an array of options. Merb’s Candies is a great spot for artisanal chocolate.

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1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 46.7

rodphotography/Adobe aerial view panorama of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the city with the most unique candy shops in the United States. There are almost 16 more candy stores per 100,000 people than in St. Louis.

Favorites like To The Moon sells old-school candies, and Jan’s Homemade Candies makes truffles, fudges, and handmade chocolates. Stop by any of the plentiful candy shops to get your fixing.

Bottom line

Jesse/Adobe colorful candy jars on store shelf

There are candy meccas in some unlikely places, and any of these spots is sure to satisfy a sweet tooth. Save money on travel to these cities — and other top ones with sweet tooth attractions — to go on a sugar-laden adventure.

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Meredith Schneider

Meredith Schneider is a writer, editor, and marketing professional with over a decade of experience across multiple industries. As a creative entrepreneur, she is always on the lookout for money-saving hacks to support her single-income household. Meredith is dedicated to finding high-quality products at affordable prices to elevate her life and those around her.