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By Marni Rose McFall
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America's love affair with candy runs deep, from childhood memories of trick-or-treating to savoring sweets during the holiday season.
But have you ever wondered which states boast the most candy shops per capita? A recent study set out to uncover the answer, mapping out the candy capitals of the United States.
Price-tracking website PriceListo used data from Bing Maps API to extract location-based data, with the search term "candy store," in every U.S. state, taking the number of candy store locations and normalizing them per 100,000 residents. And Newsweek has compiled the data into a new map.
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A spokesperson for the site noted in an email shared with Newsweek: "Candy has always been a part of American culture, from childhood memories of trick-or-treating to finding your favorite sweets in local shops. Whether you live in a 'candy capital' or not, we encourage everyone to support their local candy shops and enjoy the fun and nostalgia that only a candy store can offer."
The Sweetest States
At the top of the list is Vermont, crowned the "candy capital" of the U.S. With 12.2 candy stores per 100,000 residents, Vermont boasts a candy shop density unmatched anywhere else in the nation.
A spokesperson for the Vermont Department of Health told Newsweek: "In Vermont, we're very fortunate to have a wide range of artisan and specialty products within our food environment. Small businesses, whether they're crafting or selling products, are generally not the primary source of excess sugar consumption in the average Vermont resident's diet.
"Vermonters can support local candy businesses without making candy a primary source of nutrition."
Among its standout attractions is Middlebury Sweets, the state's largest candy store. Located in South Middlebury, this shop offers over 1,500 types of candy, handmade chocolates, and even a motel for those seeking an extended sugar-fueled adventure.
New Hampshire claimed the second spot, with 10.63 candy stores per 100,000 people. A highlight is Chutters, a shop in Littleton that houses the world's largest candy counter. Stretching an impressive 112 feet, this counter has become a must-see for candy lovers.
Maine ranks third, with 9.74 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Known for its unique candy culture, the state gave birth to the Needham—a dessert bar featuring chocolate, coconut, sugar and potato. Though its original creator, Seavey's Sweets, has closed, the Needham remains a favorite treat for Mainers.
The Full Flavor of the Top 10
The Northeast dominates the rankings, with half of the top 10 states hailing from the region. New York comes in fourth, featuring 9.11 candy stores per 100,000 residents. With a whopping 1,782 shops statewide, New York has the second-largest total number of candy stores in the U.S. Economy Candy, New York City's oldest candy shop, has been delighting customers since 1937 with its wide selection of sweets, nuts and dried fruits.
Rhode Island places fifth, boasting 8.94 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state offers a variety of highly rated shops, including Anchor Toffee, Lolli and Pops, and Candy 4 Pennies.
New Jersey is sixth, with 8.37 candy stores per 100,000 people. It's also the birthplace of saltwater taffy, a classic American treat that dates back to the 1880s, when a boardwalk shop was flooded by ocean water.
Pennsylvania ranks seventh, with 8.02 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is home to candy corn, created in the 1880s by confectioner George Renninger.
Illinois follows closely in eighth place, boasting 8.01 candy stores per 100,000 residents. With 1,005 candy shops, it ranks sixth in total store count nationwide.
Massachusetts, coming in ninth, features 7.54 candy stores per 100,000 people. Its iconic Penny Candy shop is stocked with over 1,000 different types of sweets, making it a regional favorite.
Wisconsin rounds out the top 10 with 7.04 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Goody Goody Gumdrop in Wisconsin Dells is the largest candy store in the state.
Enjoying Candy In Moderation
A spokesperson for the Vermont Department of Health told Newsweek: "There is no benefit to vilifying particular foods or categories of food. In doing so, we disregard the many factors that contribute to food choices, and we distract from systemic issues, like social determinants of health, that play a greater role in population health outcomes."
They shared the following recommendations for enjoying sweets in moderation.
Update 11/21/24, 05:54 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a spokesperson for the Vermont Department of Health.
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