June is a sweet month — National Candy Month to be exact. This month recognizes the creators, retailers, companies, and individuals who craft candy that makes our lives a little bit sweeter.
Pittsburgh plays a role in the confectionery industry, with local candy connoisseurs and business owners creating and selling some of the best chocolates, caramels, salt water taffy, and candy bars around.
“The confections and chocolate industry are extremely well represented in the greater Pittsburgh area. From specialty shops to manufacturers, there is something for everyone in this area,” says Mitchell McIlhenny, Regional Sales Representative at Asher’s Chocolates.
Between sweet everyday candies and seasonal specials, a quick stop to one of these local candy shops should absolutely be on your list this June.
Asher’s Chocolate Co.
A maker of fine chocolates, Asher’s Chocolate Co. is a family-owned business that’s been around for over 120 years. Asher’s is known for it’s award-winning selection of chocolates, as well as chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, mint patties, and fudge. Asher’s offers local delivery or you can find a retailer online.
To get a glimpse inside the candy-making industry, you can even go on a tour of Asher’s Chocolate Co. Headquarters in Souderton, PA.
Mon Aimee Chocolat
For anything chocolate you may need, Mon Aimee Chocolat has it. Located in the Strip District, this is one of Pittsburgh’s best handcrafted chocolatiers. Mon Aimee has a wide variety of fine chocolates, with local and foreign chocolates from over 60 countries.
With bean to (candy) bar options, this is the ultimate sweet treat for coffee lovers. The wide variety of unique and foreign chocolates will have you seeing something new and tasty every time you visit.
Sarris Candies
This candy brand needs no introduction. Sarris Candies feels as Pittsburgh as Heinz Ketchup. Sarris creates beautiful assortments of fine chocolates, meltaways, popcorn, and chocolate-covered pretzels. To satisfy your ice cream cravings, they also have ice cream sundaes and shakes available for curbside pickup.
This is one candy company to keep in mind for holiday gifts and party favors as well, with colorful assortments for many holidays throughout the year.
Betsy Ann Chocolates
Chocolate truffles, anyone? Betsy Ann Chocolates makes handmade gourmet chocolates perfect for specialty gifts. This family-owned business has 80 years of candy experience and a reputation for high-quality confections. Their chocolate truffle collections are beautifully presented and can be customized.
In addition to fine chocolates, Betsy Ann creates candy bars, roasted nuts, gummi bears, and salt water taffy.
Chocolate Boutique
With two locations, one in Monaca and the other in The Mall at Robinson, Chocolate Boutique is a great store to get familiar with. This boutique takes candy creativity to the next level. For example, check out their chocolate fishing kit, chocolate tool kit, chocolate emergency kit, or peanut butter filled dinosaur. And don’t forget about the milk chocolate shot glasses, with sprinkles on the rim of course.
Chocolate Boutique carries gourmet items like chocolate-covered apples, pretzels, Oreos, and Rice Krispies Treats. At the Mall at Robison, they also have a brand new event and class space.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
This shop needs to be visited in person to be truly appreciated. Grandpa Joe’s is an experience of the zaniest candy and soda collections around. This locally-owned candy shop is totally unique and the perfect place for true candy enthusiasts, young and old.
Grandpa Joe’s has a great selection of decadent chocolates and unique candies for sale at all their locations, as well as gag-gifts and funny signs. Plus, this is the home of the world-famous $5 Candy Buffet!
TC Candy and Chocolate Art
With chocolate novelties and chocolate-covered strawberries, TC Candy and Chocolate Art is another local candy company to keep in mind for gifts and holidays.
TC Candy and Chocolate is unique as they now have a food truck. Look out for their dipped strawberries and other goodies as events start to resume.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.