Did you know there are several companies in Iowa that make candy? If you enjoy traveling around the State it is fun to stop and enjoy the homemade candies!
Here are a few of my favorites:
Monastary Candies: Their candy products are made by the contemplative nuns of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque. The nuns support themselves through manual labor with the main means of support being the production and sale of their candy. They are probably best known for their Trappistine Creamy Caramels which they began cooking and selling in 1965. They come individually wrapped or coated in light or dark chocolate.
Palmer Candy: Their motto is “Making Life Sweeter Since 1878”. They are one of the oldest family owned and operated companies in the country. One of the candies they are best known for is the Twin Bing. They introduced them in 1923 and they are still produced by hand.
Drew’s Chocolates: Helen Drew began making chocolates in the basement of her home in 1927. That basement business is still there utilizing the original recipes and much of the original equipment. Drew’s continues to fork dip each truffle, toffee, and chocolate-covered caramel daily.
Betty Jane Candies: This candy maker has been family owned and operated since 1938. They are probably best known for their Gremlins which are chocolate-covered nut clusters.
If you are interested in learning about more homemade candy shops in Iowa, traveliowa has put together a list for you. Enjoy!
Thanks for the info Marcia! My dad LOVED the Twin Bing. Maybe a candy themed trip around Iowa is just what’s needed this summer.