If you’ve ever wondered where your favorite candies come from—or dreamed of seeing how they’re made—this guide is for you! From iconic PEZ dispensers in Connecticut to Dum Dum Pops in Ohio, I’m sharing five classic candy factories you can visit across the U.S. These aren’t just places to buy sweets (though there’s plenty of that too)—they’re immersive experiences full of fascinating history, fun tours, and of course… free samples.
And because I found so many cool spots, this is just Part 1 of my candy factory adventure. Stay tuned for next week’s post all about chocolate factories!
1. PEZ Visitor Center – Orange, CT
A Breath Mint with a Surprise Twist
Did you know that PEZ started as a breath mint? Yep! First created in 1927 in Vienna, Austria by Eduard Haas III, PEZ was originally marketed as a breath freshener for adults—even as an alternative to smoking. And those first dispensers? They weren’t colorful or shaped like your favorite characters—they actually looked like cigarette lighters!
The iconic PEZ dispenser we know today didn’t arrive until 1949, when Oskar Uxa designed it as a fun, hygienic way to pop out mints. But PEZ really took off in the 1950s, when the company realized that kids were obsessed with the dispensers. That’s when they started adding character heads—Santa Claus, Popeye, and Mickey Mouse were among the first—and a pop culture icon was born.
By 1973, PEZ opened its first U.S. factory in Orange, Connecticut, which today is home to the PEZ Visitor Center.
What You’ll See at the PEZ Visitor Center:
- The World’s Largest PEZ Dispenser – Perfect for a quirky photo op!
- PEZ Museum – A huge collection of dispensers from different decades, including rare and vintage designs.
- Watch PEZ Being Made – See the candy being packaged through a viewing area (but heads up—the factory isn’t operational on weekends or holidays).
- PEZ Motorcycle – Yes, a motorcycle decked out in PEZ branding.
- Bonus: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for exclusive dispensers and custom PEZ creations!
2. Jelly Belly Factory – Fairfield, CA
From Humble Beginnings to Space Travel
Jelly Belly’s story goes all the way back to 1869, when Gustav Goelitz started making mellowcreme candies (yes, including candy corn!) in Belleville, Illinois. Fast forward to the 1960s, and the company was experimenting with mini jelly beans that had natural flavoring in both the center and shell—something totally new at the time.
In 1976, David Klein teamed up with Herman Rowland (grandson of Gustav) to create Jelly Belly—named in tribute to blues musician Lead Belly.
But Jelly Belly’s fame really skyrocketed in the 1980s, when President Ronald Reagan declared his love for the candy. He even had a special blueberry flavor created for his 1981 inauguration! And in 1983, Jelly Belly made history as the first jelly beans to go to space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
What You’ll See at the Jelly Belly Factory:
- See How the Beans Are Made – Walk through a viewing gallery and watch the entire jelly bean process—from mixing ingredients to shaping, cooking, and polishing.
- Learn the History – Interactive exhibits and displays showcase Jelly Belly’s rise from candy corn to a global brand.
- Free Samples – Try classic flavors like Very Cherry and Buttered Popcorn, or get adventurous with BeanBoozled’s mystery flavors.
- Candy Art – Don’t miss the incredible portraits and mosaics made entirely out of jelly beans!
- Jelly Belly Candy Store – Stock up on all your favorites, plus grab some “Belly Flops” (imperfect jelly beans sold at a discount).
3. Spangler Candy Company – Bryan, OH
The Home of Dum Dum Pops
Founded in 1906 by Arthur G. Spangler, the Spangler Candy Company started out making baking soda and spices before shifting to candy in 1908. That decision led to the creation of some of America’s most beloved treats, including:
- Dum Dum Pops – The little lollipops that seemed to be everywhere as a kid.
- Saf-T-Pops – Lollipops with a loop-style stick for extra safety.
- Candy Canes – Spangler is one of the largest manufacturers of candy canes in the U.S.
- Circus Peanuts – Love them or hate them, they’re a Spangler classic!
- Necco Wafers & Sweethearts – Yes, Spangler brought these nostalgic candies back!
Visiting Spangler Candy World:
While you can’t walk through the factory itself, Spangler Candy World offers a fun, interactive experience:
- Big Screen Factory Tour – A video presentation with a kid-friendly storyline featuring the Dum Dum Drum Man.
- Museum Exhibits – Vintage packaging, family stories, and Spangler’s evolution into a candy powerhouse.
- Interactive STEM Learning – Discover the science and engineering behind candy making.
- Sweethearts Chapel – Snap photos with oversized conversation hearts in this Valentine’s Day-themed spot.
- Retail Shop – Stock up on Dum Dum Pops, Necco Wafers, candy canes, and more!
Fun Fact: The mystery flavor in Dum Dum Pops isn’t random—it’s created when one flavor transitions to another, resulting in a unique blend every time.
4. Hammond’s Candies – Denver, CO
Founded by Carl T. Hammond Sr. in 1920, Hammond’s Candies has been crafting handmade, old-fashioned sweets for over a century. What started as a small, family-run business grew into a national treasure in the 1990s, thanks to a partnership with Williams-Sonoma.
Despite its growth, Hammond’s still uses traditional methods and small-batch production to create candies like:
- Candy Canes – Hand-pulled and twisted in a variety of flavors beyond peppermint.
- Mitchell Sweets – Caramel-covered marshmallows that are a fan favorite.
- Honey Ko Kos – Chocolates topped with shredded coconut, Carl Sr.’s first original candy.
- Ribbon Candy, Lollipops, Salt Water Taffy, and More!
What to Expect on the Hammond’s Factory Tour:
- See the Candy Being Made – Watch real candy makers pull candy canes, shape lollipops, and cook caramels in copper kettles.
- Learn the History – Guides share the story of Hammond’s rise from local shop to national brand.
- Free Samples – Try their signature sweets at the end of the tour!
- Candy Store – Stock up on your favorites or discover limited-edition seasonal treats.
5. Davidson of Dundee – Dundee, FL
Florida’s Citrus Candy Haven
If you’re looking for something a little different, Davidson of Dundee is the place to go. This family-run business has been making handcrafted citrus candies, jellies, and chocolates since the early 1900s. Inspired by homemade citrus candies from his mother, Glen Davidson created recipes that turned into local favorites—and eventually, a must-visit candy destination.
Must-Try Treats at Davidson of Dundee:
- Citrus Delicacies – Made with real Florida orange, lemon, key lime, and tangerine juices for a bold, tangy punch.
- Marmalades & Jellies – Small-batch spreads using sun-ripened Florida fruit and pure cane sugar.
- Coconut Patties & Chocolates – Florida classics with flavors like key lime and chocolate-dipped coconut.
What You’ll Experience on the Tour:
- See the Magic Happen – Watch as their old-fashioned production process turns fresh citrus into delicious treats.
- Free Samples – Taste their jellies, candies, and chocolates before deciding what to bring home.
- Shop for Florida’s Sweetest Treats – From citrus candies to handmade marmalades, you’ll find plenty of unique goodies to take home.
Ready for More?
This is just Part 1 of our candy adventure! Next week, we’ll dive into amazing chocolate factories across the U.S., including a bean-to-bar artisan in Massachusetts and the ultimate chocolate destination—Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania.
