What You Need to Know About Ohio's Famous Buckeye Candy

If you have ever been to Ohio (and even if you haven’t!), you have probably heard of the official state candy—the Buckeye. Ohio has a vast production of buckeyes, which is why they are a favorite snack here.

If you’re coming to Ohio for the first time, you may be unfamiliar with this candy, and you could even find it strange. Here are some of the important things you need to know about it: 

The Buckeye

The Buckeye nut resembles an acorn with a prominent “eye” that shouldn’t be eaten. It is the seed of the American Buckeye, a tree native to the state. 

At state football games, you will notice a lot of fans in the bleachers with tubs filled with buckeye nuts. They are also considered a good luck charm by the fans. 

The buckeye nut is not edible, but the candy version is a combination of peanut butter and dark chocolate. Some use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate to make the texture softer. 

The History of Buckeye Candy

The candy dates back to 1919, when the Buckeye Candy Company opened in Brooklyn, Ohio. Three women who were wives of the company’s owner and a salesman went into business making Buckeyes. 

Since then, they have become a hit, especially for football fans, because the candies resemble the nut of Ohio’s state tree. These fans also love to pass them out to visitors hoping to give them a taste of good luck and bring them luck on the field. 

The Buckeye Candy Today

Today, Ohioans consume more than six million pounds of buckeyes per year. It’s similar toReese’s peanut butter cup, in which the peanut butter center is surrounded by a thin chocolate shell and covered in thick chocolate. 

Where to Get Buckeye Candies

Buckeye candies are sold in many gift shops and specialty stores to include Ohio Artisan Collective! You can also find them in your local grocery stores. 

You can still enjoy these tasty treats even if you are not a football fan. They make great gifts to bring home and unique snack to give out. 

Ohio’s other Famous Candy Treats

Buckeyes, of course, will not be the only candy you will find in Ohio. Here are some other favorite treats that are must-haves in Ohio:

• Polka Dot Shortbread Cookies: Every region of the world has its preferred cookie, and Ohio is no different. These shortbread cookies are made with a combination of butter and cream - and each one is hand-cut!
• Buckeye Balls: This decadent Ohio treat is dipped in chocolate and topped with nuts, coconut, and peppermint.
• Buckeye Candy Corn: This candy is made with honey, corn syrup, butter, and marshmallows. It's most popular during Halloween.
• Necco Wafers: If you love chocolate, you probably have a soft spot for these thin little discs of chocolate. These were the original candy wafers. Each box is full of tiny, thin discs of chocolate, a big favorite at Ohio State University.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Ohio

Today, Buckeyes are a unique sweet treat enjoyed by many across the country. If you are coming to Ohio, take some to share with your friends and family. They will be a hit!

Get all the best made in Ohio stuff here at Ohio Artisan Collective. We are a gift shop and coffee bar at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets and we offer a range of products made by Ohio artists, makers, and food companies. Shop all the good stuff here.