Ohio Buckeye Candy: A Sweet History

Explore the history of Ohio’s one-bite wonder!
From humble origins, the buckeye has become Ohio’s namesake candy. Though a classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, each producer’s offering is as bespoke as the buckeye is beloved. Taste tradition in Amish country at Coblentz Chocolate Company or sample capital city Columbus’ original stuffed offering from The Buckeye Lady. Visit legendary family businesses like fifth-generation Anthony Thomas, Wittich’s, the nation’s oldest candy shop and Winans, a carriage house chocolatier turned coffee roaster, serving up deliciousness at the seat of the state’s Buckeye Candy Trail. Traverse towns to try long-standing favorites from Esther Price, Marie’s Candies and Marsha’s Homemade Buckeyes alongside artistic interpretations from newcomers The Buckeye Co, Tana’s Tasty Treats and Lohcally Artisan Chocolates.
Join Renee Casteel Cook, author of Ohio Ice Cream and coauthor of The Columbus Food Truck Cookbook, as she unfolds how this bite-sized confection has become Ohio’s sweetest symbol.

Author featured on Eat Your Heartland Out podcast/radio show

Ohio Food Legends: Author Renee Casteel Cook Captures Why Ohio is a Food Mecca with Special Guest Alicia Hindman, The Buckeye Lady