Discover the best candy shops in Chicago that will satisfy your sweet-tooth

Chicago is home to a variety of delectable candy treats, from the iconic Tootsie Rolls, Brach’s, Frango Mints, Wrigley Gum, Fannie May, and Mars Candy, so it’s no surprise that the Windy City also has a number of must-stop candy shops that are worth your time and money. Whether youre looking for classic American treats, international flavors, or creative confections, Chicago candy stores are all guaranteed to have a memorably sweet treat for you (and your candy-loving kids). 

The Best Candy Stores in Chicago

1. Margies Candies

Margies is one of the oldest candy shops in Chicago and has been serving up classic treats since 1921. The signature item here is the sundae, but the store also offers a wide selection of candies, from caramels to chocolates. Dont forget to try the homemade fudge!

1960 N Western Ave.
Chicago
Online: tripadvisor.com

2. Sweet Mandy Bs

This familyowned bakery is known for its cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods, but it also has an impressive selection of candy. Try the malt balls, salt water taffy, and gummy bears as well as their mouth-watering truffles and candy bars.

254 E Ontario St.
Chicago
Online: sweetmandybs.com

3. The Fudge Pot

The Fudge Pot is a familyrun shop located in Chicago, that specializes in handmade fudge. Founded in 1980, Mary and John have been crafting traditional and unique flavors of fudge for over 40 years. The Fudge Pot has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including the signature flavor, Vanilla Caramel Swirl, as well as Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Peanut Butter, and more, making it a favorite among Chicagoans.

1532 N. Wells
Chicago
Online: thefudgepotchicago.com

4. The Candyality

This unique and fun candy shop offers an eclectic selection of quality candy from around the world. Here you’ll find bulk items and sweet treats including gummies, sours, taffy, M&Ms in over 20 colors and over 30 flavors of Jelly Bellies. Add to that, Chicago’s first licorice bar. 

3737 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago
Online: candyality.com

5. IT’SUGAR

This unapologetic shrine to sugar is complete with extravagant displays, over-the-top sweets, one-of-a-kind gifts, and immersive experiences. There’s even a TikTok-trending candy section. Be on the lookout for the 11-foot Ferris Wheel candy display and the Chicago skyline made entirely of Jellybeans. You can also find IT’SUGAR at the Navy Pier and in Gurnee and Schaumburg.

717 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago
Online: itsugar.com

6. Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream

Family-owned and operated, Graham's Fine Chocolates in charming downtown Geneva is a must-visit. Their fine, hand-dipped chocolates and homemade ice cream are a draw year-round. Count on an assortment of unique caramel apples, rich hot cocoas, pretzels dipped in chocolate, and can't miss, chocolate-covered bacon. YUM.

302 S. 3rd St.
Geneva

19 W. Front St.
Wheaton
Online: grahamschocolate.com

7. Dulcelandia

At Dulcelandia, you'll find every Mexican candy and chocolate treat under the sun. Be adventurous and give some of the more interesting sweets a taste. We like Rollos de Cocco (jumbo milk coconut rolls) and chili-covered mango lollipops. Every kid (and adult!) will love the Obleas, wafers covered with creamy caramel.

Various Locations
Online: dulcelandia.com

8. Little Popcorn Store

See if you can squeeze into this teeny-tiny penny candy shop—actually, a storefront wedged into the small space between two larger buildings. Then, fill your little paper bag to the brim. Choose from old-fashioned (bullseyes and flying saucers) to new-fangled (pop rocks and sour patch worms) and be sure to take a giant bag of freshly hand-popped popcorn to go.

111 W. Front St.
Wheaton
Online: littlepopcornstore.com

9. Katherine Anne Confections

Go gourmet and pop into Katherine Anne Confections, a Chicago sweets shop that has an eye for delicious, locally and seasonally inspired sweets. The rotating selection of hand-dipped truffles, soft honey caramels and pillowy marshmallows are made with the best-of-the-best ingredients, and the seasonal flavors are to die for.

2745 W. Armitage Ave.
Logan Square
Online: katherine-anne.com

10. Aji Ichiban

Forgo the ordinary and tour Asia via candy. At Aji Ichiban, you take your pick from thousands of candies and sweet and salty snacks from Asia. The shrimp and squid flavored treats are especially interesting, while the wide range of sweet gummies are sure to be gobbled up in a flash. Customers are encouraged to sample before buying, making shopping for treats here especially sweet.

2117-A S. China Pl.
Chinatown
Online: aji-ichiban-snack-usa.edan.io

11. Superior Nut & Candy

Located in the heart of Chicago in the Historic Stockyard Industrial Park, Superior Nut & Candy is Chicago's go-to spot for sweets. The individual bags of trail mix and chocolate-covered peanuts are especially sought-after goodies, while the mini bags of yogurt pretzels and dried fruits offer a slightly healthier-ish option. 

1111 W. 40th St.
Chicago
Online: superiornutandcandy.com

12. Ferrara Pan Candy Company Outlet

Ferrara Pan has been cranking out candy classics since 1908, and at the Ferrara Pan Outlet, you can buy his sweet candies fresh from the factory, with awesome prices to boot. You'll find all your childhood favorites—Lemonheads, Nerds, Sour Jack, Atomic FireBall, Laffy Taffy and more—packaged in their sweet retro boxes, perfectly sized for little ones.

7301 W. Harrison St.
Forest Park
Online: ferrarapan.com

13. L.A. Burdick

Founded by Larry Burdick in 1987, and now continued by Chocolatier Michael Klug, L.A. Burdick Chocolates opened their first Chicago location in 2017. Each bonbon here is hand-piped, hand-cut, hand-garnished and hand-packed. You'll find all of the signature L.A. Burdick’s chocolates you adore, including their Signature Chocolate Mice, bonbons, seasonal offerings and vegan selections. In the fall and winter, L.A. Burdick warms the hearts of many with its beloved Drinking Chocolate.

609 N. State St.
Chicago
Online: burdickchocolate.com

Teaching young children how to handle their finances pays huge dividends (pun 100% intended) both now and in the future. Not sure how to craft age-appropriate lessons for your squad? We interviewed four financial professionals and came up with a list of 10 money skills that deliver the biggest bang for your buck. Read on for all the details.

1. Use Everyday Moments to Talk about Money

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

"It's important to have regular conversations about money management while your child is still young to push them towards positive financial outcomes in early adulthood," advises Jennifer Seitz, Educational Content Lead at Greenlight and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI). 

Make it make 'cents': Seitz suggests parents "Look for practical daily examples of spending and budgeting and share them with your child; for example, when you take your child grocery shopping, you can pull out your card for the cashier and then ask your child, "Do you know what type of card this is? Is it a credit card or a debit card?" 

This creates a learning opportunity to explain how debit cards take money directly from your bank account, while credit cards have a balance that must be paid each month. It's not free money or magic money—help your child understand how it works!"

 

2. Talk about Wants vs. Needs

mom daughter computer online school virtual elearning
Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

We need air, food, water, shelter and clothing. While your crew might beg to differ, we don't need toy cars or princess crowns. Needs are the things we buy before we buy the things we want.

Make it make 'cents': Together with the kiddo, grab a bunch of old magazines and coupon mailers, cut out different pictures, and glue them on a sheet of paper so that you have a collage of wants and a collage of needs.

3. Pay Kids for Unusual Tasks

Photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels

How nice would it be to get paid for making your bed, folding clothes or cutting your grass? Alas, it's not the case, so why do we lead kids on with chore-driven allowance? Consider giving them cash for extra work that they don't usually do (i.e., helping cook dinner or washing the family pet).

Make it make 'cents': Charge your mini-money makers with organizing a bake sale to earn extra money. They'll have a blast setting up shop and get a taste of what it's like to have a job.

 

4. Demonstrate the Wonder of Compound Interest

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Tom Byrum, Sr. Director, Head of Global Sales Compensation at a Fortune 500 company, uses a hands-on approach to get his child excited about saving money. "I'm paying my 10-year-old daughter an exorbitant monthly interest rate on her savings to illustrate the time value of money. She had fun calculating how much her $37 would grow at 10 percent interest per day for 30 days (no, that's not what I'm paying). She kept guessing how much she thought it would be and passed her guess two cycles later." 

Make it make 'cents': Even the smallest fry can learn this lesson if you make it visual. Arm yourself with a roll of pennies and a Mason jar so your preschooler can see how quickly the change builds up.

 

5. Explain the Different Types of Money

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

There are coins, paper bills, paper checks, debit and credit cards–and you use them all at different times for purchases. The idea of monetary variety is a hard one to grasp for the under 10 set, especially when you can buy things with "invisible money" (aka credit cards). And let's not even get started on the difference between a checking and a savings account. 

Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian, advises parents to "...help their children develop good financial habits by teaching them the difference between a checking and savings account and how banks store funds. Take a trip to the bank as a teaching experience and deposit or cash a check." 

Make it make 'cents': Make "invisible" money visible. Set one person up as the bank and have your kid "pay" for items around the house with a debit card. The bank person should then take the money out of the bank and give it to you.

6. Talk about Credit Cards

Frankie Cordoba via Unsplash

"Without the proper knowledge of best practices, credit cards can lead to a lot of trouble for adults, both young and old," says Griffin. "Parents should teach children what credit cards are and how to use them wisely. Going through a credit card statement can go a long way in helping children understand the cause and effect of using credit cards, the importance of making on-time payments and how it can impact their credit score."

Make it make 'cents': Role play the difference between making a purchase with good credit vs. bad credit. Kids with good credit can buy a popsicle for $2, while those with low scores get charged $6. If you have more than one child, we suggest giving everyone the same credit score, so you don't start a mutiny.

7. Teach Kids to Budget and Plan for Their Needs

iStock

Ashraf Jaffer, Adjunct Accounting Professor at the University of North Carolina, has been doing this since her son was five years old. "He has a budget from birthday and holiday money. When he was younger, we would give him the prices of things he wanted. He would come up with a combination of things that would fit within his budget (which is a great way to incorporate math lessons). Now that he is older, we ask him to research prices and come up with a proposal and justification. The final decision is with us, but he feels he is more in control and participates in the decision process."

Make it make 'cents': Print out a calendar and pencil in planned family trips, holidays and special occasions. Ask your child to set aside spending money for each event before budgeting for immediate wants.

8. Don't Fudge the Budget

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

"Stick to the budget and do not exceed it even if your kid's argument for spending more is great," advises Jaffer. "They will learn to prioritize spending needs and patience if you don't give in and increase the budget." 

We know, we know—easier said than done. But the sooner kids understand that they can't buy things if they don't have enough money, the better. 

Make it make 'cents': Create and label four money jars: "spend," "save," "share," and "invest." It's up to your kiddo to decide where the money goes. Another fun way to practice budgeting? Play Monopoly!

9. Model Charitable Giving

iStock

Kids have great examples of $$$-stingy characters—think Scrooge, who no matter how much money he has, hoards it all to himself. Giving (even the smallest amount) to those who have less is a fundamental money lesson that naturally empathetic kids can enjoy.

Make it make 'cents': Together, research and choose one charity to donate money to each month.

10. Reinforce Positive Money Choices

A teacher high fives a student in class
iStock

“Talk about their successes and reward them,” says Seitz. “Did they decide against buying something they didn’t really need? Smart move! Explain that now they can use the money for something else, which is that core money principal: opportunity cost. Did they choose to save their birthday money for an important big-ticket item? Tell them how proud you are! And why learning to save is so important as they grow up and become financially independent.”

Make it make 'cents': Be as specific as possible in your praise to really solidify the lesson. The more your little one feels warm and fuzzy about their financially responsible decisions, the better.

 

—Teresa Douglas & Ayren Jackson

Featured image: iStock 

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And the award for cutest winter cake goes to…Baskin-Robbins! The ice cream company’s latest confection celebrates the season with an adorable Brrr the Snowman Cake. It playfully conjures up a scene from Frosty and it’s delicious, too!

The cake sits on a bed of “melting snow” icing and has an icing carrot nose and scarf. Its branch arms, buttons and smile are all made out of fudge and it’s topped with a cake cone and “melted” ice cream. You can customize the playful snowman with your choice of cake and ice cream flavors, but you’ll have to act fast next month before it melts for good!

Want to get this festive creation for free? Baskin-Robbins is giving away 1,000 free snowman cakes starting at 1 p.m. ET on Black Friday. Order online using the code SNOWMAN to try your luck. You can also enjoy 20% off online cake orders through Cyber Monday with the code HOLIDAY.

Finally, make sure you try the newest seasonal ice cream flavor, Gingerbread House. The December Flavor of the Month features gingerbread ice cream full of gingerbread cookie bites and classic peppermint pieces. Don’t forget the confetti drizzle!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Baskin-Robbins

 

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Do you butter your Pop-Tarts? If you do, you’re in good company and the breakfast pastry brand is paying attention. Starting next week, you can try and snag a limited-edition Pop-Tarts x Butter Kit, featuring your favorite flavors and gourmet butter blends!

So far this year, people have tweeted about butter and Pop-Tarts 6,946 times, equating to almost one tweet every hour. Pop-Tarts decided to partner with Banner Butter, an Atlanta-based small-batch butter maker, to create kits that celebrate this delicious pairing. You’ll only be able to buy them online for $25 on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and sales start at noon ET.

Here’s what to expect if you get your hands on a kit: three boxes of Pop-Tarts in Frosted Strawberry, Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Frosted Chocolate Fudge flavors. Plus six Banner Butter varieties that sound pretty mouth-watering: Honey Habanero, Sea Salt, Strawberry, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Ginger and Balsamic Fig and Caramelized Onion.

If you’re unsure on how to pair, you’ll also receive a Pop-Tarts x Butter 101 Guide. There are even tips on how to properly butter the pastries! The kits will likely sell out fast, so if you miss out, grab a box of Pop-Tarts and your fave butter and try it for yourself at home.

Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Pop-Tarts

 

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It’s always ice cream season, even when the temperatures start to drop. Chilly temperatures are no match for DQ, thanks to a fun new fall roster of blizzards and a sweet new giveaway. Yes, there’s a sweater vest involved!

If you’ve always dreamed of owning an article of clothing that’s perfect for carrying a blizzard, you’re in luck. DQ is giving away a limited edition “Sweeter Vest” that includes a pocket for the treat and a separate smaller pocket for the accompanying spoon! Vests are first come, first served and totally free, so make sure to bookmark this page and enter starting at 9 a.m. ET on September 15.

What to carry in your new vest? A pie blizzard! You’ll no longer have to debate whether pumpkin or pecan is the best pie flavor, because you can buy both with a DQ spin. The new Pecan Pie blizzard features brown sugar pie pieces and caramel and the Pumpkin Pie blizzard has real pie pieces and is topped with whipped cream.

But if you’re not really a pie person, not to worry. Look for two more new blizzards on the seasonal menu: Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough and Sea Salt Toffee Fudge. The first one includes chocolate chip cookie dough and Reese’s Pieces blended together and the second has real salted toffee pieces.

All of the treats are available now for a limited time. Head to your nearest DQ or place an online order to get your ice cream even faster! And with any luck, hopefully you can tote it around in your own Sweeter Vest very soon.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Dairy Queen

 

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Happy National S’mores Day! In honor of Aug. 10, Krispy Kreme is treating donut lovers to two brand-new s’mores-inspired sweet treats.

Beginning today, fans can snag a S’mores Classic or S’more Fudge Cake Doughnut at participating shops. In a special twist, Krispy Kreme has partnered with Hershey’s to take the limited offering to a whole new level.

So what are the donut deets? The S’mores Classic Doughnut is filled with marshmallow KREME, then dipped in Hershey’s chocolate icing and topped with marshmallow KREME, chocolate icing and graham cracker crumbs. The S’mores Fudge Cake Doughnut is a Hershey’s fudge cake doughnut that’s dipped in marshmallow icing, then topped with with Hershey’s chocolate icing and chocolate chips. ​

Is your sweet tooth tingling yet? The donut additions will be available for a limited time only at participating Krispy Kreme shops.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Krispy Kreme and Hershey’s

 

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It’s hard to improve on the classic chocolate chip cookie. But Chips Ahoy! is trying! For a limited time, you can buy a pack of the brand’s signature cookies stuffed with Hershey’s fudge and we are drooling at our phone screens.

Each soft chocolate chip treat has a rich fudge filled center for the ultimate dessert duo. To take a step farther, the package suggests adding a cookie (or two) to your favorite ice cream. Sounds like the perfect remedy for the dog days of summer!

The delightful treat is available at major retailers now for $2.99 per package. But it’s only here for a limited time, so stock up—your sweet tooth will thank you later!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of CHIPS AHOY!

 

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The bad news: fall isn’t here yet. The good news: Nestle Toll House is giving us one more reason to look forward to the upcoming season! Get ready for some fantastic new cookie dough flavors launching for a limited time in August, including everyone’s fave, Pumpkin Spice.

Yup, Pumpkin Spice! Nestle’s getting in on the craze with the release of a new dough that’s pumpkin-spice flavored and mixed with white chocolate morsels. We can’t think of anything better to pair with a latte or cider for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Plus you’ll be able to buy a new assortment that features white morsels, mini coffee biscuits and pumpkin-spice flavored chunks!

If you can’t handle any more Pumpkin Spice, you’ll be happy to hear Nestle has a few more tricks up its sleeves. PB&J Cookie Dough riffs off the sandwich classic, with peanut butter cookie dough and strawberry-flavored pieces. Cinnamon Roll Cookie Dough is sugar cookie dough laced with cinnamon and cream cheese pieces. And Trick or Treats Dough is a fudge dough topped with festive Halloween sprinkles!

The new doughs will be available at retailers nationwide starting in August and retail for around $2.99. At that price, you’d better believe we’ll be trying them all!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nestle Toll House

 

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Nothing sounds better in the summer than a cold scoop (or two, or three) of ice cream! With National Ice Cream Day coming up on July 18, Instacart decided to research the most popular flavors in the nation. Although vanilla is a perennial favorite, Americans had quite the range of flavor preferences!

Using purchase data, Instacart determined a top flavor for each state. The results? Moose Tracks, which features fudge, peanut butter cups and vanilla ice cream, took home the most popular flavor, coming out on top in 12 states. In a tight race for second place, Rocky Road, Green Tea, Coffee and Birthday Cake finished in a four-way tie.

The four corners of the country all had their distinctive loyalties. In the Pacific Northwest, Green Tea reigned supreme. In the Southwest, Rocky Road was the overwhelming favorite. In the Northeast, Coffee dominated and in the Southeast, Rum Raisin was the winner.

The Midwest overwhelmingly preferred Moose Tracks and a few states had unique favorites. Delaware preferred Cherry, Pennsylvania screamed for Mint Chip and New Mexico bought pints on pints of Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

No matter what flavor you prefer, you’re in good company. The average American consumes more than 22 pounds of ice cream and frozen desserts each year and July 18 is the perfect excuse for a chilly treat! If you want to try your hand making it at home to celebrate the upcoming holiday, we’re here to help.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Ross Sokolovski/Unsplash

 

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