Ohio Buckeyes Candy That Makes The State A Sweet Travel Destination

When you think of Ohio, buckeye candy often comes to mind – those delicious peanut butter fudge balls partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nuts from Ohio’s state tree. These sweet treats have become more than just candy; they’re a symbol of state pride and hospitality.

Whether you’re tailgating at an Ohio State football game or visiting small-town sweet shops, buckeye candies offer a true taste of Ohio’s culinary culture.

1. The Original Homemade Delight

Buckeyes first appeared in Ohio kitchens in the mid-20th century, becoming popular by the 1970s. Their design mimics the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree (Aesculus glabra), and they quickly became tied to Ohio State University football traditions.

While the exact inventor isn’t known, the recipe spread rapidly across the state, with families creating their own versions.

Today, nearly every Ohio family has its own “secret” recipe, often handed down through generations. The treats are homemade staples at holidays, sporting events, and community gatherings.

2. Anthony-Thomas Candy Company’s Famous Version

Founded in Columbus in 1952, Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is one of Ohio’s most recognized commercial candy makers. They produce thousands of pounds of buckeyes each year, especially during the fall football season, shipping them nationwide to homesick Ohioans.

Their recipe features a smooth peanut butter center enrobed in rich milk chocolate, designed to replicate the classic homemade version.

Visitors can tour the company’s factory to see the candy-making process firsthand. It’s a popular stop for travelers wanting to experience Ohio’s sweetest traditions on a larger scale.

3. Game Day Buckeye Traditions

Nothing connects candy to culture quite like Ohio State University football. On game days in Columbus, fans dressed in scarlet and gray often pass around trays of homemade buckeyes at tailgates. The candy has become inseparable from the Ohio Stadium experience.

Local bakeries and candy shops frequently make special batches in the fall, reinforcing the link between buckeyes and Buckeye Nation. For visitors, sampling a buckeye while surrounded by the roar of OSU fans is a quintessential Ohio moment.

4. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop And Nostalgia Buckeyes

For travelers who want both variety and fun, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, with Ohio locations in Chillicothe and Middletown, offers buckeyes alongside hundreds of nostalgic sweets. Known for shelves stacked with vintage candy bars and quirky treats, the shop has become a destination for candy lovers of all ages.

Their version of buckeyes stays close to tradition, with creamy peanut butter centers dipped in rich chocolate, but the setting makes the experience memorable. Walking into Grandpa Joe’s feels like stepping back into childhood, and picking up a box of buckeyes there adds a playful twist to the journey.

5. The Annual Buckeye Candy Trail

Travelers can turn their sweet cravings into an adventure on the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. Launched in 2019 by Visit Dublin Ohio, this self-guided tour highlights candy shops across central Ohio that specialize in buckeyes. Visitors pick up a passport, collect stamps at each location, and earn prizes such as commemorative T-shirts after completing the route.

The trail takes travelers from small family-owned candy shops to larger confectioners, each offering their own twist on the classic recipe. It’s part food crawl, part cultural journey, and has become a bucket-list item for many food enthusiasts visiting Ohio.

6. Buckeyes As A Cultural Symbol

Beyond candy shops and sports, buckeyes carry symbolic weight in Ohio’s daily life. They’re common at weddings, holiday gatherings, and graduation parties. Businesses gift them to clients, and families send them to relatives living out of state as a taste of home.

The candy’s connection to the Ohio buckeye tree and the Ohio State Buckeyes football team makes it instantly recognizable to locals and visitors alike. Travelers soon discover that offering a buckeye is more than sharing candy; it’s sharing a piece of Ohio identity.

7. Food, Culture, And Comunity

Ohio’s buckeye candy may seem like a simple sweet, but its story weaves together food, culture, and community. From homemade recipes passed down through families to the large-scale production at Anthony-Thomas, from tailgate tables outside Ohio Stadium to the organized stops on the Buckeye Candy Trail, these treats embody the Buckeye State.

For travelers, tasting a buckeye isn’t just about chocolate and peanut butter; it’s about discovering the traditions that make Ohio unique. In a single bite, visitors can experience why this humble candy has grown into a symbol of state pride and a travel-worthy experience.