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Food & Drink • LIFESTYLE • TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Sweet Escapes: Explore the World’s Most Enchanting Candy Factories

7 months ago
by Gabby Teaman
8 min read
Girl with candy
Written by Gabby Teaman

Step into a world of pure imagination, where candy factories delight with promises of sweetness and sugary fun! Evoking the whimsy of Willy Wonka’s chocolate haven, these real-life candy factories offer a fantastical escape for kids and grown-ups alike. Prepare to be enchanted on a tour filled with wonder and charm, you’ll discover the secrets of candy-making and indulge your sweet tooth along the way.

Join us on a journey to embrace the sweeter side of life at these candy factories around the globe!

Jelly Belly Factory — Fairfield, California

Located in sunny Fairfield, California, the Jelly Belly Factory offers a sweet treat for visitors looking to enjoy the Golden State’s most iconic miniature candy. Self-guided tours are offered daily at the Jelly Belly Factory and will teach you all about the famous multi-colored treat. Children of all ages are welcome to tour the factory. Entry prices are $7.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children aged 3 through 17. Children under 2 get in free!

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Along with giving a sneak peek behind the process of making Jelly Bellys, the tour also covers the company’s history. Be sure to check out all the artwork created using Jelly Bellys. Before you head out, remember to try some of the brand’s 150 flavors at the Sample Bar. And take home a pack of “Belly Flops,” misshapen Jelly Bellys that offer the same great taste for a reduced price.
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Pez Visitor Center — Orange, Connecticut

Guests of the Pez Visitor Center in Orange, Connecticut can partake in a feast of the senses for only a $5 entrance fee. This destination is part museum, part entertainment venue. The folks at Pez go all out to treat you to a variety of fun memorabilia and historical facts about the beloved candy brand.
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When you arrive, you’ll marvel at the world’s largest Pez dispenser and a customized Pez motorcycle created by the famed Orange County Choppers. Admission to the Visitor Center also includes a souvenir lanyard and a $2 discount at the giftshop. You’ll discover many rare Pez dispensers and some that have yet to be released to the general public.

Hammond’s Candies — Denver, Colorado

Tours of Denver, Colorado’s Hammond’s Candies will show you how master candy makers put an old-fashioned spin on tasty treats. The folks at Hammond’s Candies pride themselves on serving candy alongside a hefty dose of nostalgia. This treat shop is famous for their handmade lollipops, candy canes, and ribbon candy. Free tours of the Hammond’s Candies Factory focus on the candy making process. Best of all, tours are free!
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You’ll also learn the story of the company’s founder, Carl T. Hammond. This World War I veteran turned his local candy store into the international sensation it is today. At the end of the tour, you’ll be treated to a free lollipop. Before you head out for the day, check out the full assortment of Hammond Candies’ products at the gift shop.
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Theo Chocolate — Seattle, Washington

Step into the sweet world of Theo Chocolate in Seattle, where sustainability meets scrumptiousness. The daily tours are split into two half-hour adventures. In the first leg of the journey, you’ll uncover the secrets behind the chocolate-making process, from sourcing the finest cocoa beans to supporting fair trade practices. Plus, the staff will sprinkle in some fascinating history about everyone’s favorite bean and how it transformed into the chocolate we adore today.

The second part of the tour leads you straight to the heart of the chocolate factory. Watch as skilled artisans craft treats right before your eyes. And you’ll even get to indulge in a few samples along the way. If you’re looking to dive even deeper into the world of chocolate, take the company’s virtual and hands-on chocolate-making classes, led by their expert chocolatiers.

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Cadbury World — Birmingham, The U.K.

Cadbury World turns candy making into a great adventure at one of the largest chocolate-themed amusement parks in the world. Located in Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Cadbury World welcomes visitors with a multitude of attractions. Among the most popular places to visit at the sprawling park are the Aztec Jungle, which tells of the earliest ways people created chocolate. And then there’s Bull Street, a recreation of Birmingham as it appeared in the Victorian era.

You’ll hear about the company’s founder, John Cadbury, whose idealism led him to create more wholesome, natural chocolate candies. Try your hand at crafting Cadbury treats at the Chocolate Making Zone. Or, buy creations made by the company’s own chocolatiers at the Cadbury World Shop. Park entry tickets range from £22.50 to  £30 for adults.

Maison Cailler — Broc, Switzerland

The chocolate experts at Maison Cailler in Broc, Switzerland make it their jobs honor the nation’s legacy for high-quality artisanal chocolate. They make their sweet treats with one of the oldest chocolate recipes in the world.  The Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, located in a former palace, tells the history of Maison Cailler chocolate through a series of multisensory exhibits, taking you all the way back to the company’s founding in the 19th century.
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By far, the biggest attraction at the Maison Cailler Factory is the chocolate workshops. You’ll meet with chocolatiers and learn all about the art of candy making as you craft your own confections. Along with gaining a greater appreciation for the chocolate making process, you’ll also be treated to a variety of free samples from the wide range of chocolates. Entry for adults is around $18 USD and $8 USD for children ages 6 to 15. And, it’s free for children under 5.
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Related: Love Chocolate? Then You Need to Visit These Chocolate Museums in Europe

Spangler Candy — Bryan, Ohio

Known for Dum Dums lollipops and Sweethearts candies, Spangler Candy has been a fixture of the candy industry since bursting onto the scene in 1906. Guests who visit the company’s headquarters, Spangler Candy World in Bryan, Ohio, are treated to an in-depth look at the company’s manufacturing processes and history as well as some fun interactive games.
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First, you’ll be invited to watch a video tour of the company’s factory floor. Next, you’ll check out the original machinery Spangler workers used to create the company’s signature treats back in the early 20th century. Meanwhile, touchless interactive gaming kiosks let you make some of the company’s most popular treats. Be sure to round out your tour with a visit to the company’s gift shop to show off your Spangler Candy love with an iconic Dum Dums T-shirt!
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FAQs:

Q: Are candy factory tours suitable for children?
A: Yes, most candy factory tours welcome children, offering engaging experiences for all ages.

Q: Do I need to make reservations for a candy factory tour?
A: It’s advisable to check the specific factory’s website for reservation requirements, as some tours may have limited availability and require advance booking.

Q: Can I take photographs during the tour?
A: Photography policies differ among candy factories, so it’s best to check with the staff or consult the factory’s website for any restrictions or guidelines regarding photography.

Q: Are pets allowed on candy factory tours?
A: In general, pets are not permitted inside candy factories due to health and safety regulations. However, service animals may be allowed with prior arrangement.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for candy factory tours?
A: Most candy factory tours do not have age restrictions, but parental supervision may be required for younger children. Some tours may have age recommendations due to safety or content considerations.

Did we leave any iconic candy factories off our list? Tell us in the comments below!

About the author

Gabby Teaman

Gabby Teaman is a content writer who loves writing (of course!), editing, food, and the Oxford comma. When she’s not writing for Fareportal, she can be found Snapchatting videos of her puppy, blasting show tunes, or watching Netflix, all while trying to read everything in sight.

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