Step into a world where every candy tells a story, and every bite is a taste of history. True Treats, the nation’s only research-based candy store, is more than just a shop—it’s a time machine that takes visitors on a delicious journey through centuries of sweets, teas, and confections. Online candy store From ancient honey-based treats to retro favorites of the mid-1900s, True Treats offers a unique experience that combines history, nostalgia, and the universal love of candy. Founded by food historian Susan Benjamin, this one-of-a-kind store is a celebration of how candy has evolved from a luxury for the wealthy to a beloved pleasure for all. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of True Treats and uncover the stories behind America’s favorite treats.
The Origins of True Treats: A Historian’s Passion Project
True Treats is the brainchild of Susan Benjamin, a renowned food historian and author whose passion for candy goes far beyond its sugary appeal. With a focus on the cultural and historical significance of sweets, Benjamin has spent decades researching how candy has shaped societies, economies, and everyday lives. Her tenth book, Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America’s Favorite Pleasure, serves as both a guide and an inspiration for the store’s carefully curated collection.
Benjamin’s mission is simple yet profound: to make the history of candy accessible to everyone. At True Treats, visitors can explore over 500 historic candies, teas, and confections, each with its own story. From ancient Egyptian honey treats to colonial-era molasses candies, and from Civil War-era hardtack to 1950s bubblegum, the store offers a comprehensive look at how candy has evolved over time.
What sets True Treats apart is its commitment to authenticity and education. Every product is accompanied by detailed descriptions, both in-store and on the company’s website, that explain its historical context and significance. This approach transforms the act of buying candy into an enriching experience, where customers don’t just satisfy their sweet tooth—they also learn something new.
A Timeline of Sweets: From Ancient Confections to Retro Classics
Walking into True Treats is like stepping into a candy museum. The store’s offerings are organized chronologically, allowing visitors to take a literal journey through time. Here are some highlights from the store’s incredible collection:
Ancient and Medieval Sweets
Long before modern candy bars and gummy bears, people enjoyed sweets made from natural ingredients like honey, nuts, and fruits. True Treats offers a glimpse into these early confections, including:
- Ancient Egyptian Honey Cakes: Made with honey, nuts, and spices, these treats were enjoyed by pharaohs and commoners alike.
- Medieval Marzipan: A sweet almond paste that was a favorite among European nobility.
These ancient sweets remind us that the desire for something sweet is a timeless human trait, transcending cultures and centuries.
Colonial America and the Early United States
As sugar became more widely available, candy-making evolved into a thriving industry. True Treats showcases candies that were popular during the colonial era and the early days of the United States, such as:
- Molasses Taffy: A chewy treat made from molasses, a byproduct of sugar production.
- Pemmican: A Native American confection made from dried meat, berries, and fat, offering a glimpse into the diverse culinary traditions of early America.
These candies reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of early Americans, who used whatever ingredients were available to create satisfying treats.
The Civil War Era
Even during times of conflict, candy played a role in daily life. True Treats features candies that were popular during the Civil War, including:
- Hardtack: A durable cracker-like snack that was a staple for soldiers on both sides of the war.
- Horehound Drops: A medicinal candy made from the horehound plant, believed to soothe sore throats and coughs.
These treats offer a poignant reminder of how candy has been a source of comfort and sustenance during difficult times.
The Golden Age of Candy: Late 19th to Early 20th Century
The Industrial Revolution brought about a candy boom, as new technologies made it possible to produce sweets on a large scale. True Treats celebrates this era with classics like:
- Penny Candies: Small, affordable treats that were sold in general stores and became a symbol of childhood joy.
- Chocolate Bars: The introduction of milk chocolate by companies like Hershey’s revolutionized the candy industry.
This period marked the democratization of candy, as it became accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Mid-20th Century Nostalgia
For many visitors, the most exciting part of True Treats is its collection of retro candies from the mid-1900s. These treats evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring back memories of simpler times. Some favorites include:
- Necco Wafers: A classic candy that has been around since the 19th century but gained popularity in the mid-1900s.
- Candy Buttons: Colorful dots of sugar on paper strips that were a favorite among kids.
- Bazooka Bubblegum: Known for its comic strips and catchy slogans, this gum was a staple of 1950s pop culture.
These candies are more than just sweets—they’re a connection to the past, evoking memories of childhood and simpler times.
The True Treats Experience: More Than Just Candy
What makes True Treats truly special is its ability to combine education, nostalgia, and fun. The store is designed to be an immersive experience, where visitors can learn about the history of candy while indulging in their favorite treats. Here’s what sets True Treats apart:
- Research-Based Selection: Every product is carefully chosen based on historical research, ensuring authenticity and accuracy.
- Educational Labels: Each item comes with a detailed description of its history, ingredients, and cultural significance.
- Interactive Displays: The store features displays and exhibits that bring the history of candy to life.
- Gift Options: True Treats offers beautifully packaged gift sets, making it easy to share the joy of historic candies with others.
Whether you’re a history buff, a candy lover, or just curious, True Treats has something for everyone.
Conclusion: A Sweet Legacy for Future Generations
True Treats is more than just a candy store—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and the universal love of sweets. Wholesale candy suppliers By preserving and sharing the stories behind America’s favorite treats, Susan Benjamin and her team have created a unique destination that educates, entertains, and delights.
In a world where so much of what we consume is mass-produced and devoid of meaning, True Treats reminds us of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. Whether you’re savoring an ancient honey cake or unwrapping a piece of retro bubblegum, every bite is a reminder of the enduring appeal of candy and its ability to bring joy across generations.
So the next time you’re craving something sweet, why not make it a journey through time? Visit True Treats and discover the rich, delicious history of America’s favorite pleasure. After all, as Susan Benjamin says, “Candy is more than just sugar—it’s a story waiting to be unwrapped.”
True Treats is located in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and also offers online shopping for those who want to experience its historic candies from anywhere in the world. Visit truetreatscandy.com to explore their collection and start your own sweet journey through time.