Sweet Success

Texas is known for its vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but did you know it’s also been home to a thriving entrepreneurial candy industry for generations?

Below, we highlight three of the myriad family-owned and operated candy companies that reflect Texas’ innovative, can-do spirit. Most of us have a favorite, including Lammes Candies, which have been made in Austin since 1885. The next time you enjoy a delicious Texas-made confection, tip your hat to the folks who’ve made it sweeter in the Lone Star State for generations.

Nutty for Peanut Rounders

Tucked away in the small North Texas town of Blossom, Anderson Candy Company keeps the Peanut Rounder tradition alive with time-honored recipes and methods. Often imitated but never duplicated, each Peanut Rounder features a delightful blend of textures and tastes, with the rich, nutty flavor of the roasted peanuts perfectly balanced by a crisp, sugary coating.

It all began in 1940 when Dan Hearn perfected his hand-made candy and called it Peanut Rounder. In 1980, Leon Anderson started the Anderson Candy Company to maintain Blossom’s Peanut Rounder legacy. He continued to use the original recipe, which is said to include a secret ingredient, as well as Hearn’s cooking pot and metal shaping rings. Today, the company is owned by Donny Gentry, who’s keeping the tradition alive for another generation of Texans and candy-lovers throughout the country. Visit Facebook.com/andersoncandyco/ for more information.

Hand-made, Hand-pulled Confectionary Craftsmanship

Established in 1946 in Lindale, Texas, by James and Ruby Withrow, family-owned Lindale Candy Company is considered a sweet cornerstone of the community. Known for its commitment to quality, it specializes in old-fashioned treats, particularly their famous hand-pulled peppermint candy and pecan brittle crafted using traditional methods and recipes passed down through generations. Customers also can’t get enough of their gourmet chocolates (introduced by the company’s current owners, Jeremiah and Kaitlin Cagle), peppermint bark, and fudge. Next time you’re near Lindale, drop by, and you may witness the candy-making process firsthand in their on-site kitchen. Visit Facebook.com/lindalecandycompany for more information.

Expanding Flavors in the Heart of East Texas

There’s more to present-day Lufkin, Texas, than being the largest city in Angelina County and the county seat. It’s the home of Atkinson Candy, founded in 1932 by B.E. Atkinson, Sr., and his wife, Mabel C. Atkinson. Grandson Eric Atkinson presently serves as president of the company.

Known for its classic retro candies, such as Chick-O-Stick, Peanut Butter Bars, and Long Boys — to name a few — Atkinson Candy has grown and acquired private candy companies, adding a variety of different brands under its umbrella, such as Black Cow and Slo Poke. Most recently, the company upgraded its ingredients, making them “simple and clean and nothing artificial.”

In addition to candy-making, it’s rumored that Atkinson Candy Company has a friendly, benevolent ghost that has been sighted in the facility numerous times. Check out Atkinsoncandy.com for more information about the company, its products, and the ghost.