In a world dominated by mass-produced sweets, the Idaho Candy Company stands tall as a champion of nostalgic candy, handcrafted with unwavering American manufacturing pride since 1901. This Boise-based treasure, now family-owned and veteran-owned, has endured over 124 years of economic shifts, wars, and changing tastes, all while keeping its commitment to quality and tradition. From the iconic Idaho Spud Bar with its cocoa-marshmallow heart to the buttery crunch of Owyhee Butter Toffee, each nostalgic candy evokes the simple joys of yesteryear. Under the Sturdivant family’s leadership since July 2025, led by a U.S. Navy veteran, the company continues to support local jobs and domestic suppliers, ensuring every piece of nostalgic candy carries Idaho’s heritage and American craftsmanship. Explore how this enduring legacy keeps nostalgic candy thriving through American manufacturing excellence.
Nostalgic Candy Born in 1901: A Century of Resilience
The Idaho Candy Company’s story began in 1901 when T.O. Smith, a skilled candy maker trained in Chicago and Salt Lake City, started crafting nostalgic candy in his Boise garage, selling it door-to-door in shoeboxes. By 1909, his vision expanded into a cutting-edge factory, complete with skylights and employee-focused amenities—a bold leap for American manufacturing at the time. Through the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the rise of globalized candy giants, the company stayed true to its roots, producing nostalgic candy with small-batch precision and domestic ingredients.
Now one of the oldest continuously operating candy manufacturers in the U.S., Idaho Candy Company produces about 17 million pieces annually, including the beloved Idaho Spud Bar (1918), known for its cocoa-marshmallow center, dark chocolate coating, and coconut finish. Using some original early-1900s equipment, their commitment to American manufacturing ensures every nostalgic candy maintains its authentic, handcrafted quality, resisting the pull of automation and outsourcing that defines much of modern confectionery.
Family-Owned and Veteran-Owned: The Soul of American Manufacturing
The heart of Idaho Candy Company lies in its family-owned and now veteran-owned ethos, a rare distinction in today’s corporate landscape. In July 2025, the Sturdivant family, led by U.S. Navy veteran and nuclear engineer Paul Sturdivant, took the reins, reinforcing the company’s dedication to American manufacturing. This veteran-led leadership prioritizes preserving Boise jobs and sourcing ingredients domestically, from California almonds for Owyhee Butter Toffee to premium chocolate for the Cherry Cocktail Bar.
As a veteran-owned business, Idaho Candy Company embodies the discipline and resilience of American manufacturing, supporting local economies while crafting nostalgic candy that feels like a warm memory. Their focus on community and quality ensures treats like the Old Faithful Bar (1925), with its peanut-packed vanilla marshmallow, remain as authentic as they were decades ago. This ownership model keeps nostalgic candy production rooted in Idaho, celebrating the values of hard work and heritage.
Nostalgic Candy Icons: American-Made Classics
Idaho Candy Company’s nostalgic candy lineup is a love letter to American manufacturing. The Idaho Spud Bar (1918) combines a “healthful” agar agar-based marshmallow with dark chocolate and coconut, a quirky Idaho classic that’s stood the test of time. The Cherry Cocktail Bar (1926) delivers a tart maraschino cherry center with peanuts and milk chocolate, evoking Prohibition-era glamour. Modern additions like the Huckleberry Gems (2012) infuse Northwest berry flavors, while collegiate treats like the Vandal Bar (2022) and Bronco Bites (2024) add fan pride to the nostalgic candy legacy.
Each piece, made with domestic ingredients and veteran-led care, reflects the durability of American manufacturing, offering flavors that transport you back to simpler times while supporting local economies.
Celebrate Nostalgic Candy with American Roots
For 124 years, Idaho Candy Company has proven that nostalgic candy thrives through American manufacturing, family values, and veteran leadership. Their treats, from the Idaho Spud Bar to Owyhee Butter Toffee, are more than sweets—they’re a taste of Idaho’s enduring spirit. Order from idahospud.com or visit their Boise store to savor nostalgic candy crafted with American pride.