For over a century, the Idaho Candy Company has been crafting iconic chocolate bars that capture the heart of Idaho’s confectionery heritage. Among their standout offerings is the Old Faithful chocolate bar, introduced in 1925 and named after Yellowstone National Park’s famous geyser. With its soft vanilla-flavored marshmallow center, whole peanuts, and premium milk chocolate coating, this chocolate bar delivers a nostalgic blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Produced in the company’s historic 1909 factory in Boise, Idaho, the Old Faithful chocolate bar remains a beloved treat for locals and candy enthusiasts nationwide. Dive into its rich history and discover why this chocolate bar, available in packs like the 15 Count Variety Pack, is a timeless choice for gifting or savoring.
The Old Faithful Chocolate Bar: A Sweet Innovation in 1925
Introduced in 1925, the Old Faithful chocolate bar was inspired by the reliability and wonder of Yellowstone’s iconic geyser, a nod to the Northwest’s natural beauty. Its unique combination of a soft, vanilla-flavored marshmallow center, topped with whole peanuts and enrobed in premium milk chocolate, set it apart from other chocolate bars of the era. Unlike the Idaho Spud Bar, which uses dark chocolate and coconut, the Old Faithful chocolate bar offered a creamier, nuttier profile, appealing to both chocolate and peanut lovers.
In the 1920s, the candy industry was booming, with national brands like Hershey’s and regional competitors like Ostler Candy’s Spud Bar emerging. The Old Faithful chocolate bar stood out for its quality ingredients and handcrafted process, produced in the Idaho Candy Company’s modern 1909 factory equipped with skylights and specialized machinery. Its recipe has changed little over the decades, preserving the nostalgic taste that makes it a sought-after chocolate bar today.
Why the Old Faithful Chocolate Bar Endures
The Old Faithful chocolate bar’s enduring appeal lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors: the soft marshmallow contrasts with crunchy peanuts, all wrapped in smooth milk chocolate. Priced at about $1.75 individually or $24.99 for an 18-count box, it’s an affordable treat for personal indulgence or gifting. Fans on platforms like Reddit compare it to a Snickers with a marshmallow twist, highlighting its nostalgic charm.
The chocolate bar is a key component of the 15 Count Variety Pack, which includes:
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5 Idaho Spud Bars: Cocoa-marshmallow with dark chocolate and coconut.
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3 Old Faithful Bars: Vanilla marshmallow with peanuts and milk chocolate.
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3 Cherry Cocktail Bars: Maraschino cherry center with peanuts and milk chocolate.
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3 Huckleberry Gems: Huckleberry-flavored marshmallow crèmes.
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1 lb Owyhee Butter Toffee: Crunchy almond toffee.
This pack, priced around $31.99, is ideal for holiday gifting, birthdays, or corporate presents, offering a taste of Idaho’s chocolate bar legacy.
The 1909 Factory: Crafting the Old Faithful Chocolate Bar
The Old Faithful chocolate bar is still produced in the Idaho Candy Company’s historic 1909 factory, a National Register-listed site in Boise’s South Eighth Street Historic District. The factory’s innovative design, including skylights for natural lighting and a cooling tunnel for efficient production, ensured high-quality chocolate bars like Old Faithful. Some original equipment from the early 1900s remains in use, preserving the authentic craftsmanship that defines this chocolate bar.
While production tours are not currently offered, the new owners, Paul and Megan Sturdivant, who took over in July 2025, are working to reinstate factory tours to showcase the making of chocolate bars like Old Faithful. Visitors to the factory store at 412 South 8th Street can enjoy free samples and a candy history display, with extended hours including most Saturdays.
Celebrate with the Old Faithful Chocolate Bar
Since 1925, the Old Faithful chocolate bar has been a sweet symbol of Idaho Candy Company’s craftsmanship, born in their revolutiony 1909 factory. With its timeless recipe and regional charm, it’s a perfect chocolate bar for gifting or savoring. Order from idahospud.com or visit the Boise factory store to enjoy this iconic treat and stay tuned for upcoming factory tours!