Explore A Pennsylvania Candy Factory Outlet Still Serving Beloved Classics
Pennsylvania has a sweet tooth that runs deep, and candy factories are part of that story.
Step inside a classic outlet and the air carries that unmistakable scent of chocolate and sugar, instantly shifting your mood.
Shelves stacked with familiar wrappers, bulk bins filled with favorites, and the promise of time tested recipes bring back a simpler kind of excitement.
This is where beloved classics never really left, where candy is not just a treat but a tradition.
Bright packaging, nostalgic flavors, and the thrill of spotting an old favorite make the experience feel playful and personal. In Altoona and beyond, Pennsylvania candy culture leans heavily on loyalty.
Generations grow up with the same sweets, pass them along, and return for more without hesitation.
Factory outlets keep that connection alive, offering a glimpse into how those treats are made and why they have lasted so long. It feels approachable, genuine, and rooted in community pride.
I always know a candy stop has worked its magic when I start justifying buying extras for later.
If I find myself picking up one more bag because it feels like part of the memory, I know the visit was more than just shopping.
A Family Legacy That Started in 1936
Back in 1936, brothers Bill and Bob Boyer decided to turn their candy-making dreams into reality right here in Pennsylvania.
They started small, creating confections in a modest facility, but their commitment to quality quickly earned them a loyal following.
The Mallo Cup became their signature product, and it’s still made using many of the same techniques today.
Walking through the outlet at 821 17th Street in Altoona gives you a real sense of that history.
The walls feature photos and memorabilia from the early days, and you can watch videos showing the modern production line in action.
It’s pretty cool seeing how they’ve balanced tradition with innovation over nearly 90 years. The family spirit hasn’t disappeared either.
Staff members treat customers like old friends, sharing stories about the company’s journey and offering samples of new products. That personal touch makes every visit feel special, not just transactional.
The Iconic Mallo Cup Reigns Supreme
If you’ve never tried a Mallo Cup, you’re missing out on one of Pennsylvania’s greatest contributions to the candy world.
This chocolate cup filled with whipped marshmallow cream and dusted with coconut has been winning hearts since the 1930s.
The texture is softer than your typical peanut butter cup, and the marshmallow has this light, airy quality that melts on your tongue.
I grabbed a five-pound box of irregulars on my last visit, and honestly, the imperfections were barely noticeable.
Maybe a slightly misshapen edge or an uneven chocolate coating, but the taste was absolutely perfect.
Pricing changes, but five-pound boxes are an incredible deal compared to buying individual packages at regular stores elsewhere.
Regulars swear by freezing them to make them last longer, though I’ve never had that kind of willpower. The outlet keeps them well-stocked year-round, so you can satisfy your Mallo Cup cravings whenever they strike.
Clark Bars Made Their Comeback Here
When the Clark Bar nearly disappeared from store shelves, candy lovers across America mourned the loss of this Pittsburgh-born classic.
Boyer Candy stepped up in 2018 and acquired the rights to produce this beloved treat, essentially saving it from extinction.
Now you can find fresh Clark Bars at the Altoona outlet, and they taste just like you remember.
The combination of crunchy peanut butter and milk chocolate creates this satisfying texture that’s hard to beat.
Unlike smoother peanut butter cups, Clark Bars have that crispy, almost brittle quality that gives them their distinctive character. I always grab a few when I visit because they’re still hard to find in regular stores.
Bringing back the Clark Bar wasn’t just a business decision for Boyer. It was about preserving candy history and honoring the nostalgia millions of people have for this classic treat.
That commitment to tradition is what makes this Pennsylvania company so special.
Jimmie Stix Are the New Obsession
Pretzel sticks coated in peanut butter and covered in chocolate might sound simple, but Jimmie Stix have become a cult favorite at the Boyer outlet. These treats combine salty, sweet, and crunchy in one perfect bite.
The pretzel provides that satisfying crunch, while the peanut butter adds creaminess and the chocolate ties everything together.
What makes them special is that Jimmie Stix can be harder to spot in stores. The outlet is a reliable place to grab them, which gives you a good reason to make the trip to Altoona.
Weekdays can feel a little calmer, so that’s when you’ll see regulars stocking up on boxes to take home. I tried them on my last visit after seeing them mentioned in multiple reviews, and now I understand the hype.
They’re dangerously addictive, and the combination of textures keeps you reaching for just one more.
Boyer also makes chocolate-covered pretzel twists if you want variety in your salty-sweet snacking.
Imperfects Offer Unbeatable Value
The five-pound boxes of irregular candy are legendary among Boyer fans.
These imperfects might have slight cosmetic flaws like uneven chocolate coating or misshapen edges, but they taste exactly the same as the perfect versions.
Pricing varies, but you’re getting premium chocolate at bargain prices here.
Here’s the catch though: the irregulars aren’t individually wrapped. You’ll get a big box of loose candy, which means you need to store them properly or share them quickly.
Some people portion them into smaller bags or freeze them to extend their shelf life. Either way, it’s a small inconvenience for such incredible savings.
The selection in these boxes varies, so you might get all Mallo Cups or a mix of different products.
That element of surprise adds to the fun, and I’ve never heard anyone complain about what they received.
Just be prepared to have a lot of chocolate on hand once you open that box.
The Outlet Store Experience
Located at 821 17th Street in Altoona, PA 16601, the Boyer outlet isn’t a massive warehouse store. It’s actually a cozy shop that feels more like visiting a local candy store than a factory outlet.
The space is packed with products, from bulk candy boxes to individual treats, plus shirts, hats, mugs, and other Boyer-branded merchandise.
Videos play on screens showing the factory production line, which gives you insight into how your favorite candies are made.
The staff members are genuinely friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions or offer recommendations without being pushy.
They often have free samples available, letting you try new products before committing to a purchase. Hours are listed as Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM.
There’s plenty of parking, making it easy to stop in whether you’re a local or just passing through Pennsylvania on a road trip.
Better Than the Big Brands
Multiple customers swear that Boyer’s peanut butter cups taste better than the more famous national brands.
The peanut butter filling has a different texture, smoother and creamier, while the chocolate has a richer flavor profile. It isn’t just hometown pride talking either; plenty of fans favor Boyer’s version, too.
The company uses quality ingredients and hasn’t sacrificed taste for mass production efficiency. You can tell the difference in every bite, especially if you eat them side by side with other brands.
The chocolate-to-filling ratio feels more balanced too, giving you that perfect combination in each piece.
I was skeptical at first because I grew up eating the mainstream brands, but after trying Boyer’s version, I became a convert.
The texture is less waxy, and the peanut butter doesn’t have that overly sweet artificial taste. It’s the kind of quality you’d expect from a smaller, family-focused company that actually cares about their product.
Seasonal Treats and Gift Baskets
The outlet isn’t just about everyday candy purchases. They create beautiful seasonal gift baskets perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
These baskets showcase the full range of Boyer products, often including items you might not think to try on your own.
Around major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day, the store goes all out with themed displays and special packaging.
You can find heart-shaped boxes, festive tins, and limited-edition flavors that only appear during certain times of year. It’s worth planning your visit around these seasons if you want the full experience.
The gift baskets make excellent presents for out-of-state friends and family who can’t easily access Boyer products.
Shipping is available through their website, but buying directly from the outlet lets you customize your selection and often saves on shipping costs.
Plus, you can grab extra treats for yourself while you’re there.
The Play Money Rewards Program
Inside many Mallo Cup wrappers, you’ll find play money points that can be redeemed for merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and other items. Kids especially love saving them up to earn prizes.
The catch is that it takes quite a bit of play money to redeem items, and you’ll need to pay postage to mail in your certificates.
Some customers have reported sizing issues with apparel, so it might be worth visiting the store in person if you’re redeeming for clothing. That way you can try things on and exchange them if needed.
Despite the minor drawbacks, the play money program adds an extra layer of engagement that keeps customers coming back.
It’s one of those charming details that sets Boyer apart from corporate candy companies focused purely on profits rather than customer experience and fun.
A Pennsylvania Tradition Worth Preserving
Boyer Candy represents more than just chocolate and marshmallow. It’s a piece of Pennsylvania heritage that has survived economic changes, shifting consumer preferences, and competition from massive corporations.
The fact that this family-started business still operates independently is remarkable in today’s consolidated candy industry.
Visiting the outlet at 821 17th Street connects you to that history in a tangible way. You’re not just buying candy; you’re supporting a local business that employs Pennsylvania residents and keeps traditional recipes alive.
The company could have sold out or moved production overseas, but they chose to stay rooted in Altoona.
Every time someone chooses a Mallo Cup over a mass-produced alternative, they’re voting with their wallet for quality and tradition.
The outlet makes it easy and affordable to do exactly that, offering prices that compete with discount stores while providing a much more personal shopping experience.
That’s why people keep coming back generation after generation.