8 Old-School Tennessee Snacks That Definitely Deserve A Comeback
Remember when snack time meant something special in the Volunteer State? Tennessee has a rich history of unique treats that made our childhoods awesome.
These eight forgotten Tennessee snacks aren’t just food but time machines to simpler days when flavors were bold and recipes were passed down through generations.
It is time to revisit these vanishing treasures that deserve another moment in the spotlight.
1. MoonPie Magic
Chattanooga’s gift to sweet tooths everywhere since 1917! These chocolate-covered graham cracker sandwiches with marshmallow filling were once the crown jewel of Southern snacking.
My grandpa would tuck one in my pocket before fishing trips, claiming they brought good luck. The slightly melted chocolate made for sticky fingers but happy hearts.
While still manufactured today, these treats have lost their place as everyday snacks despite their perfect combination of textures and not-too-sweet flavor profile.
2. Goo Goo Cluster Goodness
Born in Nashville back in 1912, this pioneering combination candy bar changed the snack game forever. Layers of marshmallow nougat, caramel, and peanuts all swimming in milk chocolate created a symphony of textures.
Unlike today’s mass-produced candy bars, each Goo Goo Cluster felt like a special occasion. The slightly irregular shape told you it was handcrafted with care.
Though still produced, these Tennessee treasures deserve to reclaim their national spotlight beyond tourist shops and specialty stores.
3. Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies
These soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiching vanilla creme filling have been making Tennessee kids smile since 1960. The Chattanooga-born treats defined lunchbox currency; trade one for practically anything on the playground!
Unlike fancy desserts, these humble pies delivered consistent comfort with every bite. Their soft texture and perfect sweetness made them irresistible.
Though still available, they’ve lost their special status as the ultimate treat, replaced by flashier snacks with less soul and history.
4. Dale’s Fried Pies
Knoxville’s portable flavor bombs were once the highlight of any Tennessee fair or market. These half-moon pockets of fried dough concealed everything from sweet fruit fillings to savory combinations like chicken and waffles.
I still remember my first Dale’s pie at the Knoxville farmers market; steam rising as I bit through the crispy exterior to reach the molten filling. The burn was worth every bite!
Now available locally and via mail order, these hand-held delights deserve to reclaim their place at local events.
5. Chocolate Gravy with Buttermilk Biscuits
Mountain families across East Tennessee started mornings with this unlikely breakfast treat. Imagine hot, flaky biscuits smothered in a sweet chocolate sauce that’s thicker than syrup but pourable like gravy.
Unlike fancy chocolate sauces, this humble concoction uses simple pantry staples: cocoa, flour, sugar, and milk. The contrast between savory biscuit and sweet chocolate creates perfect harmony.
Mostly made in home kitchens now, this disappearing breakfast deserves revival in cafes and restaurants throughout the state.
6. Tennessee Divinity Candy
Cloud-like and ethereal, this egg-white confection once graced many Tennessee holiday tables and church socials. The pillowy white candy, dotted with pecans and vanilla, melts on your tongue like sugary snowflakes.
Grandmothers would stand patiently at stoves, testing drops in cold water until achieving that perfect consistency. Weather mattered too—no making divinity on humid days!
This labor-intensive treat is less common in mainstream candy aisles today, though it’s still made and sold seasonally, replaced by mass-produced alternatives that can’t match its delicate texture and pure sweetness.
7. Roadside Pecan Brittle
Nothing said “Tennessee road trip” like stopping at a small stand for fresh-made pecan brittle (part of a broader Southern roadside tradition). The handwritten signs would appear just when you needed a break, promising sweet, crunchy delight.
Unlike factory-made versions, roadside brittle came in uneven chunks with generous pecan pieces. Sometimes still warm from cooking, it shattered between your teeth with satisfying crackles.
I remember Dad always buying “just enough for now” but somehow the bag emptied before we crossed the county line. These roadside treasures deserve a comeback beyond tourist traps.
8. Tennessee Caramel Corn Clusters
Before national brands dominated, Tennessee families, like many across the U.S., made caramel popcorn mixed with peanuts as community fundraisers and holiday gifts. Each batch had its own personality: some darker with molasses, others buttery-sweet.
The homemade touch meant clusters formed naturally, creating perfect handfuls of sweet and salty goodness. No two batches were identical, making each tin a unique treasure.
Local versions have largely disappeared from school sales and bake sales, replaced by factory-made alternatives that lack the love and slight imperfections that made them special.