11 Classic Maryland Snacks That Locals Swear Deserve A Comeback

Maryland has a knack for creating snacks that stick in people’s memories as much as they do on taste buds.

Along the boardwalks of Ocean City and in the heart of Baltimore, generations grew up with treats that once defined local flavor but have slowly slipped out of the spotlight.

Today, these classics are harder to track down, but ask any Marylander, and they’ll tell you they deserve a big comeback.

1. Berger Cookies: Baltimore’s Fudgy Crown Jewel

Remember when grandma would bring home that white box with the red lettering? One bite of a Berger Cookie transported you straight to dessert heaven. The impossibly thick layer of fudge balanced perfectly atop that tender shortbread base.

DeBaufre Bakeries still crafts these treats the old-fashioned way, but they rarely venture beyond Maryland’s borders.

Locals who move away often beg visiting friends to ship them a box, proving these chocolate treasures deserve nationwide shelf space.

2. Goetze’s Caramel Creams: The Chewy Bullseye Delight

The perfect balance of caramel and cream center made these penny candy favorites a staple in corner stores across Maryland. Unwrapping that signature twisted paper revealed a treat that required some serious chewing commitment.

Goetze’s family-run operation has been sweetening Baltimore since 1895. Their longer Cow Tales version came later but captured the same magic.

These nostalgic candies deserve expanded flavor options and prominent placement in candy aisles everywhere, not just tucked away in specialty sections.

3. Utz “The Crab Chip”: Seaside Flavor in Every Crunch

Growing up in Maryland meant your chip loyalty belonged to these red-bagged beauties. I still remember summer cookouts where the adults would fight over the last few crab chips at the bottom of the bag.

Utz perfected the art of capturing Chesapeake Bay seasoning in chip form, creating a spicy, tangy snack that pairs perfectly with cold beer and summer afternoons.

While available in some markets, these chips deserve the national spotlight that lesser regional flavors have somehow achieved.

4. Baltimore Snowball: Summer in a Paper Cup

Unlike ordinary snow cones, authentic Baltimore Snowballs feature finely shaved ice that absorbs the syrup instead of letting it sink to the bottom. The egg custard flavor reigns supreme, topped with a dollop of marshmallow that melts into creamy goodness.

Neighborhood stands still serve these refreshing treats during hot months, but their seasonal nature limits their reach.

Maryland transplants often lament the impossibility of finding a proper snowball elsewhere, making them prime for year-round shops and wider distribution.

5. Lemon Stick: The Flower Mart’s Simple Pleasure

Nothing signals spring in Baltimore quite like the sight of people walking around with peppermint sticks poking out of lemons. This century-old treat combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweetness of candy in perfect harmony.

My first Lemon Stick came from the historic Flower Mart when I was seven. The candy slowly dissolved as I sipped through it like a straw, creating a refreshing natural lemonade.

This charming, no-tech treat could easily become a hit at farmers markets and food festivals nationwide.

6. Coddies: The Saltine Sandwich Sensation

Before fancy crab cakes dominated Maryland menus, these humble potato-and-cod fritters ruled local delis and bars. Served simply on saltine crackers with a swipe of yellow mustard, coddies were the working-class hero of Baltimore snacks.

Finding authentic coddies has become something of a treasure hunt these days, with only a few Lexington Market vendors still making them the old way.

This affordable, uniquely Baltimore bite deserves to reclaim its rightful place in pubs and casual eateries throughout the state.

7. Fisher’s Popcorn: Copper Kettle Caramel Perfection

The sweet, buttery aroma of Fisher’s has been wafting down the Ocean City boardwalk since 1937. Watching the staff stir massive copper kettles of caramel corn was as much a part of beach vacations as getting sand in your swimsuit.

I still have the plastic Fisher’s tub from my childhood, now used to store Christmas ornaments. While they ship nationwide, the limited retail presence means most people only enjoy this addictive treat during summer trips.

Maryland winters would feel much cozier with Fisher’s readily available at local grocery stores year-round.

8. Dolle’s Candyland Salt Water Taffy: Boardwalk Bliss by the Pound

The colorful display of Dolle’s taffy has been tempting beachgoers since the early 1900s. Each piece comes individually wrapped in wax paper, preserving that perfect chewy texture that somehow captures the essence of Ocean City summers.

Locals know to stock up before heading home from vacation. The orange boxes filled with assorted flavors rarely last long enough.

This quintessential Maryland beach candy deserves wider distribution beyond the boardwalk, bringing a taste of seaside nostalgia to candy lovers throughout the year.

9. Otterbein’s Cookies: Whisper-Thin Crunch in Every Bite

Since 1881, these impossibly thin cookies have been a Baltimore tradition. Unlike thick, doughy cookies that dominate today’s market, Otterbein’s offers a delicate, crispy texture that makes it impossible to eat just one.

The sugar and chocolate chip varieties inspire the most devotion. My grandmother would hide her stash of Otterbein’s in a special tin, rationing them throughout the week.

Though still available around Maryland, these heritage cookies deserve the same nationwide recognition as their mass-produced competitors.

10. Rheb’s Candies: Hand-Dipped Chocolate Treasures

Walking into Rheb’s tiny Wilkens Avenue shop feels like stepping back in time. The glass cases filled with hand-dipped chocolates have barely changed since 1917, and that’s precisely their charm.

The chocolate-covered buttercreams remain the standout star. Unlike mass-produced boxed chocolates, Rheb’s creations taste of real butter, fresh cream, and quality chocolate.

This Baltimore institution deserves renewed appreciation as artisanal chocolate becomes trendy again, proving that sometimes the original craftsmanship can’t be improved upon.

11. Maryland Beaten Biscuits: The Eastern Shore’s Forgotten Treasure

Long before modern baking techniques, Eastern Shore families would literally beat air into dough to create these dense, cracker-like biscuits. The distinctive texture comes from repeatedly striking the dough with a hammer or rolling pin.

Traditionally served with thin slices of country ham, these biscuits were once essential at Maryland gatherings. With the last commercial producer now closed, this truly historical Maryland food tradition faces extinction.

Artisanal bakers could revive this heritage recipe, preserving a unique piece of Chesapeake culinary history.