Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to say that Utz Brands Inc. is now a public company rather than a privately held company.

PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) — Pennsylvania may not come to mind as one of the states with some of the most famous snack food brands in the country, but you will be surprised to know that many nationally-known food brands were founded in the Keystone State.

Here are just a few snack food brands that got their start in Pennsylvania.

Auntie Anne’s

One of the most famous pretzel chains in the country, this company started out small in 1988 when Lancaster County native Anne Beiler bought a stand at a Downington farmer’s market. This was to help her husband Jonas offer free counseling services in their community. Beiler sold the company in 2005. This chain now has over 1,500 locations around the world in shopping malls colleges, travel plazas, and more.

Herr’s

This snack chip company was founded in Nottingham, Pennsylvania back in 1946 and is well known for making delicious snack foods. From cheese puffs to potato chips and more, Herr’s has been a staple in Pennsylvania since their inception. PA Eats states that the company has over 340 items on the market. The company even offers factory tours in their Nottingham facility.

Just Born

Celebrating 100 years in 2023, this company was born (pun intended) in 1923. During that year, Sam Born opened a retail shop in New York but was moved to Bethlehem in 1932. It was one of the biggest employment sources in the town, along with the steel mills that were there. Nowadays, Just Born makes many iconic candies such as Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, and the famous Peeps.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

abc27 Evening Newsletter

Planters

This brand of snacks specializing in peanuts and other nuts was founded in 1906 by two Italians named Amedeo Obici and Mario Peruzzi in Wilkes-Barre. Ten years later in 1916, the brand’s oifficial mascot, Mr. Peanut was created by schoolboy Antonio Gentile. This was part of a brand contest that was held. Mr. Peanut had his top hat, and monocle which was added later by a commercial artist. The company now belongs to the Hormel Food brand and has products ranging from peanuts to cashews to nut mixes.

Snyders of Hanover

You guessed it, Snyders of Hanover was founded in Hanover, York County. The company was started in 1909 by Harry Warehime as a small bakery. Throughout the years the company has grown to have sales on every continent (except for Antarctica). In 2010, the company merged with Lance Inc. and was then acquired by Campbell Soup in 2017. The company has a factory outlet in Hanover that sells endless amounts of its products.

Shark Tank products from Pennsylvania

Hershey’s

Probably the most well-known Pennsylvania brand on this list, Hershey’s was founded by Milton Hershey. Hershey owned the Lancaster Carmel Company in 1886 and then sold that company in 1900 to begin his now-famous chocolate company in the area of Derry Township. Since then, Hershey’s has gone on to acquire some other famous brands such as Reese’s and Kit Kat products, and is known around the world.

Tastykake

Founded and still headquartered in Philadelphia, this snack food company is known for its variety of cupcakes and sweet treats. The company was established in 1914 and only sold its products in the Philadelphia region. In 2011, the company was bought by Flower Foods and has since started to expand its products outside of Pennsylvania.

Malls that are considered ‘dead’ in Pennsylvania

Utz Brands Inc.

Another company based in Hanover, York County, Utz has been around since 1921 selling potato chips. Now, the company sells all different types of snack foods under many different brand names. Public tours are offered at its factory in Hanover. The company transitioned from being privately held to a public company in 2020.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.