Heggy's Candy Company

Heggy's Candy Company stands as Canton's premier chocolate and candy maker, crafting confectionery delights by hand since 1923. This family-owned institution has preserved traditional candy-making techniques through four generations, creating chocolates and treats that have become woven into the fabric of Canton's community and cultural identity.

Why It's Special

Heggy's offers something increasingly rare in today's mass-production world—authenticity and continuity of craft. What makes this candy company extraordinary is its unwavering commitment to traditional methods and quality over expediency. Many of Heggy's chocolate recipes remain unchanged from when founder Ben Heggy first developed them nearly a century ago, and certain candies are still made using original equipment and techniques that require significant skill and specialized knowledge.

The company's approach extends beyond nostalgia to a genuine commitment to quality. Chocolates are still hand-dipped or enrobed in small batches. Nuts are still roasted in copper kettles and cooled on marble slabs. Creams and caramels are cooked to precise temperatures using traditional methods rather than automated processes. This dedication to craft creates confections with distinctive characteristics impossible to replicate in mass-produced alternatives, connecting today's customers with nearly 100 years of candy-making heritage.

The Confections

Signature Chocolates

• Maple Walnut Creams: House-made maple fondant enrobed in milk chocolate with a walnut crown
• Opera Creams: Vanilla buttercream centers covered in dark chocolate, a Midwestern specialty
• Pecan Turtles: Hand-formed caramel and pecan clusters enrobed in milk chocolate
• Molasses Chips: Thin, crisp molasses wafers dipped in dark chocolate
• Cherry Cordials: Whole cherries in liquid cordial centers encased in chocolate

Renowned Nuts

Heggy's is celebrated for:

• Jumbo Cashews: Perfectly roasted premium cashews with distinctive flavor
• Butter Roasted Peanuts: A regional favorite with a uniquely rich taste
• Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Available in milk, dark, and white chocolate
• Mixed Nuts: Signature blend of premium varieties
• Glazed Pecans: Sweet coating on fresh southern pecans

Specialty Items

The diverse selection includes:

• Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips: Sweet-salty combination of fresh chips and milk chocolate
• Peanut Brittle: Traditional recipe with a perfect crunch and generous peanut content
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Multiple varieties including specialty seasonal flavors
• Buckeyes: Ohio's favorite peanut butter and chocolate confection
• Bark Varieties: Seasonal barks with nuts, dried fruits, and various mix-ins

Seasonal Specialties

Rotating seasonal offerings include:

• Easter Eggs: Hand-decorated fondant eggs in multiple flavors
• Christmas Novelties: Chocolate Santas, trees, and holiday-themed gift boxes
• Valentine Hearts: Special chocolate assortments in heart-shaped boxes
• Holiday Ribbon Candy: Traditional pulled sugar candy in festive colors
• Fall Harvest Items: Pumpkin-spiced treats and autumn-themed chocolates

The Experience

Historic Setting

The company maintains its heritage through:

• Original Factory: Main production still occurs in the historic building
• Viewing Windows: Observation areas to watch candy-making in progress
• Vintage Equipment: Some original copper kettles and marble tables still in use
• Historic Photos: Visual history displayed throughout the retail space
• Traditional Packaging: Classic box designs preserved from earlier eras

Retail Store Experience

Visiting Heggy's offers:

• Abundant Selection: Hundreds of chocolate and candy varieties
• Custom Packaging: Mix-and-match options for personalized assortments
• Knowledgeable Staff: Multi-generational employees with deep product knowledge
• Free Samples: Regular sampling of featured products
• Seasonal Displays: Rotating specialty items throughout the year

Gift Focus

The company specializes in:

• Signature Gift Boxes: Curated assortments in traditional packaging
• Corporate Gifts: Custom options for business giving
• Wedding Favors: Personalized treats for special events
• Holiday Specialties: Themed packages for all major celebrations
• Gift Baskets: Combination packages with complementary items

Specialty Offerings

Custom Options

• Corporate Branding: Custom-molded chocolates with company logos
• Personalized Favors: Special packaging for weddings and events
• Bulk Orders: Volume discounts for large purchases
• Specialty Assortments: Customized selections based on preferences
• Gift Wrapping: Complimentary service for purchased gifts

Shipping Program

• Nationwide Delivery: Climate-controlled shipping to all 50 states
• Gift Programs: Recurring shipments for corporate clients
• Weather Protection: Special packaging for summer months
• Holiday Schedule: Guaranteed delivery timing for major holidays
• International Options: Available for select countries

When to Visit

Best Times

• Weekday Mornings: Watch production through viewing windows
• Holiday Lead-Up: Extensive selection of seasonal specialties
• After Factory Runs: Freshest products just after production
• Special Sales: Occasional promotions throughout the year
• New Season Introductions: First access to seasonal items

Recommendations

• Ask about what's being made that day for the freshest selections
• Consider the signature assortment for a curated introduction to their best items
• Try the nuts, which many locals consider even more special than the chocolates
• Watch the production schedule on social media to see specific candy-making days
• Sign up for their email list for notification of seasonal releases

Good to Know

• Parking: Free parking available in dedicated lot
• Limited Production: Some specialties available only seasonally
• Cash and Cards: All major payment methods accepted
• Busiest Times: Extremely busy before major holidays
• Special Orders: Allow 1-2 weeks for custom or large orders

Nearby Attractions

While in the area, consider visiting:

• Canton Classic Car Museum (15-minute drive)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (10-minute drive)
• Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum (15-minute drive)
• Canton Arts District (10-minute drive)
• Stadium Park (10-minute drive)

Getting There

Heggy's Candy Company is located on Wise Avenue NW in northwest Canton. The distinctive brick building with its vintage signage is easy to spot. Ample free parking is available in the company's own lot. The location is convenient to I-77, providing easy access for visitors from throughout the region. The factory and retail store are approximately 10 minutes from downtown Canton and major attractions like the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Company History

Ben Heggy founded his candy company in 1923, bringing European candy-making traditions to Canton at a time when most confections were still made locally rather than mass-produced. The business began in a small downtown location before moving to its current facility, which has been expanded several times while maintaining its historic character.

During the Great Depression, Heggy's affordable luxuries—particularly their roasted nuts and simpler candies—remained popular. The company expanded its offerings during the post-war boom years, adding more elaborate chocolates and gift packages. Throughout the 20th century, as many regional candy makers were acquired by conglomerates or closed entirely, Heggy's remained independently owned and committed to traditional methods.

Today, the fourth generation of the family maintains the business with the same dedication to quality and tradition established by Ben Heggy. While they have selectively modernized certain aspects of production and packaging, the core recipes and techniques remain remarkably true to their origins. For many Canton families, Heggy's confections have been part of their holiday and special occasion traditions for generations, creating a living connection to the city's past while continuing to delight new customers discovering their chocolates for the first time.