Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store in Jordan, Minn., is so confident of its position that it named its business exactly that: “Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store.” I was somewhat skeptical when I first heard the store’s name, wondering what could possibly prevent another businessperson to build an even bigger retail outlet! On my route from Minneapolis to Sioux Falls, I visited the store in person, and realized that the the scale and breadth of its offerings would seem to be difficult for any other store to match.
On its website, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store does hedge its bets a little, claiming that even if it’s not the absolute biggest, it’s still a landmark worthy of a visit. And I’d agree with that!
The store’s shelves feature candy and other products from all over the world. There were shelves of goods that I recognized as being from Mexico and South America, England, Iceland, Japan, Canada, and Austria (to name a few).
You can find hard candy, chewy candy, soft candy, chocolate, gummy bears, taffy, lollipops, rock candy, sour candy, and lots of vintage and retro brands to satisfy any nostalgic cravings from your childhood.
There were also snacks from Utz Potato Chips and Herr’s, fudge and baked goods from an in-house bakery, and locally-made products including salsas, hot sauces, and jams.
One department features an enormous selection of craft soda (pop) including sarsaparilla and root beer from all over the U.S., and all sorts of flavored sodas including maple bacon. They had many varieties produced by Avery’s in New Britain, Conn., which was the next town over from our last home, and which I visited many times.
Adding to the experience, the various rooms in the store have high ceilings and are decorated in many different themes, from the Transformers to Harry Potter to Frozen to many superheroes.
Despite the feeling of a kid lost in a candy shop, prices were decidedly modern, and I easily racked up a tidy bill in very short order. (Don’t tell my personal accountant! Or maybe if I share some of my goodies with her, she’ll let this one slide!)