Tastykake
| Type | Snack cake manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Address | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1914 |
| Founder | Philip J. Baur, Herbert T. Morris |
| Owner | Flowers Foods (since 2011) |
| Products | Snack cakes, pies, cookies |
| Status | Active |
Tastykake is a snack cake brand founded in Philadelphia in 1914 by Philip J. Baur and Herbert T. Morris. For over a century, Tastykake has been synonymous with Philadelphia, producing beloved treats like Butterscotch Krimpets, Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, and Chocolate Juniors. While now owned by Georgia-based Flowers Foods, Tastykake remains a powerful symbol of Philadelphia identity, and the products continue to inspire loyalty from Philadelphians and nostalgia from those who have moved away. The brand represents one of Philadelphia's most recognizable and beloved food exports.[1]
History
Founding (1914)
Philip J. Baur*** and ***Herbert T. Morris*** founded Tastykake in 1914:
Origins:***
- Started in Philadelphia
- Goal: Fresher snack cakes
- Tasty Baking Company*** official name
- Committed to quality ingredients
The Name
Tastykake*** origin:
- Morris's wife suggested "Tastykake"
- Trademarked name
- Single-word branding
- Became iconic
Early Growth
Tastykake established its reputation:
1910s-1950s:***
- Philadelphia production
- Regional distribution
- Developed signature products
- Built loyal customer base
Expansion
Growth phases:***
- Mid-Atlantic distribution
- Broader Eastern US
- Maintaining Philadelphia identity
- Premium positioning
Sale to Flowers Foods (2011)
In 2011, Tasty Baking Company was acquired by Flowers Foods:
The transition:***
- Financial difficulties preceded sale
- Georgia-based buyer
- Some production moved
- Brand maintained
Some Philadelphians mourned the loss of local ownership.
The Products
Iconic Items
Butterscotch Krimpets:***
- Sponge cakes with butterscotch icing
- Most famous Tastykake
- Philadelphia icon
- Distinctive flavor
Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes:***
- Chocolate-covered peanut butter cakes
- Cult favorite
- Beloved texture
- Unique to Tastykake
Chocolate Juniors:***
- Chocolate cake rounds
- Classic choice
- Family size available
- Nostalgic favorite
Other Products
Extended line:***
- Cupcakes*** (chocolate, vanilla, cream-filled)
- Pies*** (fruit, cream)
- Cookies***
- Donuts*** (packaged)
- Seasonal specials***
Product Philosophy
Original Tastykake values:
- Freshness*** - Short shelf life originally
- Quality ingredients*** - No artificial preservatives (originally)
- ***Small batches***
- Premium over mass-market
Some argue quality changed after sale.
Philadelphia Identity
Regional Symbol
Tastykake represents Philadelphia:
- Founded here***
- ***Made here*** (historically)
- Identified with city***
- ***Nostalgia trigger***
The Loyalty
Philadelphians and Tastykake:
- ***Childhood memories***
- ***Lunchbox staples***
- ***Care packages to expats***
- ***Strong opinions***
Expatriate Demand
When Philadelphians move away:
- Miss Tastykake
- Have family ship products
- Seek stores that carry them
- Reunion with home
Distribution
Where to Buy
In Philadelphia:***
- Every supermarket
- Convenience stores
- Wawa
- Drug stores
- Ubiquitous
Outside Philadelphia:***
- Regional grocery stores
- Some national chains
- Online ordering
- Less common farther from region
Online Availability
tastykake.com*** ships nationwide:
- For expats
- Gift packages
- Specialty orders
Cultural Impact
Philadelphia Sports
Tastykake and Philadelphia sports:
- Phillies*** sponsor (historically)
- Stadium concessions
- Sports culture connection
- Fan identification
Nostalgia
Generational connection:***
- Parents share with children
- School lunch memories
- Birthday party treats
- Holiday traditions
Celebrity Fans
Philadelphia celebrities mention Tastykake:
- Athletes
- Actors from the region
- Musicians
- Politicians
The Quality Debate
Before and After
Some Philadelphians claim:
Before Flowers:***
- Fresher
- Better ingredients
- More authentic
- "Real Tastykake"
After Flowers:***
- More preservatives
- Production changes
- Different taste (allegedly)
- Still beloved, but...
The Reality
- Some changes have occurred
- Core products remain
- Loyalty continues
- Debate is passionate
Popular Products Ranked
By Philadelphia consensus:*** 1. Butterscotch Krimpets*** - The classic 2. Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes*** - Cult favorite 3. Chocolate Juniors*** - Traditional 4. Cream-filled cupcakes*** - Standard 5. ***Fruit pies*** - Grab-and-go
Seasonal
Limited editions:***
- Holiday flavors
- Seasonal varieties
- Regional specials
Comparison
vs. Hostess
The difference:***
- Hostess: National, mass-market
- Tastykake: Regional, "premium"
- Different brand positioning
- Philadelphians prefer Tastykake (obviously)
vs. Little Debbie
Similar distinction:***
- Little Debbie: Southern, value-focused
- Tastykake: Mid-Atlantic, quality-focused
- Regional loyalty
Tips for Visitors
Must-try:***
- Butterscotch Krimpets (essential)
- Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes (unique)
- Whatever looks good
Where:***
- Any convenience store
- Supermarkets
- Wawa