Editing Tastykake

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Tastykake
| image =
| image_caption = Tastykake products
| type = Snack cake manufacturer
| address = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| neighborhood =
| coordinates =
| phone =
| website = https://www.tastykake.com
| established = 1914
| founder = Philip J. Baur, Herbert T. Morris
| owner = Flowers Foods (since 2011)
| employees =
| hours =
| 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.<ref name="tastykake-official">{{cite web |url=https://www.tastykake.com |title=Tastykake |publisher=Tastykake |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== 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

== See Also ==
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]
* [[Wawa]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.tastykake.com Tastykake Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Tastykake - Philadelphia's Beloved Snack Cake Since 1914
|description=Tastykake, the Philadelphia snack cake icon since 1914. Butterscotch Krimpets, Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, and a century of regional loyalty.
|keywords=Tastykake, Philadelphia snacks, Butterscotch Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, Philadelphia food, snack cakes
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Businesses]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Culture]]