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
[edit | edit source]Founding (1914)
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Tastykake*** origin:
- Morris's wife suggested "Tastykake"
- Trademarked name
- Single-word branding
- Became iconic
Early Growth
[edit | edit source]Tastykake established its reputation:
1910s-1950s:***
- Philadelphia production
- Regional distribution
- Developed signature products
- Built loyal customer base
Expansion
[edit | edit source]Growth phases:***
- Mid-Atlantic distribution
- Broader Eastern US
- Maintaining Philadelphia identity
- Premium positioning
Sale to Flowers Foods (2011)
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Iconic Items
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Extended line:***
- Cupcakes*** (chocolate, vanilla, cream-filled)
- Pies*** (fruit, cream)
- Cookies***
- Donuts*** (packaged)
- Seasonal specials***
Product Philosophy
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Regional Symbol
[edit | edit source]Tastykake represents Philadelphia:
- Founded here***
- ***Made here*** (historically)
- Identified with city***
- ***Nostalgia trigger***
The Loyalty
[edit | edit source]Philadelphians and Tastykake:
- ***Childhood memories***
- ***Lunchbox staples***
- ***Care packages to expats***
- ***Strong opinions***
Expatriate Demand
[edit | edit source]When Philadelphians move away:
- Miss Tastykake
- Have family ship products
- Seek stores that carry them
- Reunion with home
Distribution
[edit | edit source]Where to Buy
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]tastykake.com*** ships nationwide:
- For expats
- Gift packages
- Specialty orders
Cultural Impact
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia Sports
[edit | edit source]Tastykake and Philadelphia sports:
- Phillies*** sponsor (historically)
- Stadium concessions
- Sports culture connection
- Fan identification
Nostalgia
[edit | edit source]Generational connection:***
- Parents share with children
- School lunch memories
- Birthday party treats
- Holiday traditions
Celebrity Fans
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia celebrities mention Tastykake:
- Athletes
- Actors from the region
- Musicians
- Politicians
The Quality Debate
[edit | edit source]Before and After
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- Some changes have occurred
- Core products remain
- Loyalty continues
- Debate is passionate
Popular Products Ranked
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Limited editions:***
- Holiday flavors
- Seasonal varieties
- Regional specials
Comparison
[edit | edit source]vs. Hostess
[edit | edit source]The difference:***
- Hostess: National, mass-market
- Tastykake: Regional, "premium"
- Different brand positioning
- Philadelphians prefer Tastykake (obviously)
vs. Little Debbie
[edit | edit source]Similar distinction:***
- Little Debbie: Southern, value-focused
- Tastykake: Mid-Atlantic, quality-focused
- Regional loyalty
Tips for Visitors
[edit | edit source]Must-try:***
- Butterscotch Krimpets (essential)
- Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes (unique)
- Whatever looks good
Where:***
- Any convenience store
- Supermarkets
- Wawa