Idaho Candy Company
Corporate brand
UnclaimedA Boise-based confectionery manufacturer best known for its regional Idaho Spud chocolate-and-coconut candy bar.
Last updated August 24, 2026
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Overview
Idaho Candy Company is a confectionery manufacturer based in Boise, Idaho, and one of the state's best-known surviving local candy businesses. Its strongest association is with the Idaho Spud bar, a potato-shaped confection introduced in 1918 and made from a cocoa-flavored marshmallow center covered with dark chocolate and coconut flakes. The product has developed a distinctive regional following, particularly in the Northwestern United States, where its name, shape, and Idaho identity give it a strong sense of place. The company traces its origins to 1901, when Thomas Ovard "T.O." Smith began making chocolates in his garage and selling them door-to-door. In 1909, Smith opened a Boise factory. The facility continues to operate, making the company an unusually enduring example of a locally rooted American candy manufacturer. Its history spans a period in which many independent and regional confectioners disappeared, consolidated, or lost visibility to national brands. Idaho Candy Company's product portfolio has changed considerably over time. The business reportedly made more than 50 varieties of candy bars during its broader historical period, but by late 2013 the number of principal bar varieties had been reduced to four. The core offerings identified in reference material include Idaho Spud, Old Faithful, Cherry Cocktail, and three varieties of Owyhee Butter Toffee. The company also produces approximately 20 types of bulk candy. Its products are associated with the Owyhee name, drawn from the Owyhee River and Owyhee County in Idaho, locations near the production plant. In addition to Idaho Spud, the company's best-known traditional bars include Old Faithful, a vanilla marshmallow confection topped with whole peanuts and coated in milk chocolate, and Cherry Cocktail, which combines a maraschino cherry cream center with ground peanuts and milk chocolate. These products reflect the company's emphasis on nostalgic, regional candy formats rather than a large national portfolio of mass-market brands. The company was acquired by John Wagers in 1984, and his son Dave Wagers led the business from 1991 until 2025. In July 2025, ownership passed to the Sturdivant family, Paul and Megan. This ownership transition represents a new chapter for a business whose identity remains closely connected to its Boise manufacturing base and legacy products. Idaho Candy Company has also received local recognition: Boise Weekly selected it as the "Best Candy Company" in 2007. Idaho Candy Company's positioning is built around regional authenticity, continuity, and accessible nostalgic treats. Its products are sold directly to consumers through the company's online presence as well as through established regional channels referenced by the company. The brand's importance is primarily cultural and geographic rather than global: Idaho Spud functions as a local emblem, souvenir-style confection, and enduring example of an independent American candy bar.
History
Idaho Candy Company was established in 1901 by Thomas Ovard "T.O." Smith. Smith initially produced chocolates in his garage and sold them directly to customers from door to door. This small-scale beginning developed into a formal manufacturing operation in 1909, when he opened a factory in Boise, Idaho. The factory remains associated with the company, giving Idaho Candy Company a long-running physical connection to the city and its local confectionery tradition. The company became known for producing a wide range of regional candy products. At various points in its history, its portfolio exceeded 50 varieties of candy bars. The best-known product is Idaho Spud, introduced in 1918. The bar is shaped to resemble a potato and consists of a cocoa-flavored marshmallow center covered with dark chocolate and coconut flakes. Its Idaho-themed name and unusual form helped distinguish it from conventional nationally distributed candy bars. Over time, Idaho Spud acquired a cult following in the Northwestern United States and became the product most closely identified with the company. Additional long-standing products include Old Faithful, introduced in 1925, and Cherry Cocktail, introduced in 1926. Old Faithful combines vanilla-flavored marshmallow with whole peanuts and a milk-chocolate coating. Cherry Cocktail uses a maraschino cherry cream center, ground peanuts, and milk chocolate. The product range also includes three varieties of Owyhee Butter Toffee and roughly 20 types of bulk candy. The Owyhee designation refers to nearby Idaho geography, including the Owyhee River and Owyhee County, and reinforces the company's regional identity. Idaho Candy Company operated in a competitive local confectionery environment. Historical competitors included the Dainty Maid company's Idaho Russet and a Utah-made Spud Bar produced by Ostler Candy. Many comparable historic candy makers later left the market, making Idaho Candy Company's survival and continued production notable within the regional candy sector. John Wagers purchased the company in 1984. His son, Dave Wagers, ran the business from 1991 through 2025, maintaining the company's focus on its established candy lines and Boise manufacturing base. By late 2013, the number of principal candy-bar varieties had been reduced to four, although the business continued to produce its named legacy products, butter toffee, and bulk candy. In July 2025, ownership transferred to Paul and Megan Sturdivant. The change marked a transition from the Wagers family's long management period to new family ownership. The company remains active and continues to be recognized primarily for Idaho Spud and other heritage confections. Its products can be purchased directly through the company's online sales channel, according to reference material, while its broader significance lies in its regional brand equity, historic Boise presence, and continuity as an independent American candy maker.
- 2025
Sturdivant family assumes ownership
[1]Paul and Megan Sturdivant became owners of Idaho Candy Company in July 2025.
- 2013
Core bar range reduced
[1]By late 2013, the company's principal candy-bar portfolio had been reduced from a historical high of more than 50 varieties to four.
- 2007
Boise Weekly recognition
[1]Boise Weekly named Idaho Candy Company Best Candy Company.
- 1991
Dave Wagers begins leading the company
[1]Dave Wagers took over operation of the company and remained its leader until 2025.
- 1984
Acquired by John Wagers
[1]John Wagers purchased Idaho Candy Company.
- 1926
Cherry Cocktail introduced
[1]Cherry Cocktail was introduced as a cherry cream, peanut, and milk-chocolate confection.
- 1925
Old Faithful introduced
[1]Old Faithful joined the company's traditional product range.
- 1918
Idaho Spud introduced
[1]The company began making Idaho Spud, its potato-shaped marshmallow, chocolate, and coconut bar.
- 1909
Boise factory opened
[1]Smith opened a candy factory in Boise, establishing the production site associated with the company.
- 1901
Company founded
[1]Thomas Ovard "T.O." Smith founded Idaho Candy Company after beginning with garage-made chocolates sold door to door.
Products and positioning
A regional, heritage-oriented confectionery brand centered on nostalgic candy bars, Boise production, and Idaho-themed identity.
Chocolate candy bar · 1918
Idaho Spud
Introduced in 1918, Idaho Spud is the company's signature confection. It is shaped like a potato and contains a cocoa-flavored marshmallow center covered with dark chocolate and coconut flakes. The product's unusual shape and Idaho-specific name distinguish it from conventional candy bars and have made it a regional favorite in the Northwestern United States.
Chocolate candy bar · 1925
Old Faithful
Old Faithful is a traditional Idaho Candy Company bar introduced in 1925. It combines a vanilla-flavored marshmallow center with whole peanuts and a milk-chocolate coating. The product is part of the company's long-standing heritage range and complements Idaho Spud with a different flavor profile and nut texture.
Chocolate candy bar · 1926
Cherry Cocktail
Cherry Cocktail, introduced in 1926, contains a maraschino cherry cream center coated in ground peanuts and milk chocolate. Its combination of fruit-flavored filling, nut coating, and chocolate reflects the older-style regional candy formulas associated with the company's historic portfolio.
Toffee
Owyhee Butter Toffee
Owyhee Butter Toffee is produced in three varieties. The Owyhee name references the Owyhee River and Owyhee County in Idaho, areas near the company's production plant. The line extends the brand beyond candy bars while retaining its regional naming and heritage orientation.
Bulk confectionery
Bulk candy
Alongside its named candy bars and toffee, Idaho Candy Company produces approximately 20 varieties of bulk candy. The bulk range provides a broader assortment than the reduced core bar portfolio and supports the company's role as a general regional confectionery manufacturer.
Brand decisions
2025
Ownership transition to the Sturdivant familyOtherBackground
Dave Wagers had led the company since 1991, following the 1984 purchase by his father, John Wagers.
Action taken
Paul and Megan Sturdivant became owners of Idaho Candy Company in July 2025.
Aftermath
The transition began a new family-ownership period for the active Boise confectionery business.
2013
Consolidation of the principal candy-bar rangeStrategyBackground
The company had historically produced more than 50 varieties of candy bars, but the principal range had contracted substantially by late 2013.
Action taken
The active core candy-bar lineup was reduced to four varieties, while the company continued producing butter toffee and bulk candy.
Aftermath
The narrower portfolio placed greater emphasis on established regional products such as Idaho Spud, Old Faithful, and Cherry Cocktail.
Sources1 sources
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