MomSkoop
Opening a lunchbox in Pennsylvania has always been an adventure filled with local treats that can’t be found just anywhere. From sweet cakes to savory chips, the Keystone State has produced iconic snacks that became part of growing up for millions of kids. These beloved treats didn’t just satisfy hunger – they created memories that span generations and continue to bring smiles decades later.
1. Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets
Golden, spongy, and topped with that unmistakable butterscotch icing – Krimpets have been making Pennsylvania kids the envy of the lunchroom since 1914. The individually wrapped cakes survived being tossed in backpacks and still tasted fresh by lunchtime.
Many adults recall the strategic way they’d eat them: some saved the frosted top for last, while others dove right into that sweet butterscotch coating. Parents would hide boxes at home, knowing these treats would disappear faster than they could say ‘Philadelphia.’
The ridged texture that gave Krimpets their name became as recognizable to Pennsylvania kids as their own handwriting.
2. Middleswarth Bar-B-Q Chips
Born in Snyder County, these kettle-cooked potato chips carry a smoky-sweet barbecue flavor that’s practically coded into Pennsylvania DNA. The distinctive green bag signals something special to those who grew up with them – a perfect balance of crunch and seasoning that mainstream chips never quite matched.
Kids trading lunch items would offer almost anything for a handful of these regional treasures. The family-owned company has maintained its secret recipe for generations, creating loyal fans who stock up whenever they return to PA.
Former Pennsylvania kids now living out-of-state have been known to request care packages containing nothing but these beloved chips.
3. Herr’s Ketchup Chips
Bright red fingers were the telltale sign of a lunchtime Herr’s Ketchup Chips session. While most American kids looked puzzled at the concept, Pennsylvania youngsters couldn’t get enough of these tangy, tomato-flavored crisps that somehow captured the essence of America’s favorite condiment.
The Nottingham-based chip company created this unique flavor that walks the line between sweet and savory. Parents who packed these distinctive red bags knew their children wouldn’t be trading them away.
Canadian visitors to Pennsylvania often express surprise at finding their beloved ketchup chips here, not realizing Herr’s has been serving up this oddly addictive flavor for decades.
4. Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes
Unwrapping these chocolate-covered delights was like discovering treasure in your lunchbox. Tastykake’s perfect combination – a layer of creamy peanut butter atop spongecake, all enrobed in milk chocolate – created a treat that rivaled any candy bar on the market.
Kids developed their own eating techniques: some nibbled the chocolate edges first, others ate them upside-down to get the peanut butter layer first. The distinctive shape and packaging became instantly recognizable across schoolyards throughout the state.
A little-known fact: these treats were originally called ‘Tandy Takes’ until 1977, though most Pennsylvania kids have always known them by their current name, regardless of what the package said.
5. Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews
Before fancy chocolate treats dominated candy aisles, these humble heroes satisfied sweet tooths across Pennsylvania. The chewy molasses center studded with crunchy peanuts and wrapped in dark chocolate created a textural experience that kept kids digging in their lunch bags for more.
Originally created as a high-energy ration for troops during World War I, these Philadelphia-born treats transitioned perfectly to lunchbox fare. The distinctive bite-sized pieces in their simple wrapper became a staple at movie theaters and in Halloween buckets across the state.
Many Pennsylvania adults still seek out the familiar red, white, and blue packaging whenever nostalgia strikes, though they now go by the name ‘Chew-ets’ in some markets.
6. Martin’s Potato Rolls
Martin’s Potato Rolls, known for their soft texture and slightly sweet taste, have been a cherished part of Pennsylvania meals for years. These rolls add a delightful touch to any sandwich, enhancing flavors with their rich, buttery taste. Perfect for burgers, they elevate a simple meal into a memorable experience.
The rolls’ distinctive yellow hue and soft crumb make them a favorite choice for family gatherings and cookouts. Even the simplest sandwiches feel gourmet when nestled between these rolls. For many, they are not just rolls, but a reminder of family dinners and backyard barbecues.
Their enduring popularity is a testament to their quality and the pride Pennsylvania takes in its local products. Martin’s Potato Rolls are more than bread; they are a slice of Pennsylvanian tradition.
7. Lebanon Bologna Snack Sticks
Long before fancy charcuterie boards became trendy, Pennsylvania kids were enjoying these tangy meat sticks in their lunchboxes. The distinctive smoky, slightly sweet flavor of Lebanon bologna transformed into portable form made protein exciting long before anyone worried about nutrition labels.
Produced in Lebanon County since the 1700s, these fermented beef treats have a cult following that extends far beyond their namesake region. Kids would often save these prized sticks for strategic lunchroom trading, as they held high value in the elementary school barter economy.
The dark red exterior and firm texture made them instantly recognizable, while their tangy flavor profile remained uniquely Pennsylvanian – something visitors could never quite understand until they tried one.
8. Shoofly Pie Snack Cakes
The Pennsylvania Dutch classic got a lunchbox makeover with these portable versions of the beloved molasses treat. Sticky, sweet, and bursting with warm spices, these handheld cakes delivered all the comfort of grandma’s pie in a form that could survive the trip to school.
The crumbly streusel topping might make a mess, but no Pennsylvania kid ever complained when finding those distinctive dark brown cakes in their lunch. The rich molasses flavor connected generations, as parents packed the same treats they had enjoyed as children.
Local bakeries throughout Lancaster, Berks, and Lebanon counties created their own versions, sparking friendly debates about which town made the authentic shoofly experience – debates that continue whenever Pennsylvania expats gather.
9. Utz Cheese Balls
Utz Cheese Balls, with their irresistible crunch and cheesy flavor, have been a staple in Pennsylvania households. Bursting with a tangy, cheesy taste, they quickly become a favorite among kids and adults alike. The light, airy texture makes them perfect for munching during lazy afternoons or family gatherings.
Packaged in large tubs, these cheese balls were often brought out during special occasions, making them synonymous with celebration. Their bright orange hue and unforgettable taste ensured they always stood out in any snack selection. Whether paired with a cold drink or enjoyed on their own, Utz Cheese Balls remain a beloved classic.
For many, the sight of a tub of Utz Cheese Balls instantly brings back memories of school lunchrooms and picnics, making them more than just a snack, but a cherished tradition.
10. Stroehmann Dutch Country Bread Sandwiches
The foundation of countless Pennsylvania lunchbox memories wasn’t fancy – just perfectly soft, slightly sweet white bread that made every sandwich special. That red, yellow and blue packaging signaled quality to generations of parents building PB&Js, bologna sandwiches, and after-school snacks.
Kids recognized the distinctive taste and texture immediately, even when the crusts were cut off. The Stroehmann family bakery, operating since 1892, created a product so beloved that college students would request care packages containing nothing but loaves of this hometown favorite.
The bread’s ability to stay fresh yet soft made it perfect for lunchboxes, while its slightly sweeter profile compared to national brands gave Pennsylvania kids something to miss when eating elsewhere.
11. Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Nuggets
Before becoming a mall food court empire, these buttery pretzel bites from central Pennsylvania found their way into lunchboxes of lucky kids with parents who planned ahead. The soft, chewy nuggets – often packed with little containers of sweet glaze or cheese sauce – made standard lunches extraordinary.
Originating from a farmers market stand in Downingtown, these hand-rolled treats maintained their quality even when served room temperature hours later. Kids with these pretzels had serious trading power in the cafeteria economy.
The distinctive smell of fresh-baked Auntie Anne’s became so associated with Pennsylvania that returning expats often claim they can detect the aroma the moment they cross state lines, triggering an immediate detour to find some.