HB 667: Designating the Hershey’s Kiss as the State Candy
Overview Resources
- US Standard: Few states have designated official state candies, making this designation relatively uncommon among state symbols. States typically choose symbols that reflect their unique industries or cultural significance
- PA Standard: Pennsylvania currently has no official state candy. The state has various other symbols, including the state cookie (chocolate chip) and state beverage (milk)
- https://www.palegis.us/senate/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=46070&document=SB667
- https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/text/PDF/2025/0/SB0667/PN0842
Big Concept Resources
- https://whp580.iheart.com/featured/iheart-central-pa-community/content/2025-05-16-the-hershey-kiss-passes-pa-house-as-the-state-candy/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/bill-to-make-hersheys-kiss-official-candy-of-pennsylvania/
- https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/hersheys-kiss-could-become-pennsylvanias-state-candy/3815912/
- https://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/
- https://www.thehersheycompany.com/
Pros
- https://www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2022/05/should-hershey-kiss-be-pennsylvanias-official-state-candy/367193/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pennsylvania-official-candy-hershey-kisses-legislation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Recognizes Pennsylvania’s historic role as a leader in the confectionery industry and celebrates an iconic homegrown product.
- Could increase tourism and strengthen Pennsylvania’s brand through heritage marketing and related attractions.
- Has no significant fiscal impact while promoting state pride and economic development.
- https://candyusa.com/
Cons
- Top choices for State Candy
- https://www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2022/05/should-hershey-kiss-be-pennsylvanias-official-state-candy/367193/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Creating an official state candy is largely symbolic and does not address pressing policy priorities.
- Selecting one candy may overlook Pennsylvania’s many other notable confectionery products and manufacturers.
- Even symbolic legislation requires legislative time and resources that could be devoted to more substantive issues.
