Assorted chocolates

The Pennsylvania Company Behind The Original Chocolate Kiss Candy

NEWS

BY JOLEE SULLIVAN

Chocolate and peppermint chocolate drops
In 1894, H.O. Wilbur, founder of Wilbur Chocolate in Lititz, Pennsylvania, found a way to deposit chocolate into a solid shape that resembled a flower bud, making the Wilbur Bud.
Fingers holding a Hershey kiss
Over a decade before Hershey's Kisses hit the scene, a small town in Pennsylvania had already fallen head over heels for Wilbur Buds — the lesser-known OG of kiss-shaped chocolate.
Hershey's Kisses on cookies
Wilbur Buds were distinctly small, conical, and foil-wrapped with a flat bottom. They had a rich, decadent flavor made from quality chocolate using Mr. Wilbur's original recipe.
Pile of wrapped Hershey's Kisses
Despite being overshadowed by Hershey's Kisses in 1907, Wilbur Buds are still a beloved local treat. You can buy them in Lititz or online at Wilbur Chocolate's website.