VannyOne of my favorite ways to travel is through food — not just eating it, but learning how it’s made. Over the years, I’ve visited several food factories across the United States, and each one has offered a unique behind-the-scenes look into the brands and flavors we all know and love. From candy and chocolate to ice cream, beans, and chips, food factory tours combine education, nostalgia, and fun — making them perfect for road trips, family travel, and curious food lovers.
Some factory tours are quick and simple, while others feel like full-on attractions. Below are the food factories I’ve personally visited, along with my honest take on what makes each experience special.
🍬 Jelly Belly — Fairfield, California
📍 1 Jelly Belly Ln, Fairfield, CA 94533
The Jelly Belly Factory is a colorful and fascinating stop, especially if you’ve ever wondered how jelly beans get their intense flavors. During the tour, you learn how millions of jelly beans are produced, flavored, polished, and sorted every single day. It’s impressive to see how much time and detail goes into creating something so small.
The tour is educational, family-friendly, and ends with the opportunity to sample different flavors. It’s a fun experience that combines candy science with nostalgia, making it a great stop for both kids and adults.
🍦 Ben & Jerry’s — Waterbury, Vermont
📍 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Visiting the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Vermont feels like stepping into the heart of an iconic ice cream brand. The guided tour walks you through how their famous chunky flavors are created, while also sharing the story of how two friends built a global company rooted in creativity and social responsibility.
The experience is informative and lighthearted, and of course, it ends with ice cream. The scenic Vermont setting adds to the charm, making this a memorable stop for ice cream lovers and road trippers alike.
🍫 Hershey’s Chocolate World — Hershey, Pennsylvania
📍 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, PA 17033
Hershey’s Chocolate World is one of the most fun and interactive food factory experiences I’ve visited. This isn’t just about learning how chocolate is made — it feels like a chocolate-themed attraction from start to finish. From the factory ride that explains the chocolate-making process to hands-on activities, tastings, and build-your-own chocolate experiences, there’s always something happening.
This is an especially great stop for families and kids, or anyone who enjoys immersive experiences. It’s lively, engaging, and full of classic chocolate nostalgia, making it a standout for entertainment and fun.
🍨 Blue Bell Creameries — Brenham, Texas
📍 1101 S Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, TX 77833
Out of all the food factories I’ve visited, Blue Bell Creameries is hands down my favorite. Their ice cream has always been my favorite, so visiting the original factory in Brenham, Texas felt extra special. Blue Bell has been making ice cream since 1907, focusing on simple ingredients and traditional methods that prioritize flavor and quality.
Watching the ice cream being made where it all began gave me a deeper appreciation for the brand. And the best part? The famous $1 scoop of ice cream. There’s nothing better than enjoying your favorite ice cream, fresh from the source, for just a dollar. This visit was nostalgic, delicious, and unforgettable — one I would happily do again.
🍫 Ethel M Chocolates — Henderson, Nevada
📍 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014
Ethel M Chocolates offers a more relaxed and intimate factory experience. Known for its small-batch, handcrafted chocolates, this factory allows visitors to watch chocolatiers at work while learning about quality ingredients and chocolate-making techniques.
The self-guided chocolate tasting is a highlight, letting you sample fresh chocolates at your own pace. Paired with the peaceful cactus garden outside, this stop feels like a calm escape just outside Las Vegas.
🥫 Bush’s Beans Visitor Center — Dandridge, Tennessee
📍 3901 US-411, Dandridge, TN 37725
The Bush’s Beans Visitor Center proves that even everyday foods can have an interesting story. This stop takes you through the entire journey of beans — from farm to can — using interactive exhibits that are easy to follow and surprisingly fun.
It’s educational without feeling boring, making it a great stop for families. And yes, tasting their famous baked beans after learning how they’re made makes the experience even better.
🥔 Route 11 Chips — Mt Jackson, Virginia
📍 11 Edwards Way, Mt Jackson, VA 22842
Route 11 Chips is a much smaller and simpler factory visit compared to the others on this list. The facility is compact, and there isn’t a full guided tour or extensive exhibits. You can watch kettle-cooked chips being made and learn about their small-batch process, but it’s more of a quick stop than a destination experience.
It’s alright if you’re already passing through the area and curious about chip-making, but it doesn’t offer the same level of depth or interactivity as larger factory tours.
Final Thoughts: Are Food Factory Tours Worth It?
Food factory tours are a fun way to add something different to your travels. They offer insight into how familiar foods are made, provide family-friendly learning experiences, and often come with tasty samples. Some are simple and quick, while others feel like full attractions.
For me, Blue Bell Creameries stands out as my favorite, while Hershey’s Chocolate World wins for fun and activities. Each factory visit adds a unique flavor to the journey — and that’s what makes traveling through food so special.
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