Nifty Nut House: Wichita’s Version of Willy Wonka

Growing up one of my favorite movies as a kid (besides Bloodsport) was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I’m referring to the classic 1971 version with Gene Wilder; not the 2005 knockoff with Johnny Depp. Watching Charlie being escorted around by Willy and the Oompa Loompas was mesmerizing to me.

For the longest time, I thought a place like that actually existed. It wasn’t until years later that I would find out it does exist…… in Wichita…… minus the Oompa Loompas…… minus Gene Wilder.

That place is Nifty Nut House.

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537 St. Francis
Wichita, KS 67214
316-265-0571

Monday – Friday 8am – 5:30pm
Saturday 9am – 4pm
Closed on Sundays

Website – Online ordering available
Facebook

Cash/Card Accepted

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Nifty Nut House is a local third generation family-owned business.They offer many varieties of nuts, candy, and gum. The nuts are available raw, roasted salted, and roasted unsalted; all of which are roasted fresh daily in house. If that doesn’t sell you on them; they have a wide selection of milk and dark chocolate treats, gummies, dried fruits, mints, ballgum, licorice, and many sugar free items.

Walking in for your first time, it is massive and can be very intimidating.

 

Perfect picture opportunity!

I’ve been quite a few times now and try to get something new on every visit but usually find myself getting the same thing.

I thought long and hard about how to write a review about Nifty Nut House. There was no way I could review the thousands of items they have on hand. I decided to do the next best thing I could think of; give you all a visual tour of Nifty Nut House.

There was so much to go through and what felt like such little time since I was there right before closing.

So if you don’t mind the barrage of pictures, please enjoy this picture blog on Nifty Nut House:

Shelves are aligned with old candy machines

 

 

Some of the best granola mix in town

 

My personal favorite: Wasabi Green Peas

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day candy is all up and ready

 

Chocolate covered almonds….are…a…..must

 

Has anybody ever done a kegstand underneath the M&M dispenser?

 

Nearly every flavor of jelly bean imaginable

 

My brother’s favorite: Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel

 

or go dark with the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels

 

Bouquets make the perfect gift for mom…. or yourself

 

Old classic candies by the pound

 

Cheaper than the $20 charge at the Warren Theatre

 

You had me at Hello

 

Gourmet Salt Water Taffy…..I must admit, I’ve never had them before

 

Another kegstand opportunity

 

 

Sour belts are also a must!

 

 

 

Some of the best pistachios you’ll ever have

 

Some things to keep in mind:

The Nifty Nut House is PACKED during the Holiday Season when people are shopping for gifts. Imagine Black Friday type crowds. It’s ridiculous.

They do give out free samples for items you are interested in trying but scared to buy blindly.

They are still planning on moving to a new building sometime this year. I’ll be sure to do a write-up when they have moved.

There are places inside Towne East Mall like Candyopolis or even a candy area in Dillons but nothing compares to the quality, selection and customer service at Nifty Nut House. When you walk in, it’s like everybody working there is family. The employees are so polite and helpful. Sometimes I go in just to have them lift my spirits………………… and get Wasabi Green Peas at $3.20 a pound.

When I think about it, Nifty Nut House is ten times better than Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. For starters, the people are nicer than Willy Wonka. Let’s face it, Willy was a bit rude at the beginning of the movie. Secondly, it is much safer. You won’t find yourself turning into a large blueberry like Violet Beauregarde or falling into a Chocolate river like Augustus Gloop, although that wouldn’t be so bad. Everything is compliant with safety laws.

So check out another locally owned favorite in Wichita and one of the stops on the Wichita By E.B. Foodie Bucket List.

Happy Dining,
Eddy