Ivins’ Famous Spiced Wafers

Discovered this seasonal, regional cookie item on a visit to South Jersey. Apparently it is a fall tradition around Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley area. (See related blog post.)

I admire how different this box is from other items in the same product category—(an Oreo package, for example)—no 3D edible typography here. Just plain old type being flat. Old fashioned design, but a bracing use of only 2 colors. I've always been a sucker for fluorescent orange.

We speculate that this obscure delicacy survives because of regional and seasonal recipes. (Much like Nilla Wafers, and Graham Crackers.) There is a recipe for a pie crust on the side which I am curious to sample.

Comments

[chuck]

I think Acme is the only place that sells Ivans (no doubt the best ginger snap

[Earlene Langfied]

I live in Baltimore Maryland, 5 miles south of baltimore city. Where can I purchase these cookies in my hometown?

[Joan Franke]

We were in northeast Phila in July and found
Ivins at the Acme in Hatboro. We were told
that they now stock them year round. They are our favorites, too.

[Gerald wilkins]

Why - how come ? every cookie is in PIECES , I buy a box every-two weeks and they are CRUMBS. My potatoes chips are in one nice piece BUT my cookies are CRUMBS....

[ivmjsmom]

We just moved to Texas and this is our first fall in over 15 years without Ivin's. All 6 of us miss our peanut butter and Ivin's dunked in warm spiced cider. Halloween will never be the same. :-(

[Barb Danna]

Irvins Spice Wafers are wonderful. Found them in South Jersey. Can't find any info on where to purchase them on line. I live in Ohio. Sweetzel ginger snaps available in the Dollar Tree here but can't find spice cookies. Does anyone know how to contact the company that makes Irvins. Box only says distributed by Albertsons.

[Mary DeHaven]

Picked up a half dozen boxes today on a trip back to Chester County. Sweetzels doesnt' even compare to Ivin's. They're exclusive to Acme markets and are only available in the fall. Just opened a sleeve and enjoying them wth a cup of coffee. Nothing compares :)

[Chris Hegeman]

As a kid growing up in South Jersey this was a favorite of mine. You knew Fall was here when you would go to Acme and see them on the shelves. My Nana always had these at her house, so now whenever I have a gingersnap I think of her. I heard the company that made them went out of business...it's a shame I loved the box!

[John7690]

I don't know about the Sweetzels connection, I've had both and there is a definite difference, I like Ivin's better.

If you are a displaced Delaware Valley native like me (King of Prussia), you probably have a craving for spiced wafers every year when the leaves turn and the cider starts to flow. I searched for quite awhile to find a way to get them online. The result was a single source, and darn pricey at that (3 boxes for $26.75), but for a once a year treat that you can share with your friends they're priceless. You can find them at http://aruntx.com/

You'll thank me this fall.

[rob]

Ivins are made by sweetzels so if you see sweetzels it will be the same cookie as ivins. Walmart supercenters in the northern east coast area will be carrying them soon..

[Elaine Kaufholz]

I moved away from the Phila. area almost 9 years ago and still am hungry for Ivans. I would like to order them instead of asking friends to buy and send. Is there any way I can. I have been looking for them to order but cannot find it

[Chris A Thompson]

I live in Norfolk Va now and for the last 20 years, and I have to say when ever I or any of my south jersey friends or family either come here or go there these are the most asked about items ever, just would love to know were they are made to see if I could order them with out having to go all the way back to Clayton acme

[Dit Dragon]

If you like Ivin's, you will love Sweetzels spiced wafers

[J. D. King]

Nice item!