The Candy Lady

Old Town Albuquerque's Sweetest Landmark!

The Candy Lady, Debbie Ball, is famous for the "blue sky" rock candy she supplied to the producers for the first two seasons of AMC's "Breaking Bad" TV show - but she's been a part of Albuquerque's Old Town for over 40 years.

Since September 1980, The Candy Lady has been one of the best-known and most beloved institutions in Albuquerque's historic Old Town. Owner Debbie Ball learned the art of candy-making and chocolate crafting from her mother before opening the shop, and she's spent over four decades building it into a true New Mexico treasure. Ball is almost always on-site, greeting customers, offering samples, and sharing her passion for confectionery: a hands-on dedication that's made The Candy Lady a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Candy Lady's signature offerings include over 20 flavors of handmade fudge, with and without New Mexico chile, bonbons and truffles with caramel and nuts, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more than 60 varieties of licorice. Visitors can also find fresh dipped and glazed fruits, hand-crafted chocolates, custom cakes, hard candy, rock candy, and some unexpected treats that reflect the unique flavors of the Southwest. With something for every sweet tooth, The Candy Lady has earned its reputation as Albuquerque's premier handmade candy shop.

Of course, the shop's most famous claim to fame is its starring role in pop culture history. Ball created the blue rock candy meth prop used in the first two seasons of AMC's hit series Breaking Bad, and the connection has turned The Candy Lady into a cultural landmark. After the show switched suppliers, Ball began selling edible replicas of the iconic blue candy in $1 dime bags, which became a massive hit with tourists and fans. Despite the pop-culture fame, Ball has consistently emphasized that Breaking Bad portrays the devastating consequences of drug use rather than glamorizing it: a testament to the values behind this family-owned Albuquerque institution. Whether you're a Breaking Bad fan or simply chasing the best fudge in New Mexico, The Candy Lady at 424 San Felipe St NW is a stop you won't forget!