Unique to the Lowcountry since Colonial times, Benne (the Bantu-word for sesame) was brought from East Africa (Madagascar), through West Africa, and brought over to the southern United States by the African slaves. It was planted extensively throughout the South. Other foods brought from Africa in the 17th and 18th century include peanuts, sweet potatoes, okra, black-eyed peas and collard greens.

Sesame is a versatile seed that can be used in many of the same ways as nuts. The seed has a nutty, sweet aroma with a milk-like, buttery taste. When toasted, its flavor intensifies, yielding an almost almond- or peanut butter-like flavor. Rich in calcium, vitamins B and E, iron, and zinc, sesame is high in protein and contains no cholesterol. It is a key ingredient in a variety of world cuisines, especially Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, but in America we commonly see it topping our sandwich and hamburger buns.

Many Southern recipes call for sesame seed, but none is so loved as the Benne Wafer, a Charleston favorite only available from Olde Colony Bakery. The Benne Wafer is a thin cookie, made with tasty toasted sesame. Our Benne Wafer recipe dates back well over 100 years and is said to be the only existing original Benne Wafer recipe.

We’ve been selling Benne Wafers since 1940 and think they perfectly represent the fine taste and heritage of the Charleston, South Carolina area. The Bantu believe eating these cookies bring good luck, and so do we!

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“These salty-and-sweet toasted sesame cookies are a longtime Charleston favorite. Olde Colony Bakery has been making them for more than 70 years.”

— Southern Living

“These salty-and-sweet toasted sesame cookies are a longtime Charleston favorite. Olde Colony Bakery has been making them for more than 70 years.”

— Southern Living

“These salty-and-sweet toasted sesame cookies are a longtime Charleston favorite. Olde Colony Bakery has been making them for more than 70 years.”

— Southern Living

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🎁Shipping Update - Great News🎉

Earlier this month, we saw an unexpected spike in our UPS and FedEx shipping rates — and we heard your concerns, loud and clear.

We’re happy to let you know that we’ve negotiated new, lower rates with UPS to help ease the burden and are currently working towards doing the same with FedEx. 🤝

Our customers mean everything to us, and we’re always working behind-the-scenes to keep things fair, affordable, and transparent. 

We are humbled and proud to be the oldest operating bakery in the great state of South Carolina and are very appreciative of your continued support. 

If you have any questions about shipping, or anything order related, feel free to reach out to us at sales@oldecolonybakery.net or call at 843-216-3232.

#costreduction #bennewafers #chsfoodie #chscookies
Thank you @live5news for stopping by the bakery to learn a bit more us and the history of the Benne Wafer. Jack, our Operations Manager, did a fantastic job representing us and loved having you. We are so excited to keep serving the Low Country 🍪
Hop into Easter with our Easter Special!!🐰🌺🍪

Buy 6 bags of our handmade cookies and get the 7th for FREE. 

Perfect for gift giving or family events, check out our website to get your Easter Special today!! #bennewafers #charlestonfoodie #charlestoneats #chsbakery #charlestonbakery #chslocal #charlestonfood
From West African roots to a Charleston staple - Olde Colony Bakery has been a Lowcountry treasure since the 1940s. Handcrafted by Peter and Leila Kikos with recipes well over 150 years old, every bite of our cookies is a taste of history. #charlestontradition #charlestonfood #bennewafer #charlestonpreservation #oldecolonybakery #charlestonhistory
✨Introducing The Benne Basket✨  Our beautifully handwoven Benne basket is here - filled with Southern charm and delicious tradition! Each basket is filled with 4 customizable handmade Olde Colony Cookie Bags, plus a Nana’s Praline for the perfect sweet touch🍪 🛒Build your own in-store or online and create a one-of-a-kind gift packed with Lowcountry flavor!  #Bennebasket #bennewafer #originalbennewafer #sweetsoutherncharm #sweetsoutherncharmbakery #chsfoodie #charlestonfood #charlestontravelplans