HOLY SMOKES
New candles from Texas supermarket H-E-B smell like BBQ burnt ends

H-E-B Burnt Ends candle
Since True Texas BBQ opened in 2014, H-E-B fans have been obsessed, with even Texas Monthly calling it the best barbecue chain in the state. Now, San Antonians can bring some of the smoke home. The Texas supermarket chain has introduced a trio of candles inspired by some of True Texas’ most popular dishes: serrano cornbread candle, dill pickle, and burnt ends.
Although H-E-B didn’t make a big to-do about the new home scents, Austin influencer Grocery Obsessed — aka Emily Hill — was on the case. While paying a visit to an H-E-B, she spotted the candles among more conventional offerings like piñata cake, cinnamon apple pie, and wildflower bouquet.
The curious scents are the newest drops from H-E-B’s Flavor Favorites line. First debuted in 2021, the candles mimic the aromas of a grocery trip with fragrances like bakery cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, Cafe Olé coffee, and TX sweet tea.
Still, none of the scents has prompted more of a fuss than the butter tortilla candle. Inspired by H-E-B’s cultiest of cult foods, the variety became an instant sensation when it launched.
As for which of the three scents should squeeze into a rotation of Diptyque and Voluspa candles, Hill’s followers named a clear winner: The serrano cornbread, which was universally regarded as "heavenly," The pickle fragrance was deemed strong enough to knock guests on the floor, and the burnt ends scent was “really off."
The True Texas BBQ candles are now available at H-E-B stores and online. 14-ounce jars retail for $10.40, and smaller four-ounce votives sell for $5.20.
