Gate 21 sugar fix before your Southwest boarding call
Right by Gate 21 in Terminal 1, Dylan's Candy Bar is the bright candy shop you see just past the seating area. It's fully post-security, so you can duck in after TSA and keep an eye on the departure boards while you pick up snacks. Expect standard airport pricing: single candy bars run higher than street price, and mixed candy by the pound jumps fast if you fill the bag.
Most of the space is taken up by bulk bins and packaged sweets, with plenty of chocolate, gummies, sour candy, and novelty items under $10. It’s grab-and-go: stand-up shelves, tight aisles, and a single small counter near the front. If you’re boarding a 2–3 hour flight from HOU, this is an easy place to stock up on kid bribes or something to offset the pretzel mix you’ll get on Southwest.
Selection leans heavily on branded packaged items, so if you want nuts, chips, or drinks, you may be better off at a nearby newsstand closer to Gate 20. Dylan’s is best for clearly labeled candy gifts and bright boxes that travel well in a backpack. Most items are sealed and TSA-safe, so no issues taking anything onto the plane.
Quick tip: walk in with a price limit in mind and skip the big self-serve bag; grab a couple of pre-packed items instead if you’re trying to keep it under $15.