Halloween season means costumes, haunted houses, and, most importantly, candy! But let’s be honest—some candies make kids (and parents) way more excited than others. So, what is the most popular Halloween candy? Year after year, a handful of treats dominate trick-or-treat bags across the country. Whether you’re stocking up for trick-or-treaters, hosting a Halloween party, or sneaking some for yourself, knowing the top candies can help you make the right pick.
This post dives into the candies that rule Halloween, regional preferences, and tips for picking the best treats for your neighborhood. If you want your house to be a hit on October 31st, read on!
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The Top 5 Halloween Candies in 2024
Here’s a quick list of the Halloween candies that consistently rank as the most popular. These crowd-pleasers always show up in trick-or-treat bags, and it’s no surprise they disappear fast!
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Snickers
- M&M’s
- Kit Kat
- Sour Patch Kids
Let’s look at why these candies top the charts and how they earned their spot as Halloween favorites.
1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – The Undisputed Champion
It’s no secret that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups often claim the top spot when asked, “What is the most popular Halloween candy?” These chocolate and peanut butter treats are loved by both kids and adults. They’re small, easy to eat, and come in festive shapes like pumpkins during Halloween, making them even more irresistible.
- Why everyone loves it: The perfect mix of salty and sweet.
- Pro tip: Grab the Halloween-themed Reese’s Pumpkins—they’re thicker with extra peanut butter filling!
- Fun fact: Reese’s regularly tops candy sales during Halloween and is the first candy to disappear from trick-or-treat bags.
2. Snickers – A Satisfying Favorite
When it comes to chocolate bars with layers, Snickers stands out. It’s packed with peanuts, caramel, and nougat, covered in milk chocolate—making it a filling treat. This candy appeals to kids and parents alike, especially after walking miles collecting candy.
- Why it’s popular: The combination of textures—crunchy, gooey, and chewy—makes it satisfying.
- Mini versions: Fun-sized Snickers bars are ideal for Halloween.
- Pro tip: Keep a stash for yourself—parents are known to steal these from their kids’ bags!
3. M&M’s – Colorful and Convenient
Few candies bring as much joy as a bag of M&M’s. They come in fun-sized packets, making them perfect for Halloween. Whether you prefer classic, peanut, or newer varieties like caramel, there’s an M&M for everyone.
- Why they’re a hit: No mess and easy to share.
- Halloween twist: Look for the seasonal orange, green, and purple M&M’s for an extra festive touch.
- Pro tip: Mix them into your Halloween party snacks for a fun pop of color.
4. Kit Kat – Crisp and Shareable
“Gimme a break!” With its crunchy wafer layers coated in chocolate, Kit Kat is another favorite among trick-or-treaters. The bar is easy to break apart and share, which makes it a hit for families and groups.
- Why people love it: Perfect combination of crunch and chocolate.
- Limited editions: Look for special flavors during Halloween, like Pumpkin Pie Kit Kats.
- Pro tip: Keep these in the freezer for a cool, crunchy treat.
5. Sour Patch Kids – A Fruity, Tangy Treat
Not everyone craves chocolate, and that’s where Sour Patch Kids come in. These chewy candies start off sour and finish sweet, making them a favorite for kids who love fruity flavors.
- Why it’s popular: A break from the usual chocolate-heavy candy haul.
- Mini bags: Perfect for trick-or-treating or school Halloween parties.
- Fun fact: Sour Patch Kids are a top seller in several states, especially on the West Coast.
Regional Candy Preferences in the U.S.
Did you know that candy preferences vary depending on where you live? While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups often top the list nationally, certain states have their own local favorites:
- California: Sour Patch Kids and Skittles are Halloween staples.
- Texas: Starbursts and Snickers bars are crowd-pleasers.
- New York: Reese’s Cups and Kit Kats are the top picks.
Knowing what’s popular in your region can help you plan ahead, especially if you want to impress trick-or-treaters.
When to Buy Halloween Candy – Timing Matters!
If you wait too long to buy candy, you might miss out on the best options. Most people start buying candy in early to mid-October to beat the rush. But be warned—if you buy too early, there’s a good chance some of it won’t make it to Halloween night!
- Tip: Stock up early on the most popular Halloween candy to avoid last-minute stress.
- Bulk savings: Retailers often offer discounts on fun-sized candy packs, so grab a few extra bags.
- Backup plan: Always keep an emergency stash in case you run out—those trick-or-treaters come in waves!
Tips for Choosing the Best Halloween Candy
Want to be the house that every kid talks about? Use these simple tips to make sure your candy game is on point:
- Buy a variety: Get a mix of chocolates, fruity treats, and sour candies.
- Stick with fun-sized bars: These are easier for trick-or-treaters to carry.
- Offer peanut-free options: Keep a small stash of allergy-friendly treats.
- Try novelty candies: Kids love festive shapes like ghost-shaped chocolates or pumpkin gummies.
Nostalgia Keeps Classics at the Top
A big reason why Reese’s, Snickers, and candy corn remain popular year after year is nostalgia. Kids today enjoy the same candies their parents loved growing up. Traditions like Halloween bring families together, and candy plays a huge role in making the night memorable.
Even polarizing treats like candy corn make an appearance every year. Though it has its critics, many people can’t resist a handful once it’s sitting in a candy bowl. Nostalgia is powerful, and it keeps these classic candies at the top of the list every Halloween.
So, What Is the Most Popular Halloween Candy?
When it comes down to it, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the reigning champion. They have the perfect balance of sweet and salty, come in festive shapes, and appeal to almost everyone. Year after year, Reese’s consistently ranks as the most popular candy for Halloween, with Snickers and M&M’s close behind.
Whether you love chocolate bars, fruity snacks, or sour treats, having a mix of these top contenders ensures that every trick-or-treater leaves your house happy. So, when planning for Halloween this year, stock up early, grab the most popular candies, and enjoy the spooky season to the fullest!
you might also like: Air Fryer Halloween Mummy Hot Dogs (Easy Recipe), Caramel Apple Inspired Double Dipped Caramel Oreos and Happy Halloween Printable Tags (free tag for gifts).
Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!