October is here, and it’s officially time to dive into the spooky season! If you still need to start celebrating, there’s no better time to start planning your Halloween festivities, costumes, and, most importantly, what candy you’ll be handing out to trick-or-treaters.
When it comes to Halloween candy, opinions run strong. Some prefer classic chocolate treats, while others lean toward fruity or sour candies.
But what are people buying? Thanks to Door Dash data, we know each state’s most popular Halloween candy based on candy purchases during October 2024. Spoiler alert: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups reign supreme, but there were a few surprises!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Dominate the Country
It’s no surprise that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were the top choice for Halloween candy across the U.S. They’re a favorite for a reason—who can resist the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate? Reese’s was the most-ordered candy in 24 states, showing how much people love this iconic treat.
Whether you’re planning to hand out candy or enjoy some yourself, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a safe bet for Halloween. They’ve become a staple in trick-or-treat bags for decades, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be dethroned anytime soon.
Gushers-The Unexpected Second Place
Here’s a surprise—Gushers Tropical Fruit Flavored Snacks came in as the second most popular candy in the country. While Gushers might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Halloween, many people seem nostalgic for this fruity, chewy snack.
Gushers are a fun alternative to traditional candies, and their vibrant flavors make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
In a sea of chocolates and gummies, Gushers stood out and took second place in the ranking of most popular Halloween candies. If you want to switch things up this Halloween, Gushers could be a fun addition to your candy stash.
The Rest of the Top 10 Candies for Halloween
Aside from Reese’s and Gushers, there are plenty of other popular candies that people across the U.S. are stocking up on for Halloween. Here’s a look at the rest of the top 10:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Gushers Tropical Fruit Flavored Snacks
- Twix Caramel Candy Bar
- Snickers Chocolate Candy Bar
- Nerds Sweet & Tangy Gummy Clusters
- Kit Kat Milk Chocolate Crisp Wafers
- Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
- Mike & Ike Chewy Candies
- M&M’s Peanut Milk Chocolate Candies
- Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts
There’s something for everyone on this list, whether you’re a fan of sweet, sour, or chocolatey treats. Classic candies like Twix, Snickers, and Kit Kat remain fan favorites, while newer, tangy options like Nerds Gummy Clusters and Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers have carved out their place in the Halloween candy lineup.
What Candy is Popular in Each State?
While Reese’s and Gushers topped the overall rankings, the candy preferences of each state tell an exciting story. Many people, especially in five states, prefer to buy variety packs, which include popular chocolates like Snickers, Twix, and M&M’s.
However, some states had more unique candy choices for Halloween. Alabama favored Sour Patch Kids Watermelon, a candy with a sweet and tangy twist. Over in Louisiana, Airheads Mini Candy was the most popular choice, adding a burst of fruity flavor to trick-or-treat bags. Meanwhile, New Mexico had more fun with Laffy Taffy Cherry Candy.
These state-by-state differences show that while national favorites exist, local preferences can still stand out.
Vermont Takes the Top Spot for Most Candy Ordered
Regarding the sheer volume of candy ordered for Halloween, Vermont takes the crown. Despite being one of the smallest states, Vermonters are serious about their Halloween candy. The state ranked first in the country for most candy ordered in the lead-up to Halloween 2024.
Vermont, South Dakota, and Nebraska took second and third place, respectively. These smaller states aren’t holding back when it comes to getting into the Halloween spirit.
Why Halloween Candy Matters
Candy is an essential part of the Halloween experience for those handing it out and the trick-or-treaters looking forward to their haul each year. The types of candy you choose can set the tone for your trick-or-treat night and help create memories for the kids who visit your door.
Halloween candy trends can also offer a glimpse into consumer preferences and nostalgia. While classic chocolates like Reese’s and Snickers have maintained their popularity for years, there’s always room for newer or more nostalgic candies to make their mark.
Gushers, for example, might remind many adults of their childhood snacks, which could explain their rise in popularity.
Whatever candy you choose, the goal is to bring joy to those around you. Whether you go for chocolate, fruity gummies, or a mix of both, you’ll contribute to Halloween’s magic and fun.
What Will You Be Handing Out This Halloween?
Now that you know which candies are topping the charts in 2024, it’s time to decide what you’ll be handing out. Will you stick with the classics like Reese’s, Snickers, and Twix? Or surprise the neighborhood kids with something fun and fruity like Gushers or Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers.
No matter what you choose, make sure to have a variety of candies on hand to satisfy different tastes. After all, Halloween is all about having fun, and a great candy selection will make sure your house is a hit on trick-or-treat night.
Conclusion
As Halloween approaches, the excitement of picking out costumes, decorating the house, and buying candy is all part of the fun.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a fan of fruity snacks, or enjoy a mix of everything, candy out there will make your Halloween a bit sweeter.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to dominate as the most popular Halloween candy, but surprises like Gushers show that there’s always room for a little variety in the candy world. Wherever you are in the U.S., chances are you’ll find something on this list that suits your Halloween cravings.
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