Every year, the online retailer CandyStore.com conducts a massive nationwide survey to find out which U.S. states prefer which types of Halloween candy. Given that the National Retail Federation (yes, that’s a thing) estimates that annual Halloween candy spending will hit $3.5 billion in 2024, the country’s ever-shifting tastes in candy from state to state is significant information.
After all, if your neighbors’ kids are craving Snickers Bars, do you really want to fill their bags with Blow Pops and Dubble
Bubble Gum?
To help out, the Los Angeles-based company even posts a nifty interactive map you can explore by clicking across the country from California (first place favorite: M&Ms, second place: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, third place: Skittles) to Colorado (Hershey’s Kisses, Milky Way bars, Twix) to New York (Sour Patch Kids, Hot Tamales, candy corn).
Pulling their information from 17 years of candy sale data, the online candy retailer annually presents its latest information, which this year includes the surprising news that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have dropped out of the No. 1 spot nationwide.
“In a twist no one saw coming,” says the recently published report for 2024, “M&Ms have dethroned Reese’s Cups as the top Halloween candy for the first time ever. It seems the classic, colorful candy has finally taken the crown, possibly thanks to its endless flavor varieties and easy-to-eat nature. Move over, Reese’s – the people have spoken.”
While Sour Patch Kids seem be surging in a number of states, taking over the No. 3 spot this year, the classic candy corn has battled its way to No. 7, which is notable considering many Americans routinely name the chewy-waxy orange triangles as the worst Halloween candy of all time.
“But hey,” says the report, noting that No. 3 is not exactly bad, “it looks like this polarizing treat is getting its moment in the spotlight.”
Speaking of the worst of the worst, Circus Peanuts continue to hold the record for Worst Candy in America.
“For many, it’s no surprise that these spongy, banana-flavored, oddly orange marshmallow treats remain at the bottom of the Halloween candy barrel,” states the annual report. “They’ve managed to outlast all contenders, continuing their legacy as the candy most people would rather not find in their trick-or-treat bag.”
In order from No. 1 to No. 10, this year’s ranking of the least favorite candies begins with Circus Peanuts, and continues with peanut butter kisses, candy corn, Necco Wafers, Mary Janes, wax bottles, black licorice, Smarties, Bit-O-Honey and Good ‘N Plenty.
As for what it is that makes Circus Peanuts so infamously awful, the reports mention everything from their “bizarre flavor” – described as “a strange cross between artificial banana and sugar overload” – their texture, hovering “somewhere between foam and stale marshmallow.”
With this fresh information, you are now prepared to go shopping for candies that are more treat than trick.
Media Release/ARGUS-COURIER STAFF/DAVID TEMPLETON
