CandyStore.com’s “Most Popular Halloween Candy by State Interactive Map” is a result of an 11- year (2007-2017) study of exclusive sales data to determine the #1 best-selling Halloween candy in each state, as well as the runners up, in pounds of candy sold.
The candy experts also offer some interesting facts surrounding this candy-centric holiday:
- 179 million Americans celebrate Halloween
- In Oregon, full-sized candy bars are the norm for trick-or-treaters to receive
- Nearly 1/4 of all Halloween purchases are made online
- Among those who celebrate Halloween, 95% will purchase candy
- They will spend about $27 on average
- Over 50% of parents stash some Halloween candy to enjoy later in the year
State Highlights
California
The birthplace of Jelly Bellys has acquired more of an affinity for Skittles than last year’s winner M&M’s or prior winner, salt water taffy – to say nothing for jelly beans. Over 1.6 million pounds of Skittles don’t lie. Californians prefer to taste the Venice Beach rainbow.
Nevada
In Vegas they love shiny things. That must be why Hershey’s Kisses do so well in Nevada on Halloween. But they are not the #1 candy in Nevada anymore. After two- year reign at the top, they have been brought down by good ol’ candy corn. Candy corn must’ve been tired of being second fiddle and came charging through to number one with nearly 340,000 pounds. Hershey’s Kisses fell back to under 200,000 this year and Skittles’ rainbow no longer shines over the #3 spot. The new third place winner is Tootsie Pops.
Oregon
Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state! If you’re throwing a ghost town takeover Halloween party, better bring your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups candy. Trick-or-treaters love these more than any other candy in Oregon. M&M’s is in second place, Candy Corn third.
Washington
Salt water taffy ruled the state a few years ago, but in last year’s study Tootsie Pops stole the top spot. Well, taffy is back with over 220,000 pounds of Salt Water Taffy consumed in Washington around Halloween.
Texas
Texas’ most popular Halloween candy has changed this year. The Lone Star State ditched its Starbursts and returned to its previous love, Reese’s Cups. It’s an understandable move, since Reese’s Cups are objectively devine. More than 1,100,000 pounds of Reese’s Cups are consumed in Texas around Halloween. Last year’s winner, Starbursts, retain the #2 spot. Texans can proudly stock up on Reese’s Cups or Starbursts for trick-or-treaters, but might be best to offer them more than a lone starburst!
Ohio
Ohio’s most popular Halloween candy has changed again this year. After Blow Pops pushed M&M’s aside last year, M&Ms have seized back the lead, moving Blow Pops back to runner up. Starburst remains in the number 3 spot. 164,000 pounds of M&M’s is nothing to sneeze at.
Virginia
Virginia’s most popular Halloween candy has again changed this year. Hot Tamales have reclaimed the crown! There have been some people who doubt the viability of Hot Tamales as a top contender for favorite Halloween candy, however over 160,000 pounds of Hot Tamales candy is consumed in the birthplace of our nation.
New York
New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured only one candy float. Guess which candy…. Yup, New Yorkers love Sour Patch Kids so much they build a rolling monument to them. They are getting consumed at a pace over 200k pounds around Halloween time. Candy Corn and Hot Tamales – a new top 3 entry – finish out the top 3. Be careful with trick-or-treaters in NYC, those street wise cats don’t mess around if you don’t have Sour Patch Kids!
Check your favorite state’s favorite Halloween candy here.
Photos courtesy of unsplash.com
