Here Are This Years “Candy Trends” For Halloween 2024!!

Navigating the Halloween candy aisle—or scrolling through your favorite online candy shop—can feel like a total gamble. Are you picking out the crowd-pleasers, or are you about to become the house that gets silently judged by trick-or-treaters? The experts at Candy Store are here to help!

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Knowing what’s hot in your state is crucial if you want to avoid a candy faux pas this year.

That’s where we step in. We've gathered the data on the most popular Halloween candy in each state to ensure your house is the favorite stop for trick-or-treaters. So, skip the guesswork, check out your state's top picks below, and start stocking up on the must-have treats!

2024’s Top 10 Halloween Candy List

Every year, the candy rankings change as new favorites emerge and classics make their comeback. This year, we've seen a few shake-ups at the top:

1. M&M's - A surprising rise to the #1 spot, M&M’s have dethroned Reese’s Cups this year, likely due to their variety and easy-to-eat appeal.
2. Reese’s Cups - These iconic peanut butter and chocolate cups may be second, but they're still a favorite for many.
3. Sour Patch Kids - With their unique sour-then-sweet taste, they've surged in popularity, claiming the #3 spot.
4. Skittles - A perennial favorite, these fruity bites continue to charm trick-or-treaters.
5. Starburst - These chewy, fruity squares are a crowd-pleaser in almost every age group.
6. Kit Kat - The classic wafer-filled chocolate treat holds its place as a favorite for breaking and sharing.
7. Candy Corn - Love it or hate it, candy corn has managed to move up this year, proving its nostalgic charm is hard to resist.
8. Snickers - Known for its satisfying mix of nougat, caramel, and peanuts, Snickers remains a top choice.
9. Hershey’s Mini Bars - These mini chocolate bars are an easy pick for variety and traditional chocolate lovers.
10. Butterfinger - This crispy, peanut-buttery candy made its way into the top 10, finally getting its well-deserved recognition.

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The Data Behind the Trends

Halloween candy spending this year is projected to hit an impressive $3.5 billion, a slight decrease from last year. But that hasn’t stopped people from stocking up on candy! With about 172 million Americans expected to celebrate Halloween, candy buying is as big as ever. Overall Halloween spending is forecasted to reach $12.2 billion, a 5% dip from last year, likely due to economic concerns, although consumer confidence is up slightly this fall.

For those ready to load up on treats, we've broken down the top candy in each state. Curious about the top pick in your area? Here’s a quick look:

These favorites are based on state-by-state sales data and highlight some regional trends. For example, in Oregon, it’s almost a guarantee that trick-or-treaters receive full-sized candy bars. Sour candy continues to grow in popularity nationwide, making it a safe choice if you want to impress.

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Sour Candy Steals the Show

One of the most notable trends this year? Sour candy is skyrocketing. With flavors that tingle and zing, candies like Sour Patch Kids and Skittles are high on the list for good reason—they’re fun, they’re flavorful, and they appeal to all ages. So, if you’re looking to switch things up, stock up on some sour treats!

The Candy Corn Divide: Love or Hate?

Perhaps the most polarizing candy on the list, candy corn somehow managed to climb to the #7 spot this year. It’s that candy everyone loves to hate—or hates to love—but it’s undeniably iconic. And while not everyone is a fan, enough people are keeping candy corn near the top to make it a staple of Halloween every year.

Halloween Candy Quick Facts

• 32% of Halloween shopping happens online.
• 95% of Halloween celebrators purchase candy, spending an average of $31.69 on their haul.
• Most Halloween shopping happens in the first two weeks of October.
• And, fun fact: 50% of parents stash some Halloween candy for themselves to enjoy later!

So this year, avoid the dreaded "trick" side of Halloween by picking out treats that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Whether you're a fan of chocolate, fruity chews, or tangy sweets, this list will have you covered.

Happy Halloween, and may your candy bowl be filled with favorites!