The Best Halloween Candy To Buy In 2024: 31 Sweet Picks
Along with decorating and choosing the perfect costume, stocking up on the best Halloween candy is one of the most important to-dos for this much-loved holiday. Grocery aisles are packed with classics like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the ever-divisive candy corn, but why stop there? If you’re looking to try something new or just need a refresher on the all-time favorites, there’s no shortage of tasty options to fill those trick-or-treat bags.
Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or gearing up to hand out treats to neighborhood ghosts and goblins, you’ll want to have the best candy on hand. So, to make sure your candy bowl is the most popular stop on the block, check out our list of the 31 best Halloween candies.
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The 31 Best Candies for Halloween
1. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups dominate the best Halloween candy lists every year as America's top choice, mostly thanks to that irresistible blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
Widely available in grocery stores, convenience shops and online retailers, they come in various sizes, including mini bags which are perfect for trick-or-treating. Reese's even releases festive pumpkin-shaped cups for Halloween, adding a seasonal charm to one of the country’s favorite candies.
2. Hot Tamales
Delivering a bold, spicy cinnamon flavor, Hot Tamales are well-known as America’s number one cinnamon-flavored candy. These candies are widely available in mini bag form that fit perfectly in trick-or-treat bags.
Their intense, fiery taste sets them apart from the typical fruity or chocolate candies, making them a good candy for Halloween if you’re looking for something more unique.
3. Candy Corn
Candy corn, though polarizing, is a Halloween candy icon with its vibrant tri-color design symbolizing the season. This nostalgic treat, primarily sold in the fall, can be found in nearly all grocery and drug stores.
While it's a divisive candy — some love its sugary sweetness, others are not fans — its unmistakable appearance makes it a good Halloween candy staple year after year. It’s especially perfect for mixing into candy bowls to put out at your Halloween party.
4. Junior Mints
Combining the refreshing taste of cool peppermint with a smooth dark chocolate coating, Junior Mints are another somewhat polarizing candy for Halloween. Some love them while others leave them at the bottom of the bowl.
Readily available in grocery stores and pharmacies, they come in small portion sizes ideal for handing out on Halloween. While they’re not celebrated as the best Halloween candy available, their creamy centers and bite-sized portions make them a nostalgic favorite among older trick-or-treaters.
5. Kit Kat
Kit Kat’s crisp wafer layers encased in chocolate make it a good candy for Halloween if you’re looking for a treat that pleases almost everyone. Available everywhere from gas stations to supermarkets, these treats come in mini sizes which are perfect for handing out to trick-or-treaters.
6. Butterfinger
Butterfingers' crispy peanut butter core wrapped in chocolate makes them stand out in the Halloween candy scene. Their bright packaging is easy to spot in any candy bowl and with jumbo multipacks available all year round, it’s easy to grab a bag in time for Halloween whenever you plan to stock up. The distinct crunch and sweet-salty flavor combination makes Butterfinger a favorite among candy lovers, no matter their age.
7. Sour Patch Kids
Striking the perfect balance between sweet and sour, Sour Patch Kids are a hit with those who believe the best Halloween candy is tangy as well as sweet and fruity. Sold in most candy aisles, these chewy, sour candies come in convenient mini packs that are ideal for Halloween handouts. This candy is also a welcome gummy addition to Halloween candy lists which are usually dominated by chocolate treats.
8. Tootsie Rolls
A classic chewy, chocolate-flavored treat, Tootsie Rolls have been enjoyed by generations of Americans. Available in virtually every store, they come in various sizes, including mini ones which are perfect for Halloween candy handouts. These also work well mixed with other candies in a bowl as part of your Halloween party food spread.
9. Laffy Taffy
Laffy Taffy offers a chewy, fruity candy experience that often comes with a side of laughter as each wrapper includes a joke. Found in most candy aisles, Laffy Taffy comes in small, individually wrapped pieces that are perfect for handing out as Halloween candy.
10. Twix
Another Mars icon, Twix bars have a crunchy cookie base, a soft caramel layer and a milk chocolate coating. Twix bars are always a hit with people looking for the best Halloween candy, and they’re often sold in mini variety Mars packs alongside other fan favorites like Milky Way, Snickers and 3 Musketeers chocolate bars.
11. Rolo
Rolo candies feature creamy caramel encased in smooth milk chocolate, formed into a distinctive roll of individually wrapped pieces. Widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores, Rolos come in tubes and fun-size packs that are perfect for Halloween candy handouts.
Their stackable, bite-sized format has inspired a variety of Halloween food ideas as well. They can be easily incorporated into cookies, brownies and other treats, including those with cute Halloween designs like spider cookies!
12. Nerds
Nerds are tiny and tangy pieces of candy that burst with flavor. Sold in most candy aisles, Nerds come in small, dual-chambered boxes ideal for handing out as Halloween candy.
This design allows candy lovers to enjoy two different flavors separately or mix them together for a custom taste sensation. Your trick-or-treaters can also grab a bag of Nerds gummy clusters, which turn the classic design into larger, chewier chunks of candy.
13. Milky Way
Milky Way bars are known for their creamy nougat and caramel center enveloped in milk chocolate. The candy's branding often features a "floating" bar in its commercials, emphasizing its light and airy texture.
Widely available across the country, they’re one of those Halloween candies that are likely to appear everywhere because they’re found in almost all Mars variety packs. Due to this, avoiding them in a Halloween handout is near impossible — luckily, most agree that they’re delicious!
14. 3 Musketeers Bars
3 Musketeers bars, with their airy whipped nougat center covered in milk chocolate, offer a lighter chocolate option for Halloween candy that is similar to a Milky Way bar. Available in most stores, they come in full-size or minis — perfect for trick-or-treating. You can even get them with affirmations on the wrappers!
Fun fact: The name "3 Musketeers" originally referred to the three flavors — vanilla, chocolate and strawberry — that were included in one package when the candy was first introduced, but now the bar consists solely of chocolate nougat.
15. Haribo Goldbears
The iconic Haribo Goldbears are perennial contenders for the title of the best Halloween candy. Chewy, fruity and bear-shaped, these gummies often come in an assortment of flavors, and just for Halloween, many stores stock seasonal versions like Ghostly Gummies and Sour Vampire Bats.
Found in almost every candy aisle in America, Goldbears come in small, individually packaged portions that will probably be found in Halloween handouts till the end of time.
16. Hershey's Kisses
With their distinctive drop shape and shiny foil wrapping, Hershey's Kisses are a timeless choice and a good Halloween candy to add to mixed candy bags for Halloween party favors. These little chocolates are found everywhere and often come in bulk bags with seasonal wrappers for Halloween.
Fun fact: the small paper plume sticking out of each wrapped chocolate is officially called a “niggly wiggly,” and its original purpose was to identify a genuine Hershey's kiss from an imposter!
17. Snickers
The iconic Snickers bars combine nougat, caramel, peanuts and chocolate for a satisfying treat. They're available nationwide and around Halloween time, you can even get variety packs with limited edition flavors; perfect for Halloween candy handouts.
18. Almond Joy
Almond Joy brings a taste of the tropics to Halloween candy with its combination of sweet coconut, whole almonds and smooth chocolate. Widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores, you can also get fun-size bars which are ideal for trick-or-treaters.
The memorable advertising slogan "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't," is shared with its sister candy, Mounds, highlighting the presence of almonds in Almond Joy versus the nut-free Mounds.
19. M&M's
M&M's are a classic in the running for the best Halloween candy every year. Conveniently, they are also found in nearly all grocery stores across the country. Made of colorful candy shells with a chocolate center (with other popular flavors like peanut butter, whole peanuts or crispy centers), their appeal spans all ages, making them a safe bet for any trick-or-treater bowl. Mars also offers Halloween-themed packaging and bulk mini bags that are perfect for handing out on Halloween night.
20. Swedish Fish
Swedish Fish offer a chewy, fruity candy experience that appeals to both kids and adults seeking a non-chocolate treat. Found in most grocery and candy stores, they come in either large bags or small wrapped portions that are usually mixed into variety packs. However, you can also get Halloween treat-size bags with only Swedish Fish. Despite their name, Swedish Fish are a Swedish-American creation and have become a nostalgic favorite for many around the world.
21. Starburst
Starburst’s juicy, chewy fruit squares are a beloved choice for Halloween candy lovers who prefer non-chocolate treats. Available in most stores, they come in packs of individually wrapped squares that are ideal for distributing to trick-or-treaters. They also offer shared bags of the nation’s favorite flavors, such as those that contain only the pink or red flavors.
22. Take 5
As another chocolate option from Reese's, Take 5 has gained significant popularity through its unique blend of pretzels, caramel, peanuts and chocolate, combining its sweet and salty flavors in a snack-sized bar.
This distinct combination sets it apart from other candies, making it an exciting choice for Halloween candy that some trick-or-treaters may have never tried before. Available in most candy aisles, Take 5 bars come in fun-size bags like most of the Halloween candies on this list, which are ideal for popping into your candy bowl.
23. Jolly Ranchers
Jolly Ranchers are considered one of the best Halloween candies thanks to their intense, long-lasting fruit flavors that delight candy enthusiasts of all ages. Sold in most supermarkets and convenience stores, they come individually wrapped, making them perfect for Halloween candy distribution. They come as classic hard candies as well as in lollipop form.
24. Airheads
Another great non-chocolate choice, Airheads are tangy, chewy candy strips that come in a variety of bold flavors, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of zing from their Halloween candy. Found in most stores, Airheads are individually wrapped, making them ideal for mixing into a candy bowl on Halloween — and variety packs give your trick-or-treaters six different flavors to choose from. The intriguing "White Mystery" flavor adds an element of surprise, as candy lovers can only guess which flavor they're enjoying.
25. Twizzlers
Providing a chewy and fruity candy experience, Twizzlers are another good candy for Halloween to go for if you want a non-chocolate treat. The classic strawberry flavor remains the most popular — with other flavors including cherry and watermelon — and their bright color and twisted shape make them instantly recognizable in any candy bowl.
Available nationwide in supermarkets and convenience stores, they usually come in 7oz packs up to 32oz packs, but around Halloween time, you can also find them in smaller portion variety packs. Along with classic Twizzlers, you can get mini bags of Twizzlers Nibs.
26. Dots
It’s not far-fetched to say that you can probably find gumdrops in every corner of the globe. With more than four billion dots produced by Tootsie Roll Industries each year, Dots are one of the USA's favorite varieties of this much-loved candy.
Sold in most candy aisles, they often come in medium-sized boxes, but stores like Walmart also make small portion packs that are perfect for Halloween candy distribution.
27. Oreos
While not traditionally considered candy, Oreos have become a popular Halloween treat, especially with the release of their special Halloween-themed versions and mini treat bags. With their classic chocolate cookies and cream filling, Oreos are loved by all ages.
Widely available in grocery stores and online, Oreos often feature fun, seasonal designs like pumpkins or bats on the cookies, and as one of the best-selling cookies in the world, it’s not surprising they’re a hit at Halloween!
28. Crunch
Crunch blends smooth milk chocolate with crisped rice, creating a creamy yet crunchy texture that crackles with every bite. Available in most supermarkets and convenience stores, Crunch candy bars come in fun-size portions that are perfect for including in Halloween candy assortments.
In recent years, Nestlé has produced multiple varieties of the iconic Crunch, including Crunch White, Crunch With Peanuts, Crunch Stixx and the bite-size pieces of Crunch called Crunchettes, allowing you to serve multiple versions with something for every Halloween party guest or trick-or-treater.
29. Skittles
Offering a burst of fruity flavors in every colorful bite, Skittles are one of the most popular non-chocolate candy options for Halloween. Widely available across the U.S., Skittles come in small portions that are perfect for Halloween trick-or-treating, and each portion has a variety of flavors to appeal to every consumer, so you can truly “Taste the Rainbow.”
30. 100 Grand Bar
The 100 Grand Bar is a delightful mix of chewy caramel and crisped rice, all enveloped in rich chocolate. Though it may not be as commonly found in Halloween candy bowls as some other candies, it's available in many supermarkets and convenience stores, and you can get fun-size packs around Halloween that also come with Butterfinger, Baby Ruth and Crunch bars.
Fun fact: In the mid-1990s, a Boston radio station promoted a giveaway of "100 Grand" over several weeks, before finally giving the winner a 100 Grand Bar instead of $100,000.
31. Hershey's Miniatures
Hershey's Miniatures provide an assortment of the brand's classic chocolates in bite-sized form, offering something for everyone's taste at the Halloween candy bowl. The mix typically includes Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Special Dark Chocolate, Mr. Goodbar and Krackel — perfect for Halloween handouts that will please everyone.
What Is the Most Popular Halloween Candy?
When it comes to the most popular Halloween candy, the answer can vary depending on where you live and who you ask. With so many options to choose from — including the 31 best Halloween candy we’ve handpicked for you here — everyone has their own go-to favorite.
In general, Reese’s comes out on top as the nation’s favorite Halloween candy. However, each state has something different to say, with California leading the love for M&Ms at Halloween last year while Texas preferred Sour Patch Kids above all other candy. However, all that can change this year!
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No spooky season is complete without a stash of the best Halloween candies to make the season extra sweet. Whether you’re sticking to tried-and-true classics or mixing in some new favorites, these 31 picks are sure to keep the festivities fun and full of flavor.
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