Top 10 Halloween Candies Ranked: Did Your Favorite Make the List?

Blog | October 17th, 2024


Halloween and candy go hand in hand, with sweet treats being an essential part of the spooky celebration. Whether it’s the candy you eagerly traded for as a kid or the one you stockpile each year to hand out to trick-or-treaters, everyone has a favorite. With Halloween approaching, CandyStore.com recently revealed its updated list of the Most Popular Halloween Candies, based on data from their bulk candy sales over the past 17 years. Check out the list below to see if your go-to candy made the top 10 and discover some new favorites to ensure your house is the most haunted house on the block this year.


Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim some Halloween candy for yourself!




1. M&M’s


The classic, colorful candy came in first this year taking the spot previously occupied by Reese’s Cups (more on them later). Maybe it’s the joy of having a little packet of several M&M’s to pop in your mouth or maybe it’s the nostalgia factor since these candies have been delighting people since 1941. Whatever the reason, M&M’s have taken the lead this year so make sure they get a top spot in your candy bowl. These fun-size packs are a perfect size for candy bowls – and leftovers. 




2. Reese’s Cups


The mighty haven’t fallen too far. Reese’s Cups are still the silver-medal winning candy for Halloween. Known for their irresistible combination of smooth milk chocolate and creamy peanut butter, their classic, individually wrapped design makes them perfect for trick-or-treating. Of course, they always have some clever Halloween commercials so maybe that’s what makes them so popular. They have mini cups for an easy giveaway treat or you can check out their Halloween-shaped treats




3. Sour Patch Kids


Sour Patch Kids bring a tangy twist to Halloween with their signature sour-then-sweet flavor that candy lovers adore. These chewy, sugar-coated gummies come in various fruity flavors and are a popular choice for trick-or-treaters looking for something a little different from the usual chocolate treats. Their vibrant colors and playful kid-shaped design add a fun element to any Halloween candy haul. If these are your favorite candy to hand out, check out this variety pack with regular Sour Patch Kids, Tropical flavored, Big Kids, and Swedish Fish (which did not make the list…). 




4. Skittles


Skittles are a Halloween staple, offering a burst of fruity flavors that stand out in the sea of chocolate treats. Their small or full-size bags of colorful, bite-sized pieces are perfect for filling up trick-or-treat bags, making them a go-to choice for both kids and adults. If you want a tricky spin on this treat for Halloween, try the Skittles Shriekers which boasts that some are so sour they’ll make you shriek. 




5. Starburst


Starburst adds a juicy pop of flavor to Halloween, with its chewy texture and individually wrapped pieces making it perfect for trick-or-treat bags. The candy’s bold, fruity flavors—like strawberry, cherry, orange, and lemon—bring a refreshing alternative to the usual chocolate-heavy treats. Starburst’s bright colors and variety of flavors make them a fun addition to any Halloween candy assortment, providing a little extra zing to the spooky season. You can get a three-pound bag of individual chews or get fun-size packs as part of this assortment




6. Hot Tamales 


Hot Tamales bring some fiery fun to Halloween with their intense cinnamon flavor that packs a punch. These spicy, chewy candies are a standout among the typical sweet treats, offering a little heat for those who like to spice things up. Of course, if you’re not a fan of their bold cinnamon kick, finding these in your trick-or-treat bag might feel like more of a trick than a treat! But for those who crave a little extra excitement, Hot Tamales are a fun way to add a bit of sizzle to the Halloween candy mix. You can grab 24 individual packs here




7. Candy Corn


Candy Corn is a classic Halloween candy that sparks debate every year—it’s the treat that some love and others love to loathe. With its tri-colored layers of yellow, orange, and white, candy corn has become an iconic symbol of the season, often used in decorations and party mixes. Its sweet, waxy texture and unique flavor make it a nostalgic treat for some, while others steer clear of it entirely. Whether you consider it a Halloween must-have or a candy bowl filler to avoid, there’s no denying that candy corn remains a controversial staple of spooky season. If you fall on the side of must-have, check out this bulk bag over four pounds!




8. Hershey Kisses


Hershey’s Kisses add a touch of classic chocolate goodness to Halloween with their signature foil-wrapped drops. Perfect for trick-or-treaters or filling candy bowls at Halloween parties, these bite-sized treats offer a rich, creamy milk chocolate experience that’s hard to resist. With seasonal packaging like the Monster Foil, Hershey’s Kisses can also add a festive flair to decorations and goodie bags.




9. Hershey Mini Bars


Hershey Mini Bars are a Halloween classic, offering a variety of chocolate treats in one delightful package. With favorites like milk chocolate, Mr. Goodbar, Krackel, and Special Dark, there’s something for everyone in the mix. Their compact size makes them perfect for trick-or-treating, candy bowls, or party favors, providing a bite-sized taste of chocolate goodness. The assortment adds a bit of variety to the usual candy offerings, making them a go-to choice for those who want to give out more than just a single kind of treat this Halloween. This Halloween assortment is available with adorable labels on each bar too!




10. Butterfinger


Butterfinger brings a crunchy, peanut buttery twist to Halloween with its crispety, crunchety texture covered in a smooth chocolate coating. Its bold, unmistakable flavor makes it a standout in trick-or-treat bags, offering a satisfying break from traditional chocolate treats. With its distinct flaky layers, Butterfinger delivers a deliciously messy experience that’s perfect for Halloween indulgence. You can stock up with this two-pound pack or get them as part of an assortment with other chocolate goodies






Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity, chewy treats, the top Halloween candies offer something for everyone. From classic favorites to spicy surprises, this list reflects the candies that bring smiles to trick-or-treaters year after year. Stock up on your favorites, or try something new to keep your candy bowl interesting this spooky season. After all, Halloween only comes once a year—so make it a treat!


Related: Halloween Movies to Watch with Your Kids: Spooky, Fun, and Family-Friendly