The Most Popular Halloween Candy Isn't Allergy-Friendly

By: Lena Thaywick  | 
candy
We see a lot of nuts and dairy in this photo. Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock

Every October, kids across America fill their pillowcases and pumpkin buckets with sweets. The most popular Halloween candy isn’t always what you'd expect: Some classics dominate every year, while others quietly rise in the ranks thanks to changing tastes and regional favorites.

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1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

candy
We see a lot of nuts and dairy in this photo. Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock

Reese’s consistently ranks No. 1 in Halloween candy orders across the U.S.

According to Instacart data from last year, these peanut butter-filled treats claimed the top spot by total weight sold. Their perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter makes them a hit with both kids and adults.

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2. M and M’s

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M&M's. Dani_Solare / Shutterstock

These colorful chocolate candies hold strong every Halloween. Easy to share and just sweet enough, M&M’s remain one of the top Halloween candies nationwide. In fact, they ranked No. 2 overall in U.S. candy sales in October 2024.

Both the classic and peanut versions continue to dominate candy orders nationwide.

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3. Snickers

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Snickers. igra.design / Shutterstock

Snickers bars bring a satisfying mix of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate—an unbeatable combo for many.

In states like California and Nevada, Snickers have held onto top-tier status. Their total weight sold last year placed them among America’s favorite Halloween candies.

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4. Sour Patch Kids

candy
Sour Patch Kids. SiljeAO / Shutterstock

For fans of tangy over sweet, Sour Patch Kids are a go-to. These gummy candies are especially popular with younger trick-or-treaters. They saw a rise in October 2024 orders in states like New York and Texas.

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5. Candy Corn

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Candy corn. Mega Pixel / Shutterstock

It’s the most divisive entry on the list. Some love it, others pass, but candy corn remains a Halloween staple.

Candy corn sales surge during the Halloween season. In October it consistently makes up about 2 to 3 percent of all candy orders. This festive candy is especially popular in parts of the Midwest and South, with states like Nebraska and Mississippi leading the nation in candy corn demand last year

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6. Kit Kats

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Kit Kat. Framarzo / Shutterstock

These chocolate-covered wafers are a classic Halloween handout: easy to break, easy to share, and always welcome.

Kit Kats were among the top-performing Halloween candies nationwide in 2024. Instacart ranked Kit Kat as the No. 4 most-ordered candy last October.

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7. Haribo Goldbears

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Haribo Goldbears. Ben Gingell / Shutterstock

Gummies aren’t just for kids. Haribo Goldbears bring a chewy, fruity punch to Halloween candy bowls. Haribo Goldbears made the top 10 in Instacart’s Halloween candy rankings by weight, ensuring that fruity gummies held their ground among chocolate favorites.

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8. Twizzlers

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Twizzlers. Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

This classic red licorice consistently makes the cut in Halloween candy rankings. Twizzlers have a concentrated fan base in several Northern states, including Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Wisconsin, reflecting strong regional performance around Halloween.

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9. York Peppermint Patties

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York Peppermint Patties. Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock

Mint lovers have a place at the Halloween table, too. York Peppermint Patties offer a refreshing break from heavier chocolate treats.

While not a top-tier Halloween candy nationally, York Peppermint Patties maintain a niche but devoted following as a minty alternative to richer chocolate treats.

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10. Raisins

raisins
Raisins. Yellyana / Shutterstock

Yes, raisins. While not a candy in the traditional sense, they still show up in Halloween treat bags. DoorDash reported a 522 percent surge in raisin orders during Halloween week 2024.

Whether you're delighted or disappointed to find them, they’re part of the experience.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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