5 Things: Top Halloween Candy of 2023

I want to think we all have a little kid inside of us, longing for the simple pleasure of ringing a doorbell and leaving with a sweet candy treat. I could not wait to dress up my tiny infants and surprise my mother by ringing her doorbell and hearing her laugh. How I miss that now.

Halloween knows no bounds or restrictions.? College kids dress up under the guise of free beer and wings. Adults dress up at work and snack on treats from 9 to 5 p.m.; for that moment, the work day flies, and commanderies are high. My business, The Virtual Copywriter, is a company of one and my English Bulldog, Miss Tillie.? I will dress her up this year as a lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide. (We play Tennessee this week and are not allowed to wear orange.)

Five Top Halloween Candies of 2023

This could spark some debate, and we would love to hear from you. Here are the top 5 Halloween candies of 2023, according to Real Simple:

No. 1: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

This perennial favorite easily finished first in the candy derby, earning the most popular Halloween candy title in 18 states, including densely populated ones like California, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. It’s no surprise that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups managed to come in second place in a few states, including Delaware and Montana.

No. 2: Kit Kat

Kit Kat was named the top candy in nine states—half the number of states that declared Reese's their favorite—which was enough to secure the breakable candy bar the second spot nationwide. Named the favorite in New York, Nevada, and New Mexico, Kit Kats also have pockets of devoted fans in parts of the South and Northeast.

No. 3: Skittles

Skittles is the only non-chocolate treat among the five most popular Halloween candies. Five states chose Skittles as their top confection: namely Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. It also ranked second in a handful of states, including South Carolina and West Virginia.

No. 4: Original Mamp;M’s

Like Skittles, this classic candy was the favorite in five states and ended up the fourth-most popular sweet treat overall. If you live in Colorado, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Ohio, or Wyoming, you might want to stock up on original M&M's before the trick-or-treaters swing by.

No. 5: Snickers

Rounding out the top five most popular Halloween candies nationwide is Snickers. This chocolate bar made with nougat, caramel, and peanuts was the most beloved treat in four states—Alaska, Idaho, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—edging out confections like Starburst, Hot Tamales, and Butterfinger.

As a sidebar, the most popular candy in New York State is Kit Kat! Across the U.S., Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups ranks number one overall.?

Halloween is a transition holiday.

I hope you have all enjoyed the fall, even though some days seemed like summer. Halloween begins the decorating frenzy from now until New Year’s Day. I love driving down my street in the dark and seeing the scary decorations, yet I know they will be replaced with menorahs, snowmen, and holiday lights in a few weeks.?

I wish you a Happy Halloween. Be safe and have fun. There is no limit or time constraint on when you can enjoy a perfectly procured piece of candy. (Raiding your kid’s bags is a parental perk. Use it!)

Karen

The Virtual Copywriter