Halloween Candy Showdown: Top Picks & Treats For 2024!
Is there anything more iconic than the thrill of trick-or-treating? Halloween, a celebration of the spooky and the sweet, is undeniably a candy-fueled extravaganza, a cultural phenomenon driven by the insatiable craving for all things sugary, especially chocolate.
In the realm of confections, Halloween reigns supreme. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) estimates that this single day accounts for a staggering $4.6 billion in candy sales annually. A massive $3.1 billion of that figure is attributed solely to chocolate, solidifying its place as the undisputed champion of Halloween candy consumption, not just in the United States, but in numerous countries worldwide. Approximately 90 million pounds of chocolate are consumed during this period, a testament to the holiday's impact on the global sweets industry.
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| Main Topic: | Halloween Candy Sales and Trends |
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| Sources for Further Research: | National Confectioners Association (NCA) |
The quest for the perfect Halloween candy experience involves a myriad of considerations. One of the six candies in the great Twitter candy war in September of 2019, remains a notable choice, although its placement within the "candy bag" might be debated. While not a guaranteed thrill, it's far from disappointing.
Across the board, the popularity of chocolate is a recurring theme. As Sara Wise of Axios pointed out, chocolate consistently reigns as America's favorite Halloween candy, with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups often leading the charge. The Hershey brand recognizes this, understanding that Halloween is a major sales opportunity for their iconic peanut butter cups.
Classic candy bars continue to hold a special place in the hearts of candy connoisseurs. The Milky Way, introduced in 1923 by Frank C. Mars, founder of the Mars Company, was designed to replicate the taste of a malted milkshake. This sweet nostalgia is just one example of the enduring appeal of these treats.
When ranking the best Halloween candy, personal preferences and the context of the experience matter. The ideal Halloween candy selection often reflects the joy of sharing with friends, while simultaneously satisfying personal cravings. The perfect combination, especially when enjoyed while watching Halloween movies, elevates the experience from simple treat consumption to a cherished tradition.
Hebert Candies, a long-standing fixture in Massachusetts since 1917, exemplifies the appeal of locally-made, handmade chocolate and designer gifts. Its local events and rich history add another layer of enjoyment to their candies. Similarly, Goetze's Candy Company, creating confections in America since 1895, represents a tradition of quality ingredients and perfected recipes that resonate with consumers. Hebert Candies has a location at 574 Hartford Turnpike in Shrewsbury.
For those seeking an assortment, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, and 3 Musketeers chocolate Halloween candy bars, in individually wrapped trick-or-treat assortments, provide convenience and crowd-pleasing options. Best sellers often lean towards hard candies as well, but it is chocolate that is on top.
Beyond the candy itself, Halloween is a cultural event filled with spooky decorations and thrilling activities. As the day of the year filled with ghosts, goons, and goblins approaches, the tradition of eating an array of candies becomes a central part of the festivities.
The German company, Ritter Sport, a family run business started by Clara Ritter, showcases the ingenuity of candy design. Ritter Sport was founded in Waldenbuch in 1912, with Clara's idea to create a chocolate bar that fits in a sports jacket, giving rise to its unique square shape.
Cadbury's offerings also represent enduring favorites. The wafer break layered with flake, as their original slogan states, is a testament to quality.
It is essential to recognize the historical importance of companies like Baker's Chocolate Company, the oldest chocolate making business in America, dating back to 1765. Founders Dr. James Baker and John Hannon initially produced a product used for making sweetened chocolate drinks.
In Canada, rankings of favorite Halloween candies reflect regional preferences. These lists offer a good way to approach stocking up for the holiday.
Palmer Company, LLC, crafting seasonal chocolate novelties since 1948, showcases the entrepreneurial spirit behind beloved treats. Their dedication has created holiday novelties loved by millions. Their headquarters produces and ships over 500 unique products.
Fannie May, started in Chicago, Illinois, by Teller Archibald in 1920, represents the global reach of an American chocolate brand.
Consumers also have strong opinions about what they do not want to see in a Halloween bucket: candy corn, circus peanuts, smarties, Mike & Ike's, and raisins/raisinets.
The way children organize their candy hauls, by chocolate, candy, or carbs (such as mini bags of chips), highlights the diversity of personal preferences.
Ethical sourcing is becoming increasingly important. Some companies purchase cocoa beans directly from farmers in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, and Peru.
Organic candy companies use natural substances and biologically based farming methods. Additional information on organic chocolate bars, lollipops, and more will be on the ingredients page of the product information.
