Top Halloween candies by state for 2026
Halloween candy: A brief history
Let's take a brief look at the history behind Halloween candy and how it became the sweetest day of the year.
Halloween is almost here and that means cupboards and pantries across the country will likely be inundated with candy and other sweet treats.
From M&Ms to Sour Patch Kids to Hot Tamales, there’s a veritable endless list of candy options to choose from. But which is the most beloved?
The Candy Store unveiled its list of top Halloween candy choices for each state.
Map: Favorite Halloween candy choices by state
M&M’s remain the reigning champ
Dig deeper:
M&M’s maintained its title as the nation’s overall favorite candy, closely followed by Sour Patch Kids and Skittles, according to CandyStore.com’s 2026 Halloween candy report.
Sour Patch Kids made significant gains by tying M&M’s for the most state victories at ten each, while traditional favorite Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups dropped two spots to fourth nationally.
Interestingly, consumers have pivoted away from chocolate toward fruity and sour treats which CandyStore.com attributes to rising cocoa prices.
Seven of the twelve states that crowned a new favorite this year traded a chocolate staple for a non-chocolate alternative — such as Florida swapping Reese’s for Skittles and Arizona trading Hershey Kisses for Sour Patch Kids.
The study’s standout newcomer is NERDS Gummy Clusters, which debuted at fifth place overall after placing in the top three across seven states and taking the top spot in Indiana.
FILE - Leftover Halloween candy. (Photo by Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
Candy corn still causing controversy
Meanwhile:
Candy corn continues to be a polarizer; despite taking back the title of America's most hated candy in consumer sentiment polls, it ranked eighth in total sales volume nationwide and won three states outright.
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Record-breaking candy sales
By the numbers:
Overall Halloween candy expenditures are projected to reach a record $4.1 billion, even as inflation pushes candy prices up 8.1% year-over-year, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Despite tightening budgets and lower consumer sentiment, 96% of shoppers still plan to buy Halloween treats, demonstrating that households are prioritizing seasonal traditions while making cost-conscious adjustments at the checkout counter.
Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $115.14 per person on Halloween purchases, little changed from last year's $114.45.
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The Source: Information for this article was taken from CandyStore.com’s 2026 candy report, which is based on 18 years of sales data. Information from the National Retail Federation website also contributed. This story was reported from San Jose.