Sweet Treats And Sour Fails
Halloween creates an instant hierarchy among treats. The moment that bag opens, decisions get made quickly—what stays, what goes, what gets eaten first. Certain candies have built bulletproof reputations over time. Others remain punching bags for jokes and complaints every Halloween season. So, what separates the crowd-pleasers from the leftovers in the candy world? Let's find out, starting with the winners.
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1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Few treats capture the spirit of Halloween like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Since 1928, they have combined creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate to create a perfect bite. Kids and adults scramble to grab these from trick-or-treat bags every year.
2. Skittles
A rainbow of flavors makes Skittles an instant favorite for Halloween candy bags. Introduced in the 1970s, these chewy fruit candies delight kids with their vibrant colors and tangy sweetness, turning each handful into a fun, flavorful experience.
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3. M&M’s
Colorful and chocolatey, M&M’s are a Halloween essential. The candy coating keeps the chocolate intact even during the busiest trick-or-treat night. Sharing them with friends is easy, and their bright colors bring cheer to every candy bowl, which makes Halloween night extra festive.
4. Snickers
Snickers is a chocolate bar that satisfies hunger and taste buds at the same time. Caramel and peanuts wrapped in milk chocolate give every bite a perfect crunch. Kids reach for them eagerly, and the bar’s playful name adds to its charm and appeal.
5. Sour Patch Kids
This candy starts with a tangy sour kick before melting into sweetness. Originally called “Mars Men,” Sour Patch Kids have become a playful Halloween favorite. Their chewy texture and sour taste make each handful an energetic, fun addition to candy collections.
Giant Sour Patch Kids Challenge x 2 (EXTREMELY SOUR) by Matt Stonie
6. Butterfinger
Crunchy layers filled with peanut butter deliver bold, unforgettable flavor. Invented in 1923, Butterfinger earned fame through its quirky name and pop culture presence. Trick-or-treaters appreciate its unique taste, and its flaky, crispy texture sets it apart from other candies in Halloween bags.
The Secret to Making Butterfingers (from Unwrapped) | Unwrapped | Food Network by Food Network
7. Twix
Twix combines chocolate and a crunchy biscuit for a treat that stands out. European kids once knew it as “Raider,” adding an element of mystery. Each bar has a playful left and right piece, making sharing with friends fun while satisfying sweet cravings.
8. Starburst
Chewy and packed with fruity flavor, these candies energize any Halloween collection. First introduced as Opal Fruits in the UK, Starburst quickly became a favorite among kids. Their bright colors and playful taste make them a candy bowl favorite at parties and during trick-or-treat rounds.
9. Kit Kat
Crisp wafers covered in smooth chocolate offer a satisfying crunch. Popular worldwide, Kit Kat has inspired hundreds of limited-edition flavors in Japan alone. This familiar, textured candy adds excitement to Halloween candy assortments, making each bite a delicious moment of fun.
10. Milky Way
Milky Way balances soft nougat and smooth chocolate for a comforting Halloween treat. Named after a popular malted milk drink, it offers sweetness without being overwhelming. Kids enjoy its soft texture, and its familiar flavor keeps Milky Way a reliable favorite in candy bags across generations.
The best sweets set the bar high, so now let’s talk about the candies that crash the party in the worst way.
1. Candy Corn
The waxy sweetness of candy corn divides Halloween fans. Invented in the 1880s, its cloying flavor and soft, sticky texture result in many kids leaving it behind in favor of chocolate. Despite nostalgic packaging, this treat rarely inspires excitement during trick-or-treat rounds.
2. Circus Peanuts
These bright orange, banana-flavored marshmallows have puzzled candy lovers for over a century. Their artificial taste and odd texture make them more of a novelty than a treat. Kids often toss them aside, which makes these chewy, puffy candies the ultimate Halloween dud.
First Time Trying CIRCUS PEANUTS - THEY NOT EVEN PEANUTS! by Sacramento Eats
3. Necco Wafers
Chalky and faintly flavored, Necco Wafers struggle to impress Halloweeners. Around since 1847, these discs offer little joy compared to more modern sweets. Their crumbly texture and subtle sweetness often land them at the bottom of candy piles after a long night.
4. Peanut Butter Kisses
Halloween veterans recognize the black-and-orange wrappers instantly. Inside waits a sticky molasses taffy with peanut butter at the center. The candy feels dated, and the flavor rarely wins kids over, which is why so many end up abandoned after the holiday.
Blind Taste Test Peanut Butter Kisses: Melster Candies vs Sweetsoul Candy Company by Tami Dunn
5. Wax Coke Bottles
Tiny wax bottles filled with syrup promise fun but deliver a strange experience. Kids must chew the wax before tasting a tiny hint of fruit-flavored syrup inside. Often confused and unimpressed, many prefer candies they can immediately enjoy without battling waxy packaging.
HUMONGOUS Wax Bottle Drink! by TKOR
6. Smarties
Small and crumbly, Smarties leave little lasting impression. Their mild fruit flavors make them forgettable compared to rich, chocolatey treats. While allergy-friendly and vegan, these pressed sugar tablets rarely excite children, landing them on the list of Halloween’s most avoided sweets.
7. Good & Plenty
Hard candy shells with powdery licorice inside make for a challenging Halloween snack. Its pink-and-white coating may look appealing, but the strong licorice flavor and tough chew discourage most children. Historically iconic, this candy often earns more groans than happy cheers.
Good & Plenty Licorice by What The Snack
8. Tootsie Rolls
Once a staple of candy counters, Tootsie Rolls don’t spark the same joy today. The flavor tastes faint, and the chew lingers longer than most want. Their reputation as a nostalgic classic hasn’t saved them from losing ground with younger generations.
9. Dum Dums
These tiny lollipops were introduced in 1924, and with a short-lived flavor, they frequently end up forgotten in candy bags. Their value feels low, and kids often prefer chocolate or gummy candies. While safe for all ages, Dum Dums rarely create the excitement expected from Halloween treats.
10. Bit-O-Honey
Parents remember Bit-O-Honey fondly, but younger trick-or-treaters often disagree. The bar’s toughness makes it difficult to chew, and the honey-almond mix feels old-fashioned next to brighter flavors. Despite its legacy, it’s one of those candies that lingers longest in the bowl.
Bit O Honey Taffy Taste Test Review [Sir Sebastian] by Sir Sebastian
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