The top 7 most popular Halloween candies and their histories

A look at classic Halloween candy.

These childhood favorites are always a hit.

Don’t get tricked this year!

Ah, Halloween — the enchanting evening of spooky costumes, haunted houses and the joyful screams of kids trick-or-treating from door to door hoping to bring home a treasure trove of sweets.

But while most of us are familiar with the candies that fill our Halloween bags, few take a moment to ponder how these particular sweets earned their place as Halloween favorites.

So, have you ever stopped to consider why you’ll almost always find a Snickers or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup amid the sugary bounty?

Learn more about the histories of the most popular Halloween candy, and gain a new appreciation for these sugary staples.

Classic Halloween candy: Snickers

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Snickers bars, those scrumptious parcels of gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts and milk chocolate, have captured the hearts of candy lovers since their debut in 1930.

Named after a favored horse belonging to the Mars family, who were the ingenious creators of this iconic treat, Snickers quickly soared in popularity.

Over the years, it has become an undisputed favorite, thanks in part to its harmonious blend of contrasting flavors and textures that hit all the right notes.

For countless Halloweens, children and adults alike have delighted in discovering Snickers bars among their trick-or-treating loot, making it an enduring cornerstone of Halloween celebrations.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

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Picture a world without the indulgent combination of milk chocolate and smooth peanut butter known as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups — a difficult feat, to say the least.

Created in 1928 by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and shipping foreman for none other than chocolate pioneer Milton S. Hershey, this classic Halloween candy has become a cultural phenomenon.

Interestingly, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups really became popular when they were included in rations for American soldiers during World War II, thereby cementing their status.

Today, it’s hard to imagine a Halloween candy bowl that doesn’t contain these treats.

M&Ms are a classic Halloween candy

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Introduced to the world in 1941, M&Ms were initially designed with utility in mind.

Their hard candy shell was a technological marvel that prevented them from melting, making them an ideal ration for soldiers fighting in various climates during World War II as well.

Once the conflict was over, these colorful candies became available to the general public and were an instant commercial success.

With their vibrant colors and broad assortment of variations — ranging from the classic milk chocolate to peanut and even pretzel — M&Ms have earned their place on the list of the most popular Halloween candy.

Skittles

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The history of Skittles began in Britain in 1974, eventually making their U.S. debut five years later in 1979.

Initially, these treats were imported from their country of origin until American factories took over domestic production in 1982.

Known for their catchy «Taste the Rainbow» slogan, Skittles offer a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors.

They’re a tasty, fruity alternative to chocolates.

Hershey’s Chocolate Bars

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The iconic Hershey’s Chocolate Bar stands as one of the oldest candies featured on this list.

It was introduced in the early 20th century, specifically in 1900, by Milton S. Hershey himself.

For those who like to enjoy a simple classic milk chocolate treat, the Hershey bar has developed a devout following.

To this day, its enduring simplicity and the creamy texture of its high-quality chocolate make it an indispensable part of both s’mores and Halloween celebrations across the country.

Starburst

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Starburst candies, originally named Opal Fruits, were invented in the United Kingdom in 1960.

This vibrant and juicy candy underwent a name change to Starburst when it entered the American market in 1967.

Living up to their evocative slogan, «Unexplainably Juicy,» Starburst candies offer a burst of robust fruit flavor and chewy, taffy goodness.

This makes them a favorite among trick-or-treaters.

Twizzlers stand out as a classic Halloween candy

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Tracing its roots all the way back to 1845, Twizzlers started out as a licorice candy produced by Y&S Candies in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Over the years, these twisted, strawberry-flavored treats have even appeared in several Hollywood films.

The distinct texture and shape of Twizzlers add a unique tactile experience to the candy mix, rounding out the Halloween offerings with something a little different yet equally beloved.