Every American adult can answer the question "What was your favorite candy to get in your bucket when you went trick-or-treating as a kid on Halloween?" But the answers differ. Candy brand favorites change over the years, but here's a look at what some of the most popular treats are for Halloween.
Favorite Candy Brands
Hershey, the American chocolatier with a 102-year history of providing the 'treats' for trick-or-treaters, reported in a recent nationwide survey that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the number one choice of trick or treaters across the United States.
Hershey brand candies in general are among the top picks for kids. Besides Reese's, Hershey brands like the classic Hershey bar, M&Ms, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, and York Peppermint Patties, Hershey seems to have a major sweetshop corner of the Halloween candy 'favorites' market. This year they are also offering snack packs of Hershey's Kisses for Halloween for the first time.
Other Trick or Treat Survey Fun Facts
Houses with black shutters are 77 percent more likely to hand out Kit Kat Wafer Bars and trick-or-treaters have a 37 percent greater chance of scaring up a Kit Kat Wafer Bar from a ranch house. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup lovers should forego ranch houses and opt instead to ring the bell of two-story houses where they’ll have a 26 percent greater chance of receiving the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Knock on brown doors if seeking Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars. Trick-or-treaters have a 32 percent greater chance of receiving a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar from homes with brown doors.
Parents DO Sneak the Candy
Ninety percent of parents say they sneak a taste of goodies from their children's Halloween bags, according to the National Confectioners Association in a recent NCA survey. But parents are looking for healthier trick or treat options. The NCA predicts two main trends in candy-buying: healthier candy options (portion and calorie controls, less sugar, etc.) and more environmentally friendly packaging.
Candy SalesThe NCA projected $2.3 billion in Halloween candy sales for 2008, up from $2.2 billion in 2007. Sales of candy typically peak during the last two weeks before Halloween. According to a National Public Radio article, "that's driven, in part, by repeat buyers: Families often snack on candy they've already purchased, so they need to replenish the supply for the trick-or-treaters. (The most popular candies are bite-sized chocolate ones.)." (In Tricky Economy, Halloween a Treat for Retailers, npr.org., October, 2008)
The national retail federation reports Americans spending about 6 billion dollars a year on Halloween. Candy is a major part of that spending and although trends toward healthier and more environmentally friendly products are on the horizon, giving candy to trick-or-treaters is a trend that isn't going anywhere soon!
Want to be sure to provide the best Halloween candy in your neighborhood? Choose the full size candy bars! Find more ideas for Halloween at Creative Halloween.
Source:
- Opinion Research Corporation Omnibus Survey, December 2008, conducted on behalf of The Hershey Company
Mary McCarthy - Mary T. McCarthy is the blogger at pajamasandcoffee.com and Editor of Chesapeake Family magazine.
