Best Candy for Trick-or-Treating: What Kids Really Want This Halloween

Halloween is the time for thrills, chills, and—most importantly—a wide assortment of treats. As candy enthusiasts know, choosing the right treats can mean the difference between delighted trick-or-treaters and unimpressed neighbors. This Halloween, the ultimate selection of candy will ensure your house becomes a top destination for kids eager for their favorite sweets. With choices ranging from classic chocolate bars to fruity chews, here’s a detailed guide on what kids want and what they’d rather leave behind in their bags. Make your Halloween candy selection a hit with these crowd-pleasers and avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to disappointment.

Candies Kids Want for Halloween

Reese's, Facebook

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

A Halloween classic, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are beloved for their perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate. These treats are consistently top-ranked in polls and surveys, and kids are thrilled to find them in their Halloween bags. With their iconic flavor profile, Reese’s are a staple for any household wanting to hand out treats that are sure to impress.

M&M’s (Original and Peanut)

M&M’s offer the best of both worlds with their bright, candy-coated shells and rich chocolate centers. The original variety is a classic that suits nearly any palate, while peanut M&M’s add a nutty crunch that’s equally popular among older kids. Known for their shareable nature, M&M’s add a burst of color and flavor to every treat bag.

Milky Way Bars

Known for their creamy nougat and caramel wrapped in milk chocolate, Milky Way bars offer a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience. These bars are a classic Halloween treat, popular among trick-or-treaters who enjoy the luxurious combination of textures and flavors. Offering these candies is a surefire way to earn neighborhood-wide admiration.

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars are as traditional as Halloween treats get, offering a straightforward and delicious chocolate experience. Their smooth and creamy texture makes them a go-to for kids who love the classic taste of milk chocolate. For a timeless choice that won’t disappoint, Hershey’s bars are a reliable favorite.

Kit Kat

With layers of crispy wafers covered in chocolate, Kit Kats provide a unique, crunchy texture that many kids adore. The breakable nature of Kit Kats adds an element of fun, making them perfect for sharing with friends. Kit Kats remain a popular choice for Halloween due to their familiar taste and enjoyable texture.

Gummy Bears

Chewy, fruity, and colorful, gummy bears are a fun addition to any Halloween treat mix. Haribo’s Halloween-themed gummies bring spooky shapes and flavors that add an extra level of excitement. Kids of all ages enjoy these tasty and versatile candies, making them a reliable addition to any treat selection.

Reese’s Pieces

A peanut butter lover’s dream, Reese’s Pieces offer a similar flavor to Reese’s Cups in a fun, crunchy, candy-coated format. Their bright colors and easy-to-eat size make them a popular choice among trick-or-treaters. This candy is especially appealing for those who prefer something a little different from the traditional chocolate bar.

Twix, Facebook

Twix Bars

Twix bars offer a delightful combination of chocolate, caramel, and a crunchy biscuit, creating a layered experience that trick-or-treaters crave. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a memorable addition to any Halloween candy bag. Kids recognize Twix as a treat worth trading for, often ranking it high on their wish lists.

Sour Patch Kids

A candy that delivers an exciting punch, Sour Patch Kids are the perfect treat for those who enjoy a little sour with their sweet. The initial sourness followed by a fruity sweetness makes for a thrilling taste experience. These candies are always a popular choice and offer something different from traditional chocolates.

Haribo Halloween Mix

Haribo’s Halloween Mix introduces Halloween-inspired gummy shapes like bats and skulls, adding a spooky twist to their classic gummy bears and Happy Cola flavors. With sour and sweet options, this mix appeals to a wide range of tastes. Haribo’s themed packaging and playful shapes make these a festive favorite.

Stuffed Puffs Monster Marshmallows

These vibrant green marshmallows with a chocolate center bring novelty to Halloween treats. Individually wrapped and sprinkled with festive toppings, Stuffed Puffs make an impression and stand out among other sweets. Their unique presentation and flavor make them a one-of-a-kind treat that kids remember long after Halloween.

Trader Joe’s Wicked Good Mini Chocolate Bars

Offering high-quality chocolate at a budget-friendly price, Trader Joe’s Wicked Good Mini Bars come in varieties that resemble popular brand chocolates. With flavors like nougat, caramel, and peanut, these mini bars provide a gourmet experience. Perfect for trick-or-treaters who appreciate variety, they’re a delicious and economical choice.

Kirkland Funhouse Treats

This mix of fruity treats like Swedish Fish, Airheads, and Skittles provides a colorful, non-chocolate option that’s perfect for kids who prefer fruity flavors. Known for its variety and value, Kirkland Funhouse Treats bring excitement and diversity to any treat bag. These candies are a great choice for those looking to balance chocolate with fruity options.

Sour Patch Kids, Facebook

Sour Patch Kids / Swedish Fish Spooky Mix

The combination of Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish offers both sweet and sour flavors, catering to a wide range of tastes. This mix is also gelatin-free, making it suitable for kids with dietary restrictions. As a treat that balances different flavors and appeals to various dietary needs, it’s a hit among Halloween-goers.

Kirkland All Chocolate Mix

The Kirkland All Chocolate Mix includes favorites like Twix, Almond Joy, and Peanut M&M’s, providing a premium selection for chocolate lovers. Sourced from Costco, this variety pack is known for its high value and crowd-pleasing selection. Trick-or-treaters appreciate the range of options, making this a popular choice for households looking to impress.

Popping Potion Milk Chocolate Bars with Popping Candy

A unique twist on the classic chocolate bar, Popping Potion Bars are filled with popping candy that creates a fizzy sensation. This fun, sensory experience makes these bars a memorable Halloween treat. Kids are thrilled by the novelty, making these bars an excellent choice for adding excitement to Halloween candy bags.

Yum Earth Organic Gummy Fruits

Yum Earth’s organic gummy fruits are free from common allergens, making them a safe choice for kids with dietary restrictions. These vegan-friendly gummies are fruity, chewy, and individually wrapped for Halloween convenience. Perfect for parents looking for healthier options, they offer a taste kids enjoy without compromising on quality.

Candies Kids Don’t Want for Halloween

Raisins and Healthy Snacks (Fruit, Veggies)

Halloween is all about indulgence, so kids tend to leave healthy snacks like raisins and fruit untouched. While these snacks might be nutritious, they don’t match the sweet treats that kids look forward to. Opting for fun candy instead will keep trick-or-treaters excited and satisfied.

Toothbrushes, Dental Floss

Practical items like toothbrushes and dental floss are unwelcome during Halloween’s candy-centric festivities. Kids see these as a disappointment among their treat bags, preferring traditional candies over hygiene products. Sticking with sweet treats will help your house avoid the “skip” list.

Black Licorice

Known for its distinct and polarizing flavor, black licorice has low popularity among kids. Its strong taste is often a turn-off, making it one of the least favorite options on Halloween night. Avoiding black licorice is a good call for households aiming to please.

Warheads and Extra Sour Candies

While some kids enjoy a sour treat, Warheads and other extremely sour candies can be too intense for many. This makes them a risky choice, as they’re not universally enjoyed. Choosing milder sour candies like Sour Patch Kids is a safer bet.

100 Grand Bars

Though loved by some, 100 Grand bars have a unique texture and taste that don’t appeal to all trick-or-treaters. They often fall lower on kids’ lists of preferred Halloween candy, making them a less reliable choice. Offering more universally loved chocolates will go further with trick-or-treaters.

The Sweetie people, Facebook

Zombie Sour Patch Kids

This specific variant of Sour Patch Kids has a mixed reputation, with some kids finding its flavor and appearance unappealing. While traditional Sour Patch Kids are a hit, the “zombie” edition is less popular. Opting for the original version can ensure happier kids.

Twizzlers and Licorice Sticks

Twizzlers and other licorice candies are often left behind in Halloween bags, as their texture and flavor are not widely loved by children. These treats are frequently traded away or discarded, making them a less favorable option. For a better reception, choose classic chocolate bars or gummies.

Sugar-Free Gum

While sugar-free gum may be practical, it lacks the sweetness kids look forward to on Halloween. This choice may disappoint those expecting a candy-filled treat bag. Traditional, sugary gum or candies are a better fit for Halloween festivities.

Hard Candies

Certain hard candies are less desirable due to their firmness and simplicity, which lack the excitement of other treats. Kids often prefer something they can bite into or chew, leaving hard candies as an unwanted choice. Opting for chewier or chocolate treats is likely to bring more smiles.

Homemade or Unwrapped Treats

Due to safety concerns, unwrapped or homemade items are frequently discarded by parents. Halloween is the time for individually wrapped treats, ensuring trust and excitement. Sticking to packaged candies will make trick-or-treaters feel safe and valued.

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When it comes to Halloween, the right candy selection can make all the difference. By offering popular choices like Reese’s, M&M’s, and gummy treats, you’ll be remembered as a top-tier Halloween destination. Avoiding less-loved items like licorice, raisins, and sour extremes will keep young trick-or-treaters happy and eager to return next year. Make this Halloween a success with a mix of classic favorites and exciting new treats, ensuring every child leaves your doorstep with a smile.