Candy takes center stage every Halloween, making trick-or-treating an exciting hunt for goodies.
There's something for everyone, from classic chocolate bars like Snickers and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to candy corn. The Halloween staple is so divisive that it sparks arguments between lovers and haters over both its taste and the proper way to eat it.
How much do we love Halloween candy? Americans are projected to spend $4.1 billion on it this year, according to the National Retail Federation and our favorites vary depending on which state you live in, according to Instacart's annual survey.
Favorite candy by state
The most bought candies in each state, according to Instacart's Sweet Tooth study:
Some states have surprisingly specific candy loyalties. Montana buys HI-CHEW
616% more than the national average, Louisiana over-indexes on Tootsie Pops by 141%, and Rhode Island buys Sour Patch Kids 109% more often than the rest of the country, according to the Instacart study.
Love it or hate it, a nation divided by candy corn
While many love the treat, there is a group of people who find it the worst: According to CandyStore.com's "2026 Worst and Best Halloween Candy" survey of 3,200 people, candy corn was voted the worst Halloween candy. The divide is hardly new. As USA TODAY previously reported, one candy corn fan described it as "pure sugary deliciousness that reminds me of my youth," while a critic said he felt bad for the "sugar, corn syrup and industrial dye" congealed into a "waxy, chewy and gross wedge" that resembles and tastes more like a safety cone than a piece of corn.
On a more basic level, consumers are also split on the "correct" way it should be eaten.
America loves Halloween candy
In the United States, Halloween ranks second behind Christmas in consumer spending on treats, gifts and decorations. This year, the NRF estimates total Halloween spending will reach a record $13.5 billion.
Although Americans spend plenty on costumes, decorations and Halloween-themed cards, candy remains the top purchase. About 96% of households plan to buy candy for Halloween in 2026.
"Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind," said NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Allison Zeller.
What are the top Halloween treats?
Chocolate and candy play an important role in holidays, celebrations and occasions for Americans, especially during times like the Halloween season.
This year, 85% of Americans who welcome trick-or-treaters will hand out chocolate and candy. Additionally, 83% of parents admit they sneak chocolate and candy from their children’s trick-or-treat haul.
The most popular treats for the season include chocolate, gummy candy, hard candy and of course, candy corn.
Want to skip the sugar?
If you're looking to skip the sugary treats and offer something different this Halloween, consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
This initiative promotes food-free Halloween treats for children with allergies or other conditions. Instead of candy, you can fill your bowl with items such as glow sticks, pencils, small toys, Halloween party favors and mini jars of Play-Doh.
To show that you have allergy-safe treats available, place a teal pumpkin or a teal pumpkin sign on your doorstep.
SOURCE: USA TODAY Network reporting and research; National Retail Federation; National Confectioners Association
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Love or hate candy corn? See your state’s favorite Halloween treat
