The Inside Scoop from the Real Candy Critics—Kids!

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and haunted houses—let’s be real, it’s all about the candy! But with aisles of options ranging from chocolatey indulgence to fruity chews, how do you know which treats are a surefire win for the kiddos knocking at your door? To settle the debate once and for all, we went straight to the source: kids! We asked a squad of young candy enthusiasts to rank their all-time favorite Halloween treats, and trust us—they didn’t hold back.

The Ultimate Halloween Candy Ranking:

1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Let’s kick things off with a candy that’s basically crowned royalty in the world of Halloween treats. The smooth peanut butter encased in rich chocolate is the flavor combo kids can’t resist. It’s like getting two candies in one, and that’s why it reigns supreme year after year.

2. Kit Kat

Snap, crunch, chocolate, repeat. Kit Kat’s crispy wafers wrapped in creamy milk chocolate have been a fan favorite for generations. Whether kids are sharing or keeping all four bars for themselves, Kit Kats never stay in the candy bowl for long.

3. Snickers

This classic delivers a little bit of everything: peanuts, caramel, nougat, and chocolate. Snickers bars are the full meal of the candy world, and kids love the satisfaction of biting into one after a long night of trick-or-treating.

4. M&M’s

Colorful, crunchy, and available in endless varieties (peanut butter, pretzel, crispy, and more), M&M’s are a versatile pick that never disappoints. These little guys pack a punch of flavor and are easy to share—if kids feel generous, that is.

5. Twix

The mix of buttery caramel, a crunchy cookie, and smooth chocolate gives Twix that extra something. It’s a candy bar that stands out, and when kids spot those gold wrappers, you know it’s about to get real.

6. Sour Patch Kids

First, they’re sour, then they’re sweet—and that’s the whole appeal! Kids love the intense flavor transition from face-puckering sour to candy-sweet goodness. It’s like an adventure for your taste buds, making Sour Patch Kids a top pick for the thrill-seekers.

7. Skittles

Taste the rainbow? More like devour it. Skittles give kids the fruity fix they crave when they want something a little different from the chocolate overload. The chewy texture and burst of flavor make them irresistible.

8. Starburst

Each pack of Starburst is like unwrapping a fruity surprise. Will it be cherry? Lemon? Strawberry? The suspense is part of the fun, and that juicy chew leaves kids reaching for another (and another).

9. Hershey’s Kisses

Small but mighty, Hershey’s Kisses are a Halloween classic. Whether they’re added to baked goods or eaten straight from the foil, these bite-sized chocolates are perfect for kids looking to pop one (or three) between houses.

10. Butterfinger

With its crunchy peanut butter core wrapped in a flaky layer of chocolate, Butterfinger is a unique entry in the candy world. Kids who love the unexpected texture and bold flavor keep coming back for more.

Honorable Mentions:

Not every candy could make the top 10, but here are some honorable mentions that still score big:

• Fun-sized Snickers: Same Snickers satisfaction in a perfect mini size.
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: For when one cup isn’t enough.
• 100 Grand Bar: Nougat and crunchy crispies make this a candy lover’s hidden gem.
• Almond Joy: Coconut and almond goodness for the nut lovers out there.

Factors to Keep in Mind:

Choosing Halloween candy is serious business, but there are a few important factors to think about before you hit the candy aisle:

1. Age Matters

Kids under five may find super chewy candies or anything too crunchy hard to eat. Consider offering soft options like gummy bears or chocolates.

2. Allergies

Peanut allergies are a big deal! Keep some nut-free options handy like Skittles or Starburst, so no one has to miss out on the fun.

3. Personal Preferences

Even though chocolate is a hit, some kids prefer fruity candies or sour ones. Mixing it up ensures everyone’s happy.

4. Dietary Restrictions

If you’re hosting kids with special diets (gluten-free, vegan, etc.), there are plenty of alternative candies like SmartSweets or allergy-friendly options from Enjoy Life Foods.

Pro Tips for Candy Distribution:

• Limit the Loot: Sure, Halloween is a sugar fest, but setting limits helps avoid the post-candy crash. Two pieces per stop? Sounds fair!
• Non-Candy Options: For the kids (or parents) who prefer to keep it sugar-free, toss in some fun alternatives like temporary tattoos, glow sticks, or mini games.
• Creativity Counts: Hosting a Halloween party? Try setting up a candy scavenger hunt or awarding special prizes for best costumes.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of Halloween night—the costumes, the candy, and the sugar rush that follows. But what’s the best part? Scoring the good stuff, of course. From Reese’s to Sour Patch Kids, there’s something for everyone in the trick-or-treat bag. So load up on the crowd-pleasers, toss in a few surprise options, and make this year’s Halloween one to remember.