Halloween—the one night a year when kids dress up as their favorite superheroes, ghosts, or whatever TikTok trend is hot, and roam the streets demanding candy from strangers. But why do we do this? Why do we willingly hand out sugar-laden treats to tiny, costumed extortionists? Let’s unwrap the mystery of Halloween candy.
The Tradition of Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating has its roots in ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain, where people dressed in costumes to ward off ghosts. Fast forward a few centuries, and the tradition evolved into a more benign form of begging during All Souls’ Day in medieval Britain. Kids would go door-to-door, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for “soul cakes”—a far cry from today’s Snickers bars and Skittles. Read more.
Why Candy?
The transition from soul cakes to candy is a tale of American ingenuity and capitalism. Post-World War II, sugar rationing ended, and candy companies saw an opportunity. They marketed candy as the perfect Halloween treat, and the rest is history. Today, Halloween is the second-largest commercial holiday in the U.S., with Americans spending a whopping $3 billion on candy alone. Read more.
Candy Sales and Statistics
Halloween accounts for a significant chunk of annual candy sales. In 2023, Halloween drove $6.4 billion in confectionery retail sales, and that number is expected to rise by 3-5% in 2024. It’s no wonder that 94% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween with chocolate and candy. Read more.
Dental Dilemmas
With all this candy consumption, you might wonder if visits to the dentist spike post-Halloween. While specific statistics are elusive, it’s safe to say that dentists probably see a few more cavities in the weeks following the candy binge. After all, sugar is a cavity’s best friend.
Top 10 Halloween Candies of 2024
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Snickers
- M&M’s
- Skittles
- Starburst
- Kit Kat
- Twix
- Hershey’s Bars
- Sour Patch Kids
- Candy Corn (yes, really)
Least Favorite Candies
Despite its enduring presence, candy corn often tops the list of least favorite Halloween candies. Its waxy texture and overly sweet taste are divisive, yet it remains a staple. Why? Perhaps it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s just that no one has the heart to tell candy corn it’s not welcome anymore. Read more.
The Enigma of Candy Corn
Speaking of candy corn, why does it exist? Created in the 1880s to resemble chicken feed, candy corn has somehow survived over a century of ridicule. It’s the fruitcake of Halloween—everyone loves to hate it, yet it never disappears. Read more.
So there you have it, the sweet and sometimes sour story of Halloween candy. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, gummies, or even candy corn, there’s no denying that Halloween wouldn’t be the same without these sugary treats. Just remember to brush your teeth afterward—your dentist will thank you.
