Halloween may be synonymous with costumes, pumpkins, and haunted houses, but for most Americans, The holiday comes down to one thing: sweets. October is, without a doubt, the sweetest month of the year in the United States, and a new survey revealed that the sugar rush is reaching surprising numbers.
According to a study by Talker Research in collaboration con HI-CHEW, The average household in the country buys 4.5 bags of candy during the Halloween season. Besides, 48% of consumers opt for large or special-sized versions, which multiplies the total volume of sweets purchased.
Considering that there are 132.6 million homes in the US, The total figure is equivalent to approximately 340 million kilos of candy purchased each October. To measure it, the study translates it into the weight equivalent to 33.9 billion bats or 62.16 million Halloween pumpkins, an image as fun as it is revealing about the magnitude of consumption.
Utah, the sweetest state in the country
The survey, conducted among 5,000 Americans from all 50 states, found that candy-eating habits vary from region to region, although everyone shares a passion for the tradition. Utah tops the list as the state where most people enjoy sweets this season: 85% of residents report eating them during October.
Idaho and Maine follow closely, with 84% participation, confirming that cold weather is not an impediment to enjoying a chocolate bar or a bag of candy.
The study also shows that Sweets are not just an impulse purchase or one aimed at children. For many adults, they represent an essential part of celebrations, a nostalgic way to relive childhood or simply a seasonal pleasure. that accompanies decoration, horror movies and theme parties.
Chocolate, undisputed king of Halloween
When it comes to preferences, andChocolate maintains its absolute reign. 86% of Americans choose it as their favorite candy, vastly outperforming other options. Traditional brands continue to dominate trick-or-treat bags, but each year new themed versions and limited editions are added to drive sales.
In second place are chewy candies, with a 53% preference, while fruit flavors take third place with 43%. However, the study details that some states show very particular inclinations: Utah leads in chewy candies (70%), while Mississippi is the territory most fond of fruity candies, with 60% of loyal consumers.
These patterns reflect not only regional differences, but also cultural and generational diversity. Children tend to prefer candies with soft texture and intense colors, while adults lean towards premium chocolates or combinations of salty and sweet flavors.
New Yorkers, experts in handing out candy
Among the most curious data of the study highlights the behavior of New Yorkers, who seem to take the trick-or-treat tradition very seriously. 46% say that, if they had the choice, they would only hand out their favorite candy, although 32% prefer a balanced mix to please all visitors.
During Halloween night, Respondents reported traveling an average of 4 neighborhoods, staying outside for more than 4 hours, and carrying at least 3 bags to collect candy. This shows that, regardless of age or location, Halloween is still a celebration of community and shared fun.
Sweets, nostalgia and new trends
The spokesperson for Morinaga America, Inc., the company behind HI-CHEW, highlighted that the survey results reflect the strong emotional bond that Americans have with this holiday.
“It is clear that Halloween holds a special place in the hearts of Americans, no matter how they choose to celebrate it,” he said. “More than half of consumers enjoy combining their favorite sweets with new and exciting options every October.”
This year, furthermore, Trends point to growth in sweets with exotic flavors or innovative mixes, such as tropical fruits, chili or vegan versions of classic candies. Also an increase in early purchases is observed, motivated by promotions and the intention to avoid shortages in the days leading up to October 31.
A tradition that unites generations
For many Americans, Halloween is not only an opportunity to dress up or decorate their homes, but also a time to share sweet moments with family. In times of inflation and rising prices, bags of candy continue to be one of the most accessible and symbolic pleasures of the season.
Whether on the streets of New York, the suburbs of Ohio, or the rural communities of Utah, the sound of wrapping and children’s laughter continue to set the tone for the spookiest night of the year.
Ultimately, the study confirms that candy is the heart of American Halloween, a custom that combines flavor, nostalgia and community. With hundreds of millions of pounds of candy purchased every October, it seems clear that when it comes to celebrating fear, America prefers to do it with sugar.
Keep reading:
* How to save money on a Halloween costume: tips to buy early and spend less
* The most popular Halloween costumes for children in 2025
*How Halloween decorations can increase the value of your home
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