Halloween is just around the corner and with it comes the sweetest dilemma of the year: How many candies to buy so you don’t fall short or end up with a mountain of leftovers?
Every October, millions of homes in the United States prepare to receive the little ones dressed in costumes who knock on the door with the famous phrase “trick or treat!” But this 2025, the celebration promises to break spending records and consolidate new trends in the country’s sugary tastes.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Family spending related to Halloween will reach a historic figure: $13.1 billion, of which $3.9 billion will go to candy alone. This represents a significant increase over previous years and confirms that Americans are more willing than ever to invest in keeping the magic—and the sugar—of this holiday alive.
The most popular Halloween candy in 2025
El portal Innerbody Research analyzed Google search data in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine which sweets are leading in preferences this year. The result was overwhelming: Starburst was established as the most popular candy of Halloween 2025, winning over consumers in 13 states, including Florida, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina and Tennessee.
In second place are the Sour Patch Kids, a sour gummies that dominate in 8 states, including Michigan, New Jersey, Maine and Virginia.
Third place is occupied by the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, an irresistible mix of chocolate and peanut butter, followed by the colorful Skittlespreferred in places like Georgia, Nebraska and Virginia.
They complete the top 10 most sought after sweets in the US:
1) Starburst
2) Sour Patch Kids
3) Reese’s
4) Skittles
5) Sour Punch Straws
6) Jolly Ranchers
7) Swedish Fish
8) Twix
9) Blow Pops
10) Lifesavers
Of this list, only Reese’s and Twix belong to the chocolate category, confirming a clear trend: Americans are prioritizing fruity and sour sweets over traditional chocolates. Variety, colors and intense flavor seem to be the keys to success in 2025 Halloween baskets.
New York’s favorite sweet
In New York State, The data reveals a special preference for Kit Kats, the traditional chocolates that have become a symbol of nostalgia and fun for several generations. Its popularity is also due to the combination of crunchy chocolate and practicality to distribute during the traditional Halloween night.
Closely behind them are the Sour Patch Kids. Local stores are already reporting high demand for these sweet and sour gummies, in all their presentations, from traditional versions to special editions with seasonal packaging.
The least popular sweets of 2025
Not all candies have the same fate. The Innerbody study also revealed which is the least loved candy of 2025: the Hot Tamales, some spicy sweets that, despite their striking name, fail to conquer the sweetest palates. The exception is in New Mexico, where they are surprisingly a favorite.
Other well-known names appear at the bottom of the list, such as Salt Water Taffy, Milky Way and Blow Pops, although the latter are popular in a couple of states. TAlso included is the classic Dubble Bubble gum, which seems to have lost prominence, especially in South Dakota and New Mexico.
A sweeter (and more expensive) Halloween
With record spending figures and a clear inclination towards acidic and fruity flavors, Halloween 2025 is shaping up to be one of the sweetest, and most expensive, celebrations in recent years.
Whether you prefer to fill your basket with Starburst, go for the acidic Sour Patch Kids or stay faithful to classic chocolate, one thing is certain: this October 31, creativity and flavor will once again be the protagonists of the most anticipated night of the fall in the US.
Keep reading:
* The “sin” that Americans commit before the arrival of Halloween
* Most popular Halloween costumes for kids in 2025
* How to save money on a Halloween costume: tips to buy early and spend less
The post Top Halloween candy 2025: Starburst and Sour Patch Kids dominate the season appeared first on Veritas News.
