Remember the fun of knocking on your neighbor’s door and watching candy drop into that pillowcase you were hoping to fill by the end of the night? Then you also recall the disappointment of receiving the dreaded coins, pencils, sticks of grownup gum, and those homemade, unidentifiable treats in a Ziploc baggie. What we really wanted were “tried-and-true” staples that ruled the world of candy. Those easily recognizable “old friends” cloaked in their familiar, shiny, bold wrappers. As you will see, not much has changed over time. Here is the Candy Your Trick-or-Treaters Really Want.
The Favorites
1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were 2017’s most popular Halloween candy. And who can argue with that? These all-time favorite confections were created by a former Hershey’s employee named Harry Burnett Reese, who named his creation after himself, and why not? The first peanut butter cup was introduced in 1928. Thank you, Mr. Reese. Our other trick-or-treat favorites included Snickers, Twix, Kit Kats, Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles.
The “Traders”
2. The candy most likely to be traded away by Trick-or-Treaters? Circus Peanuts, wax coke bottles, Necco Wafers, Mary Janes (who’s candy wrappers have not changed in over 100 years), Tootsie Rolls, Smarties, black licorice, and Good & Plenty. Tootsie Rolls might be traded away, but the numbers don’t lie. Every minute, 44,440 Tootsie Rolls are created. They have obviously found a way to America’s heart via our tastebuds.
Candy Corn (Once known as “Chicken Feed”)
3. Candy Corn is one of the holiday’s most-produced candies. Since its invention by the Goelitz Candy Company in 1898, candy corn has become insanely popular. Nearly 35 million pounds are produced each year. The Goelitz Candy Company, (now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company), produces Candy Corn all year long in colors suitable for Christmas, Valentines Day, and Easter.
How Long Will This Stuff Last?
4. You don’t have to rush to eat your (children’s) Halloween candy. Hard candy will last up to a year, and unopened packages of candy corn can last nine months. Dark and milk chocolates can last up to two years if stored in a dry, odor-free spot. Just when you thought you had exhausted all the perks of raiding your kid’s candy stash, we thought you should know you can also pair your favorite treats with your favorite wines.
Halloween Candy Sales Rule
5. What day is more popular for candy than Halloween you ask? None! Twice as much chocolate is sold for Halloween than for Valentine’s Day.
For more great candy trivia, you won’t want to miss MentalFloss.com‘s 50 Sweet Facts About Your Favorite Halloween Candies. This year, have a heart and hand out the candy your trick-or-treaters really want. Save the pencils and the sticks of gum for your desk drawer.