By DENISE HERSCHEL
Despite the wide range of candy available on retailers’ shelves, there are five favorites that are the most popular Halloween candies in the country. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are number one, followed by Kit Kat at number two, Skittles a close third, original M &M’s rounding out number four and Snickers closing the gap at number five.
And, according to digital commerce trends studied within the past year, there are also beloved state sweet treats as well with the Garden State’s perennial favorite being Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The salty-and-sweet peanut butter and chocolate combo also earned the title of most popular Halloween candy in 18 other states including California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
With Halloween looming next week we decided to ask some local trick-or-treaters and candy-givers which candy was on the top of their list this year.
Jenna McCain of Bradley Beach said she buy the large bags which offer an assortment of candy.
“I go for anything with chocolate- Hershey kisses, Reese’s and Snickers,” she said. “I think most kids love chocolate and adults too. I do buy what I like in case there are leftovers. I will eat it for a few weeks after Halloween until I get tired of it.”
Matt Barlow of Neptune City said he will be escorting his two kids trick-or-treating and knows that they like most of what they get except for lollipops and candy corn.
“They will eat anything with chocolate, sweet or sour. They like gummy bears, gummy worms, Sour Patch kids, and Skittles. My wife and I buy whatever is on sale and buy it in big bags,” he said.
Kylie Wright of Neptune said that she hands out an array of candy to satisfy everyone and this year has decided to hand out glow sticks also.
“When my kids were little they loved glow sticks so I thought why not do it this year. It’s something fun and a little different,” she said.
Fran Berkman of Asbury Park said her absolute favorite candy is Twix bars. She gives it out to trick-or-treaters and then keeps a bag for herself.
“It’s the only time of year that I buy candy. It’s a good excuse to eat it,” she laughed. “I usually don’t keep candy in the house because it is too much of a temptation for me. I have a real sweet tooth.”
As for Trey Hicks of Bradley Beach, he said there is only one candy that he really likes and that is Junior Mints.
“My grandmother got me hooked on them. We would go to the movies and she would say, ‘get me a few boxes of Junior Mints.’ You can’t go wrong with them…still my favorite to this day.”
