The Most Beloved Halloween Candy in Every State

Every Halloween, we all have that one candy we'd trade our last mini Snickers for, and apparently, so does every state. Thanks to a new study from Instacart, we now know which sweet treats Americans are truly obsessed with from coast to coast.

By comparing each state's candy purchases to the national average, the data reveals some surprisingly loyal fan favorites. It's proof that our taste buds are as diverse as our zip codes, and that even when we're trying to save money shopping, there's always room in the cart for sugar.

Let's unwrap the most beloved Halloween candy in every state.

Candy Corn

Sweet home Alabama, indeed. Residents here went all-in on Candy Corn, proving it's not just a decoration, it's a devotion. Instacart data shows Alabamians bought this polarizing pick far more than most of the country. Love it or hate it, they're proudly Team Corn.

Hi-Chew

In the Last Frontier, Hi-Chew reigns supreme. While the rest of the country reaches for chocolate, Alaskans are unwrapping fruity, chewy bites like it's summer all year long. Guess those long winters call for a taste of tropical escape.

Tootsie Rolls

Arizona stands by a timeless classic: Tootsie Rolls. Despite candy orders being slightly below the national average, residents clearly appreciate a reliable, no-melt option that can handle desert heat.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

Arkansas keeps it simple with Hershey's Milk Chocolate, the quintessential American candy bar. With candy orders sitting about 17% above the national average, it's clear Arkansans enjoy a straightforward, comforting favorite that never goes out of style.

Almond Joy

Californians favor Almond Joy, a fitting pick for a state that loves sunshine and a touch of tropical flavor. Candy orders here are about 10% below the U.S. average, but those who do splurge tend to reach for something nutty, coconutty, and satisfying.

Sour Patch Kids

Colorado has a soft spot for Sour Patch Kids, buying them more often than the national average. With candy orders about 20% higher overall, Coloradans clearly enjoy a mix of tangy and sweet — maybe to balance all that fresh mountain air.

Life Savers

In Connecticut, Life Savers top the list. The state's candy orders sit just slightly below the national norm, but residents gravitate toward these bright, ring-shaped classics.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

Delaware keeps it classic with Hershey's Milk Chocolate, one of the nation's most enduring favorites. Though candy orders here are a bit lower than average (down about 4%), Delawareans show that you don't need flash to satisfy a craving. Just smooth, dependable chocolate.

3 Musketeers

Floridians favor 3 Musketeers, a lighter, whipped-nougat choice that fits the state's sunny, easygoing vibe. Candy orders here are about 15% below the national average, one of the lowest in the country, so when residents do reach for chocolate, they clearly prefer something airy over heavy caramel or nuts.

Life Savers

Georgia keeps it sweet and simple with Life Savers, those nostalgic little rings that never disappoint. Candy purchases in the Peach State run just slightly below average, suggesting moderation. But when Georgians indulge, they reach for bright, fruit-flavored comfort over complicated confections.

HARIBO Goldbears

The Aloha State leans chewy with HARIBO Goldbears, a playful favorite that feels right at home in island life. Candy orders are 25% lower than the U.S. average, but that doesn't stop Hawaiians from favoring gummies packed with tropical flavor over traditional chocolate bars.

Peanut M&M's

In Idaho, Peanut M&M's are the clear favorite. Candy orders here are about 28% higher than average, showing that Idahoans have a serious sweet tooth and prefer their chocolate with a little extra substance.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate Almond

Illinois goes for a subtle twist on the classic with Hershey's Milk Chocolate Almond. The state's candy buying is roughly on par with the national average, showing steady affection for tried-and-true chocolate, just with a little crunch added in.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Indiana residents have impeccable taste: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups top the list here. Candy orders hover 9% above the national norm, and Hoosiers clearly agree that peanut butter and chocolate are the ultimate pairing.

Peanut M&M's

Iowans double down on Peanut M&M's, a familiar favorite across the Midwest. Candy buying runs about 20% above the national average, suggesting a state that doesn't mind stocking up on crunchy, colorful classics when the craving strikes.

Candy Corn

Candy Corn shines brightest in Kansas, where residents purchase it far more often than in most states. With candy orders about 25% higher than average, Kansans are among the country's biggest sweet-tooth champions — and clearly not afraid to stand by a controversial favorite.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Kentuckians keep it classic with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, balancing rich chocolate with that signature salty-sweet filling. Candy orders here are roughly 19% higher than average, making it clear the Bluegrass State has both tradition and good taste on its side.

Now and Later

Louisiana's top pick is the bold and chewy Now and Later, a candy that matches the state's colorful, flavor-packed personality. Residents buy this nostalgic treat at rates far higher than anywhere else in the country, making it one of the most regionally distinctive favorites in the entire study.

Tootsie Pops

Mainers favor Tootsie Pops, the classic lollipop with a chocolate surprise in the middle. Candy purchases here land just slightly above the national average, suggesting moderation. But when they do indulge, they prefer something that lasts a little longer (especially during those chilly fall nights).

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

Maryland keeps things traditional with Hershey's Milk Chocolate. The state's candy buying sits just about even with national averages, showing a solid preference for the basics. No frills, no fuss, just sweet reliability from the country's best-known chocolate bar.

Sour Patch Kids

Massachusetts goes sour, literally. Sour Patch Kids reign supreme here, with Bay Staters buying them far more often than the U.S. average. Candy orders overall, however, sit about 3.5% lower than the national average.

Twizzlers

Michigan residents have a soft spot for Twizzlers, the classic licorice twist that's perfect for long drives and movie nights. Candy purchases are slightly above the national norm, and Michiganders' loyalty to this chewy favorite shows they value a sweet treat that travels well across the Great Lakes State.

Choceur Dark Chocolate

Minnesota goes upscale with Choceur Dark Chocolate, the smooth European-style bar often found at Aldi. With candy orders about 18% higher than average, Minnesotans clearly enjoy indulging in something a bit more refined. Proof that Midwestern sweetness can come with sophistication.

Candy Corn

Mississippi stands tall among Candy Corn's strongest supporters. Instacart data shows residents here purchase it well above the national average, joining Alabama, Kansas, and Nebraska in their devotion. The Magnolia State clearly isn't afraid to embrace a divisive seasonal favorite.

Choceur Dark Chocolate

Missouri joins Minnesota in favoring Choceur Dark Chocolate, a sleeper hit from the Instacart findings. Candy purchases run only slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a taste for balance.

Kit Kat

Montana breaks out Kit Kat, the classic wafer-and-chocolate combo that never disappoints. Candy purchases here are over 25% higher than the national average, proving that Montanans know a good break when they see one (especially when it comes covered in chocolate).

Candy Corn

Nebraska rounds out the Candy Corn belt, joining several Southern and Midwestern states in its loyalty to this Halloween icon. Candy buying here is 26.5% above the national average, showing Nebraskans don't just like sweets, they stockpile them.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

In Nevada, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups come out on top, no gamble needed. With candy orders slightly higher than the U.S. average, Nevadans clearly know a winning hand when they see one: chocolate, peanut butter, and pure perfection.

Sour Patch Kids

New Hampshire loves Sour Patch Kids, joining nearby Massachusetts and New York in this tangy obsession. Candy buying sits 8.1% above average here, suggesting Granite Staters may have one of the more playful palates in New England.

M&M's

New Jersey sticks with the classics — M&M's. The Garden State's candy orders are below the national average, but residents' steady devotion to these colorful chocolate bites shows some things never go out of style.

Almond Joy

New Mexico adds a tropical twist to the Southwest with Almond Joy. Candy orders are 12.9% above the national average, and when locals treat themselves, it's with a little coconut flair.

Sour Patch Kids

New York goes big for Sour Patch Kids, ranking among the top states for these tangy troublemakers. Candy purchases are about 9% below the U.S. average, but even in a city that never sleeps, there's always time for something sweet (and a little sour).

Life Savers

North Carolina residents reached most often for Life Savers, showing a fondness for bright, fruity classics. Candy buying here is slightly below the national average, and locals clearly value a candy that's equal parts nostalgic and easy to share.

M&M's

North Dakotans like to keep things simple with M&M's. Candy orders land 24.6% above the national average, showing that the state's affection for this chocolate staple proves that color-coded fun never goes out of style.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Ohio joins the ranks of Reese's lovers, where the peanut butter and chocolate combo remains unbeatable. Candy orders hover about 10% over the national norm, showing Ohioans don't overdo it, but when they indulge, they go straight for perfection.

Tootsie Pops

Oklahoma prefers Tootsie Pops, the lollipop that rewards patience with a chocolate center. Oklahomans seem to appreciate a treat that lasts, and candy orders here are 9.6% above the national average.

Peanut M&M's

Oregonians went for Peanut M&M's, a top pick that combines crunch and chocolate in perfect harmony. Candy orders in Oregon are far above the national average at 29.2%, reflecting the state's sweet tooth.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

It's no surprise that Hershey's Milk Chocolate tops the list in Pennsylvania, home to the candy's namesake town. Residents' candy buying is about 3.5% higher than the national average, proving the Keystone State's loyalty to its own chocolate legacy runs deep.

Sour Patch Kids

Rhode Island goes sour with Sour Patch Kids, joining its Northeastern neighbors in this tangy trend. Reflecting its status as the smallest state, candy orders here sit just below average.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

South Carolina's favorite is the classic Hershey's Milk Chocolate. Candy purchases hover near the national average, but the Palmetto State's steady love for simple chocolate bars proves that timeless favorites still win hearts year after year.

M&M's

In South Dakota, M&M's rule the candy bowl. The state's candy buying runs well above average, and residents' loyalty to this chocolate standby shows they don't need a lot of variety, just a handful of colorful sweetness that always hits the spot.

Life Savers

Life Savers are the standout in Tennessee. Candy purchases are slightly above the national average, and locals clearly favor these timeless, fruity rings.

Sour Patch Kids

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the love for Sour Patch Kids. The Lone Star State ranks among the top buyers of the tangy-sweet candy, well above the national average. Texans like a little kick in their candy, and these chewy favorites deliver just that.

Peanut M&M's

Utahns go nuts for Peanut M&M's, favoring this crunchy, colorful snack over anything too fancy. Candy orders here are around 50% higher than the U.S. average, which is the highest of all the states.

Peanut M&M's

Vermont's pick is also Peanut M&M's, a top choice for states that love a balance of chocolate and crunch. Candy orders land right 16.4% above the national average, showing a love for simple, satisfying treats over trendy sweets.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

Virginia sticks with tradition: Hershey's Milk Chocolate remains the favorite. Candy buying runs slightly above average, suggesting Virginians still appreciate the smooth, familiar taste of this classic American bar.

Twix

Washington residents choose Twix, proving that cookies and caramel are a hard combo to beat. Candy purchases here are about 23.4% above the national average, showing that the Evergreen State has one of the strongest sweet tooths in the country.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

West Virginia proudly favors Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, the unbeatable blend of chocolate and peanut butter. Candy purchases here are 16.4% above the national average, showing that the Mountain State's sweet tooth is alive and well.

Choceur Dark Chocolate

Wisconsin joins its Midwestern neighbors in preferring Choceur Dark Chocolate, opting for smooth, rich flavor over sugary trends. Candy buying is 23.7% higher than the U.S. average, proving the Badger State takes indulgence seriously.

Tootsie Rolls

Wyoming wraps things up with Tootsie Rolls, a nostalgic favorite that's still holding strong. Residents here buy candy 31.5% more often than the national average, making it one of America's most sweet-toothed states, and one that clearly loves its chewy classics.

From Candy Corn in the Midwest to Sour Patch Kids in the Northeast, every state has its own sweet identity. But it's not just treats that kick off spooky season. Shoppers are celebrating earlier each year.

Instacart reports that in 2024, Halloween décor started flying off shelves by August 24, nearly two weeks ahead of past years. Whether you're looking to save money on groceries or buy the right decor to get into the spirit early, planning ahead is a great way to budget while celebrating this fun season.