The post America’s Favorite Halloween Candy Changed in 12 States This Year — See What Your State Picked first appeared on Crafting Your Home.
Halloween candy loyalties are shifting, and some states have made choices that might surprise longtime trick-or-treaters.
Chocolate favorites are losing ground in several places, while sour gummies, spicy sweets, and even old-fashioned candy corn are taking over. According to CandyStore.com’s 2026 Halloween candy rankings, 12 American states have different top-selling candies compared with the company’s 2024 rankings.
The changes arrive as Americans prepare for another major Halloween shopping season. The National Retail Federation projects $13.5 billion in Halloween spending in 2026, with 61% of consumers planning to hand out candy.
But before you replace everything in your Halloween candy bowl, there’s an important distinction. CandyStore.com’s rankings are projections based on historical sales data, not a nationwide vote asking residents which treats they personally love.
Still, the results offer a fascinating look at changing Halloween shopping preferences. Here’s what the 12 states picked for 2026.
Arizona: Sour Patch Kids Replace Hershey Kisses
Arizona has traded a familiar chocolate favorite for something with a completely different flavor.
Hershey Kisses held the state’s top position in the 2024 rankings, but Sour Patch Kids take first place for 2026.
It’s part of a broader showing for the sour candy, which now shares the highest number of state wins with M&M’s.
For households deciding what to offer trick-or-treaters, Arizona’s result suggests that a bowl filled with traditional chocolate might not reflect the state’s latest sales trends.
Of course, an individual neighborhood’s favorites could be different from the statewide ranking.
Florida: Skittles Overtake Reese’s Cups
Florida’s new favorite is colorful rather than chocolate-covered.
Skittles have replaced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups as the state’s leading Halloween candy in CandyStore.com’s rankings.
The change is notable because Reese’s remains one of the country’s major Halloween candy contenders, even as its national ranking has slipped.
Florida’s result adds another example of a state choosing a fruity candy over a traditional chocolate favorite.
If you’re preparing Halloween treats in Florida, the new ranking gives you something to consider alongside the usual assortment of chocolate bars.
Related Post: From Coffin Races to Haunted Streets, 8 States That Transform for Halloween
Hawaii: Butterfinger Takes the Top Spot
While several states are moving away from chocolate, Hawaii has taken a different direction.
Butterfinger replaces Hershey’s Mini Bars as the state’s top-ranked Halloween candy for 2026.
This makes Hawaii particularly interesting because Butterfinger lost its leading position in several other states.
The candy’s contrasting performance shows why nationwide trends don’t always tell the full story. A treat losing popularity in one region can still perform strongly somewhere else.
For Halloween shoppers in Hawaii, Butterfinger now holds the leading position in this particular sales-based ranking.
Indiana: NERDS Gummy Clusters Make a Big Entrance
Indiana has one of the most interesting changes on the entire Halloween candy map.
NERDS Gummy Clusters have replaced Starburst as the state’s leading Halloween candy.
The change is notable because CandyStore.com reports that the product had not previously appeared as a state winner in its rankings.
NERDS Gummy Clusters also climbed to fifth place nationally, giving the candy a prominent position among established Halloween favorites.
Indiana’s new selection offers an example of how newer candy products can compete with familiar names.
For households that enjoy mixing traditional treats with different options, this is one of the more attention-grabbing results.
Massachusetts: Sour Patch Kids Beat Butterfinger
Massachusetts is another state where sour candy has moved ahead of chocolate.
Butterfinger previously held the top position, but Sour Patch Kids now lead the state’s Halloween rankings.
The change is particularly relevant during a season when Massachusetts attracts attention for Salem’s famous Halloween celebrations.
Still, the statewide candy ranking doesn’t tell us exactly what individual trick-or-treaters in Salem or other communities prefer.
What it does show is that Massachusetts has joined the growing group of states where Sour Patch Kids lead CandyStore.com’s sales projections.
Montana: M&M’s Move Ahead of Twix
Montana has made a switch between two familiar chocolate candies.
Twix led the state’s 2024 rankings, but M&M’s now occupy the top position for 2026.
M&M’s also remain America’s leading Halloween candy nationally, according to CandyStore.com’s sales-based projections.
Montana joins California, Oregon, Washington, and several other states where M&M’s hold the top spot.
For households that prefer familiar chocolate treats, Montana’s choice offers a different picture from the sour and fruity candy gains seen elsewhere.
Nevada: Hot Tamales Replace Hershey’s Mini Bars
Nevada’s new Halloween favorite has a distinctive spicy flavor.
Hot Tamales have moved into first place, replacing Hershey’s Mini Bars in the state’s rankings.
Nevada is now among four states where Hot Tamales lead, alongside Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.
The result shows how Halloween candy preferences can vary considerably across the country.
While some states favor chocolate or sour gummies, Nevada’s projected sales leader offers something different for people filling their Halloween candy bowls.
Related Post: 9 Things You Should Never Do When Handing Out Halloween Candy
North Dakota: Candy Corn Makes a Comeback
North Dakota might have the most debate-provoking selection on this list.
Candy corn has replaced Hot Tamales as the state’s leading Halloween candy.
The traditional seasonal sweet also holds first place in Maryland and Utah, giving it three state wins.
What’s particularly interesting is that candy corn ranked as the worst Halloween candy in CandyStore.com’s separate 2026 customer survey.
That contrast illustrates an important difference between what people say they like and what appears in sales rankings.
North Dakota’s result gives candy corn fans a reason to defend their favorite seasonal treat.
South Carolina: Sour Patch Kids Take Over
South Carolina joins Arizona and Massachusetts in choosing Sour Patch Kids over its previous chocolate favorite.
Butterfinger held the state’s leading position in 2024, but Sour Patch Kids now rank first.
These three state-level gains helped Sour Patch Kids rise to second place nationally.
The candy now leads in 10 states, matching M&M’s for the most state wins.
For South Carolina shoppers preparing for trick-or-treaters, the latest ranking suggests that sour candy deserves a place alongside more traditional Halloween offerings.
Virginia: M&M’s Overtake Butterfinger
Virginia has kept chocolate at the top, but changed which candy leads.
Butterfinger previously held first place in the state’s rankings. In 2026, M&M’s take over that position.