How Many Americans Buy Candy For Halloween?
Get your costumes ready. Halloween is just around the corner, and it's time to make the holiday's second most important decision. Buying enough candy trails only behind choosing a costume in importance. It's a crucial decision, thanks to the number of options on the market. Classic Halloween candies range from peanut butter cups to Twizzlers. Some candy-free houses dole out packages of pretzels and popcorn, while the most memorable neighborhoods offer full-size Hershey bars and take-two trays.
According to Instacart, Reese's peanut butter cups were the number one Halloween candy in 2021. Last October, roughly 116 tons were sold across the country. Both peanut m&ms and regular m&ms also topped the list of cravings, followed by Snickers, Hershey's milk chocolate, and Twizzlers.
It's undeniable that candy sales peak in the autumn months. Although some Americans may choose to opt out of spooky season, the country's overwhelming majority is gearing up for the big day. As indicated by last year's numbers, October's signature holiday requires stocking up on candy and has led to a major increase in market sales.
In 2021, 87% of Americans planned to up their candy game
Celebrate Halloween the way it is meant to be celebrated with endless candy bars. According to data from a National Confectioners Association survey, enthusiasm for Halloween skyrocketed in 2021. Last year, roughly 82% of Americans noted their interest in celebrating the holiday, and that interest translated to the doorstep. About 87% of people planned to purchase the same amount of candy or more than they had in 2020.
The sales data reflected this excitement. Per the survey, total Halloween candy amounted to $324 million in retail sales — a 48% jump from 2020 and a 59.8% increase from 2019. Largely contributing to those sales, Halloween chocolate accounted for $199 million in sales, while non-chocolate brought $124 million.
But if trick-or-treating isn't on your docket this year, stock up on candy anyway. For more grown-up festivities, host a dinner party with spooky cocktails and bewitching hors d'oeuvres. For dessert, pair your favorite candy with a glass of wine. Chardonnay and candy corn could very well be the new wine and cheese.