I need to get something off my chest: I have a rather pesky sweet tooth.
When I’m not eating deep-fried hot dogs or fine dining feasts, you’ll probably find me with my hand in a bag of sour candy, surrounded by Reese’s wrappers or finishing off a box of my favorite Mallomars. I love a sweet treat, and I can’t hide it.
Being that I love sweets so much, Halloween is a welcome holiday in my house—an excuse to stock up on even more candy than I need. And when the non-existent trick-or-treaters in my apartment complex don’t show up… well, more for me.
This got me thinking: what is the most popular Halloween candy in New Jersey? Instacart recently released a map of the U.S. depicting which candy is the most-ordered in each state. New Jersey’s favorite candy might surprise you.
The Most Popular Halloween Candy in NJ
The most popular Halloween candy in New Jersey is M&Ms. It’s no surprise, really, as the Hershey’s classic has been a staple in Halloween bags for decades. The candy-coated chocolate morsels are both timeless and irresistible. They’re also easy to snack on, making them an ideal candy on the go.
Along with North Dakota and South Dakota, New Jersey is the only other state to favor M&Ms above all other Halloween candy.
The Most Popular Halloween Candy in the Nation
Unsurprisingly, Reese’s was the most-ordered candy across five different states, making it the most popular Halloween candy in America.
At risk of tarnishing my New Jersey pride—and while I do like M&Ms—I have to say that Reese’s is much more my style. As a self-proclaimed candy connoisseur, I consider Reese’s the greatest chocolate candy of all time.
How Much Does New Jersey Love Candy?
In addition to evaluating every state’s favorite Halloween candy, Instacart also looked at how much candy is ordered in each state.
By comparing candy orders versus the national average, New Jersey came in with one of the lowest sweet tooth rates at 5.5% fewer orders than average. However, that number pales in comparison to Hawaii, which orders candy 25% less than the national average.
For states that love candy the most, no one competes with Utah. According to the analysis, the Mountain West state orders candy a whopping 50.7% more than the national average. Maybe Utah is where I’m meant to be.
Candy Corn: A Love-Hate Relationship
Candy corn is without a doubt the most polarizing Halloween candy. The orange-white-and-yellow triangles invoke passionate reactions from both fans and detractors.
What side am I on? I’m a candy corn hater, and I’m not afraid to admit it. So, I’m pleased to announce that New Jersey is on the lower end of candy corn orders. NJ shoppers add candy corn to their carts 20.4% lower than the national average.
Hawaii is the lowest at minus 55.3%, and Mississippi loves candy corn the most, ordering it 92.3% above average.
Halloween Candy Trends Across the U.S.
To put it plainly, candy trends across the country are rather varied. States like Hawaii seem to enjoy candy far less than landlocked states like Utah and Nebraska. In New Jersey, M&Ms come out on top, proving that the classics never die.
So, what’s your favorite Halloween candy?
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
