Halloween Candy – Buy, History, Ideas

This post was originally published on October 15, 2017
The latest update to this post was made 5 years ago.

Halloween Candy – Buy, History, Ideas

Candy Corn, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat, Hershey’s Miniature Chocolates, M&M’s, Skittles and gummy candies are sought after each Halloween from eager Trick-or-Treaters. People spend millions each year on Halloween candy or roughly $85 dollars per household.

Stores stock up on bags with bite sized portions or full size portion candy bars. Many online companies offer specialty Halloween candy as well. Gummy body parts, pumpkin shaped chocolate, skeleton shaped candy and many sorts of black, red and orange-colored confections can be found in stores and online.

Popular
The most popular candy during this time of year is Candy Corn. Invented in 1898 by the Goelitz candy makers, Candy Corn was originally named Chicken Feed. In 1950 the name changed to Candy Corn. Goelitz advertised the famous candy as the “Candy of Halloween” in 1950. Millions of pounds are sold each year. Jelly Belly became Goelitz’s official new name in 2001. The original candy company name is still on some of the old buildings, along with the new name. Their traditional Candy Corn is sold all year and comes in a variety of colors.

The next popular Halloween candy is M&M’s from the Mars candy company and was invented in 1941 as a candy that would not melt fast in heat. The Mars company targeted selling the candy to the military after seeing many consuming homemade candy coated chocolates. These homemade candies melted fast, but not the new M&Ms Mars was selling only to the military! Towards the end of the war, Mars targeted the public and in 1950, the candy became available for sale to the public and remains at the top of the popularity chart. M&Ms are usually the first candy children are given. It is easy to hold and eat. The candy shell dissolves to expose the chocolate inside.

Specialty candy like oozing eye-balls and gummy body parts won’t be turned down by eager Trick-or-Treaters. Kids like the gooey feel and look of the gross looking sweets. Adults squeal and kids love the reaction.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups come in pumpkin shapes and Kit-Kats have orange-colored chocolate. Most candy makers get in the spirit during Halloween. Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day are the three popular candy times. Companies can afford to make specialty flavors, shapes and colors during these holidays because so much is sold during these times. Long gone are the days of homemade candy mainly due to the fact that people work so much and do not have time. It is easier to purchase items than make them.

If you are passing candy out during Halloween, I would suggest getting a variety of chocolate, gummy and individual bags for your Trick-or-Treaters. Parties can have elaborate candy bars to simple candy bars. The trick to a great candy bar is to have a variety of containers, printed labels and bags for guests to take the sweets home. A candy bar can also have homemade items alongside the bought sweets.

Candy Bar

Dollar Tree and Party City have many containers to choose from. Set the candy bar up on a table that is easy for people to move around without knocking over any containers when reaching for goodies. The only bad thing about a candy bar is it can be expense. Order candy in bulk from an online store rather than buying bags at a grocery store unless you are having a small candy bar. Scoops and spoons make the candy bar look better and is more sanitary than people digging in the candy to get their share. Wrapped candy is or candy in individual packages are best but if you have candy that is unwrapped, such as gummy candies, make sure you have scoops available! Candy bars are a great addition to any Halloween party.

Trunk-or-Treat
Trunk-or-Treat is gaining popularity with churches and schools. This safe alternative to walking around from house to house and can be fun for everyone! Trunks are decorated from simple to elaborate, depending on how much time you have. Trunk-or-Treat is where cars park in a lot at a church, school or other public place, open their trunks, decorate their trunks and pass out candy to kids who pass by and go from car to car. People use lights and other Halloween decorations to spruce up their trunks and make them inviting.

Venues often have themes for cars to follow and some do not want participants to have anything too scary. Themes can range from popular movies, non-scary ghosts and goblins to simple pumpkins. Arrive to the venue in plenty of time to decorate and settle in. People bring younger children early so you want to be ready for all the eager Trick-or-Treaters.

It doesn’t matter if you pass candy out at your home, host a party or pass candy out from your trunk. The main idea is to enjoy and have a great time. Mix up the candy and purchase a variety and don’t forget to always buy your favorite so you have plenty to snack on during the festivities and after.

Tags: #trickortreat, #halloweencandy, #halloweenparty, #halloween, #candy #party