The 10 Best Halloween Candy

What’s the best Halloween candy? Like a great many things, it’s subjective. But it’s safe to say some picks are staples that just about everyone would include in their Top 10. The rest are simply individual preference.

And my list is the perfect example of that. A mix of classics and some personal faves. With a number one ranking that I’m certain most will disagree with. But as you progress through the list, one thing you should know about me: I prefer fruit-flavored candies more than chocolate. Hint hint.

With that in mind, let’s jump into my list for the 10 best Halloween candy.

10 - Peanut M&M’s

It was a close call between Kit Kat and Peanut M&M’s at the ten spot. But the inclusion of peanut pushes the M&M’s over the line, which is also what makes them far superior to the plain Jane original. There’s nothing special about Peanut M&M’s. However, they’re a solid bite this time of year.

9 - Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter does it again. Only this time with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups — a slightly more satisfying option than the prior entry, as the texture, to me, is a bit more appealing than the crunch from Peanut Butter M&M’s. Peanut Butter Cup is also the candy I expect the most pushback on why it isn’t higher on my list. And the simple answer is because it’s MY list.

8 - Snickers

Perhaps the most layered and complex candy on this list, when I have a chocolate craving (which isn’t often), a Snickers really hits the spot. Also, it’s true what the brand promotes that more than any other candy, it’s incredibly filling and quite satisfying. No kid has ever felt bad about Snickers in their bag or bucket.

7 - Nestle Crunch

What’s appealing about the Nestle Crunch? It says it right in the name. The crunch! An almost polar opposite option to a Snickers thanks in large part to the lighter, airier profile, a Crunch bar may not be as satisfying to the appetite, but it’s much more rewarding to the palette. Hell, I’m kind of craving one right now as I write this.

6 - 100 Grand

If you’re looking for a sort of middle ground between a Snickers and a Nestle Crunch, look no further than the 100 Grand. That’s a big reason why it ranks higher than either; it’s like the best of both worlds. It’s an old school classic that, maybe more than any other chocolate bar, evokes a sense of nostalgia to Halloweens of yesteryear.

5 - Skittles

Five down. Five to go. And we now come across the first fruit-flavored selection. There was a time when Skittles used to be my favorite candy. But that was more than 30 years ago. Regardless, it hasn’t dropped too far, still landing in the Top 5. While the image above shows the classic variety, for the record I prefer the purple wrapping “Wild Berry” version.

4 - Baby Ruth

Similar to a Snickers, yet better in every way. Baby Ruth is my go-to candy bar and THE definitive chocolate experience in this ranking, at least in my opinion. I flat love a Baby Ruth. Again, I’m not the hugest fan of chocolate candy. But Baby Ruth’s are the only kind I find to be nearly as irresistible as my upcoming Top 3.

3- Nerds

Talk about devour some Halloween candy. I love seeing the little holiday-size boxes of Nerds. It makes me feel less bad about spilling a box or four into my mouth. And that fruity, crunchy encounter is so pleasurable. If only my kids knew how many boxes I’ve stolen from their haul over the years. Ha.

2 - Sour Patch Kids

There’s something magical about a little sweet and a little sour. Frankly, it’s a heavenly combo. And it’s what helps Sour Patch Kids land in the second slot. The only thing that could make it better is if they were gummy {foreshadowing, perhaps}. As it is, Sour Patch Kids are an addictive treat, especially during spooky season.

1- Haribo

Iconic in every sense of the word. For my money, there is no candy — Halloween or otherwise — better than Haribo gummies. Whether it’s the more common Goldbears, the sour Goldbears, the varietal Starmix, the banger of all bangers [and my absolute #1 reach for any sweet in the world] Twin Snakes, or a few of their other choices, Haribo takes the top spot … and it’s not even close. The margin between first & second in my ranking is Grand Canyon cavernous. Haribo, you are by far the number one Halloween/everyday candy!