Battle of the Halloween Candy

And my winner is . . .

Photo by Bee Felten-Leidel on Unsplash

Happy Halloween! Spooky season is my absolute favorite time of year. The falling leaves, the crisp air, the pumpkins, and the decorations. Give me all the Gothic skulls and flickering candelabras and haunted paintings, please.

I’ve been thinking about my favorite, and least favorite, candy to eat during Halloween. As a kid, I passed on most chocolate candy, except for Nestle Crunch bars. Now, my tastes have changed.

Here are my votes for best and worst Halloween candy 2024.

Terrible: Whoppers.

Who decided chalk was a good flavor or texture to bite into? They’re advertised as “malted milk chocolate,” but really, they’re just a punishment to eat. Growing up, I gave all my Whoppers to my dad.

Yummy: Heath Bars

I hated Heath Bars as a kid. But now, I’ve become the parent my kid gives all her unwanted Heath Bars to. The circle of life! But seriously, the crunchy toffee and creamy chocolate are the perfect combination.

Gross: Tootsie Rolls

I want to like Tootsie Rolls. They were a staple at every summer parade I went to as a kid. And yet . . . the “chocolate” flavor and consistency just don’t do it for me. The fruit-flavored Tootsies are slightly better. (I read that soldiers in WWII were given Tootsie Rolls as a kind of early energy bar.)

Delicious: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

I once stumbled upon a TV show about the history of Reese’s peanut butter cups and found it fascinating. According to the lore, the peanuts were almost burned during the first roasts. But Mr. Reese, the inventor, loved that flavor so much he kept it.

The Absolute Worst: Milk Duds

I mean, it’s right there in the name. Milk Duds are, well, a dud. If you like keeping your teeth, this is a candy best avoided. My dad also got all of my unwanted Milk Duds. Thanks, Dad.

The Absolute Best: Candy Corn

I said what I said! They’re chewy, sweet, and pair beautifully with salty treats like pretzels or peanuts. And they fit the Halloween theme! A true winner for me.

Photo by Mary Jane Duford on Unsplash

What candies are on your nice and naughty list this Halloween?