The Definitive Ranking of Best Halloween Candies

Last week we divulged the WORST Halloween candies...now for the good stuff. Many of these candies won’t surprise you—they’re fan favorites for a reason. But if you’re curious to see how your personal favorites rank, here’s CandyStore.com’s breakdown of the top Halloween candies of all time.

SORRY, SKITTLES: Before we dive into the top 10 best candies, we need to talk about a shocking change this year. Skittles, a long-time favorite, didn’t make the cut. Yes, you read that right.

The vibrant, fruity treat that ranked #5 last year has fallen completely off the list. It’s a surprising twist that will leave many candy lovers feeling a little bittersweet. Hopefully, Skittles can bounce back in the future, but for now, let’s get into the candies that made the top 10 this year.

#10 Nerds: After a brief hiatus, Nerds have reclaimed their spot in the top 10 for the first time since 2021. Their sweet, tangy, and crunchy charm makes them a crowd favorite once again. It’s a comeback worthy of celebration! Ranking change this year: New (again) to the list.

#9 Butterfinger: Butterfinger managed to climb up a notch from #10 to #9. Its crunchy, peanut-buttery core coated in chocolate still delights trick-or-treaters. While not everyone is sold on its unique texture, a bite-sized Butterfinger can be a sweet highlight in any candy haul. Ranking change this year: Up from #10.

#8 Twix: Twix continues to impress, moving up to #8 this year. Its irresistible combination of cookie, caramel, and chocolate has solidified its place as a Halloween favorite. The fun-sized versions are perfect for trick-or-treat bags, offering just the right balance of crunch and sweetness. Ranking change this year: Up from #9.

#7 Hershey Bars: The classic Hershey Bar, along with its Cookies ‘n’ Cream variant, holds steady at #7. Their timeless appeal and familiar taste make them a must-have in any Halloween candy lineup. Plus, the assorted mini versions provide a fun variety for chocolate lovers. Ranking change this year: Unchanged

#6 Kit Kat - Kit Kat was #8 last year. Kit Kat makes a sweet climb to #6. With its simple yet satisfying blend of chocolate and wafer, it’s a Halloween staple. The fun-sized bars offer just enough crunch to leave you craving more. No wonder it’s back on the rise this year! Ranking change this year: Up from #8

#5 Hot Tamales: Hot Tamales have cooled off slightly, dropping to #5. Their spicy cinnamon flavor may not be for everyone, but those who love a little heat in their candy keep them in high demand. They’re here to bring some fiery fun to Halloween. Ranking change this year: Down from #4.

#4 Sour Patch Kids: Climbing up to #4, Sour Patch Kids continue to charm candy lovers with their tart-to-sweet transformation. They bring a refreshing change to the usual Halloween candy scene, proving that the blend of sour and sweet is still a winner. Ranking change this year: Up from #6

#3 M&Ms: M&Ms took a slight tumble from #2 to #3 this year, but they’re still holding strong. These colorful chocolate gems remain a classic go-to, whether it’s the traditional milk chocolate, peanut, or one of the many flavor varieties. You can never go wrong finding a fun-sized packet of M&M’s in your trick-or-treat stash! Ranking change this year: Down from #2

#2 Snickers: Snickers climbed up a notch, securing the #2 spot this year. With its perfect blend of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate, it’s no surprise this candy bar continues to win over candy lovers. A fun-sized Snickers bar is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering that sweet and salty crunch that makes it a Halloween must-have. Ranking change this year: Up from #3

#1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Unshakeable at the top, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remain the reigning champion of Halloween candy. There’s just something magical about that rich, creamy peanut butter enveloped in smooth milk chocolate.

Year after year, they dominate the rankings, earning love from kids, adults, and everyone in between. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting the classic full-sized cups, miniatures, or the festive pumpkin-shaped ones; Reese’s consistently delivers that perfect balance of salty and sweet in every bite.

The magic of Reese’s goes beyond just taste—it’s also about nostalgia and the joy of trading candy with friends. Remember those childhood candy swaps? Reese’s was always the golden ticket, the piece you’d hoard or bargain for. It’s the candy that, when found in your Halloween haul, instantly feels like a victory.

Whether you’re team Mini, stand by the classic Full size, or go all out with King size – it’s all about that Reese’s love.

With their continued popularity, it’s clear: Reese’s isn’t just candy; it’s a Halloween legend. Here’s to the undisputed king of candies holding onto its crown for yet another year!