If you’ve ever been to a grocery store in October, you know first hand how big the candy section can be. For some people, that can be very intimidating. They fear buying the “wrong” type of candy and being shunned by the local neighborhood children. On Halloween night, kids can be very picky as to which candies they like to receive. If you ask any one of them, they will provide you a (very detailed) list of which houses to avoid, and which to hit up first, depending on the candy (or other unwelcome treats) they hand out. But don’t worry! We have compiled a list of candies that you can’t go wrong with, along with a list of ones you probably shouldn’t even consider buying. So if you are one of those people whose hearts begin to race at the thought of purchasing Halloween candy, keep reading and hopefully, your fear will melt away.

BEST CANDIES

1.   Reese’s   

Did you know Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were originally handmade? (Popsugar.com) Unless you are allergic to peanuts, you probably look forward to receiving Reese’s on Halloween. Dimi Buckley, a sophomore, said, “I like Reese’s because the middle’s are so creamy”. The chocolate outside and the peanut butter middle is a recipe so good, no one has been able to duplicate it

2. Sour Patch Kids

Did you know that Sour Patch Kids were made in the 1970’s and were originally named Sour Group Kids, were renamed Mars Men in 1985, and then the name we know and love? (thedailymail.com) Most houses have large selection of chocolate flavored treats on Halloween. But if you prefer fruity candies, I’m sure you are familiar with the classic Sour Patch Kids. No matter where you live, there will always be houses that hand out this delicious treat. “I like sour patch kids because they are my favorite, they have a sour outside and a sweet inside.” said Avery Delphy, a freshman at THS.

3. Junior Mints

Did you know that Junior Mints are produced by the same company that makes Tootsie Rolls? (Wikepedia.com) Mr. Eggleston, a teacher at Tahoma High School said, “Junior Mints are an amazing candy when you stick them in the freezer and you have frozen Junior Mints. That’s when they’re the best. I like that the movie theaters actually are freezing them now, and you can buy them frozen.” Junior Mints are different than most candies you receive on Halloween. They have a refreshing minty middle that fits perfectly with the chocolate shell on the outside.

4. Kit Kats

Did you know Japan has more than 200 flavors of Kit Kats? (Mentalfloss.com) Whether you eat your Kit Kats one stick at a time, take a giant bite, or eat it Kourtney Kardashian style, everyone enjoys finding a Kit Kat in their trick-or-treat bag. Hailey Klemo – a freshman a THS –  said, “I really enjoy the crunch and the smooth chocolate on the outside; It’s like you’re eating two candies in one.”

5. Twix

Did you know that twix was originally in Europe and the candy was called Raider? It was then called Twix based off the word twin bix. Bix is an english term for biscuit. (Wikepedia) Nolan Peters told us about his love for the left Twix, “I just love the way at the same time it crunches, its nice and pliable. It’s pliable yet crunchy, and for that I just love my Twix.” Between the crunchy cookie, gooey caramel and the chocolate outside, you really can’t go wrong. There’s a reason why it’s been a fan favorite since 1967.

WORST CANDIES

1. Candy Corn

Did you know that candy corn is one of the “better-for-you” candies of the Halloween season” (Better Homes & Gardens) Candy corn is notorious for being hated among all ages. While there may be a small portion of the population who enjoys it, most kids send a glare of disgust it’s way on Halloween. “I just think it’s gross, it tastes like wax” said Jazmin Devore, a sophomore at Tahoma High School.

2. Twizzlers

Did you know that Twizzlers are actually approved as a vegan candy, and do not contain gelatin or other animal products? (Wikipedia) You either love or hate Twizzlers, but even the people who love them agree that the fun sized ones you receive on Halloween are terrible. Isaiah Oto, a Junior, said, “Twizzlers aren’t desirable in any way; taste shape or texture”. These candies definitely deserve a spot on the worst list.

3. Lollipops

Did you know that when lollipops were first created, they were “a soft, rather than hard, candy”? (Groovy Candies). The idea started as a way to easier eat candy. Everyone has felt the disappointment of dumping out their trick-or-treat bag and finding that about 8% of their candy is compiled of lollipops. Don’t get us wrong, lollipops can be amazing. But for some reason, the ones you get on Halloween always go uneaten. Maybe it’s because kids reach for Reese’s and Sour Patch Kids first, or maybe it’s because they are $10 for a 5 lbs bag on Amazon (which, we don’t know, seems a little unsettling. If it’s cheap, it’s never good). Either way, lollipops aren’t a fan favorite.

4. Whoppers

Whoppers were originally called Giants, until the producers merged with three other companies and reinvented the candy. (candyfavorites.com) Serena Hittman, a senior at THS said, “I don’t like Whoppers because I don’t like the crunch on the inside”. We agree with you Serena, and so do most of the kids on Halloween. Combining the chocolatey outside with the ashy, crumbly center wasn’t one of Hershey’s better ideas.

5. Smarties

Did you know that Smarties are gluten free, nut free, dairy free and both vegan and vegetarian? (onegreenplanet.org) “I’ve just never really liked smarties. There isn’t any chocolate, and I love chocolate, so I just don’t eat them,” stated Emily Hilverda, a freshman at THS. Smarties are similar to M&M’s – there are many different colors and some people claim to taste different flavors – but they all seem the same to the rest of the world. Guess you’ll have to make the choice for yourself.

We hope that our list has calmed your Halloween candy stress, and will help you secure a good rating from trick-or-treaters. Whether you agree with our favorites or not, we guarantee that the neighborhood kids will love your choices.