Originally published by Candy Store.
Think all Halloween candies are a treat? Think again. We’re diving into 2024’s most debated candies—the ones that spark controversy among trick-or-treaters and candy enthusiasts alike. Get ready for this year’s definitive list of Halloween candy culprits.
The Definitive Ranking of Worst and Best Halloween Candies
Preferences change every year, and keeping up with the latest trends in Halloween candy can be a daunting task. Kids these days have tastes that might baffle grown-ups, and with the sheer variety of bulk candy options out there, it’s hard to know what will be a hit or miss in those treat bags.
Decision fatigue is real, especially with endless candy options online and in stores. We’re here to cut through the noise, helping you choose the most popular Halloween candy and avoid the duds with our data-driven guide. How did we do it? By going straight to the source. This year, we surveyed 10,000 customers from our online candy store to get their honest feedback. No guesswork, no mixed data from other lists—just the pure opinions of candy lovers across the board. With their input, we ranked the best and worst Halloween candies, giving you a clear roadmap to success when it comes to choosing your candy.
Ellie Kemper: “Tastes like medicine” …ouchReady to dive in? Here’s our ultimate ranking based entirely on this year’s survey results. And remember the opinions expressed here reflect the voices of candy enthusiasts everywhere—not just a single candy blog writer. Now, let’s get to it! Oh and please keep in mind, the opinions expressed here are not those of CandyStore.com. They are inferred from the data by a mere candy blog writer. Without further ado:
The 10 Worst Halloween Candies
#10 Worst. Good & Plenty ( was Tootsie Rolls)
Good & Plenty makes an unfortunate debut on the “worst” list this year, sneaking into the #10 spot. These pink-and-white licorice candies have been around for generations, but their divisive flavor is what likely earned them a spot on this year’s ranking. While some swear by the bold, anise-infused taste, most trick-or-treaters would rather find just about anything else in their Halloween candy haul. It’s not just the flavor that causes the issue; it’s also the texture. Those glossy candy shells crack open to reveal a chewy, licorice core that isn’t exactly kid-friendly.Ranking change this year: New to the list
#9 Worst. Bit-O-Honey
Firmly holding its ground at #9, Bit-O-Honey is still puzzling many candy enthusiasts. With its chewy texture and honey-almond flavor, it’s an acquired taste, to say the least. While some fans appreciate its vintage vibe, most modern trick-or-treaters prefer their sweets without the dental gymnastics. Bit-O-Honey remains a cautionary tale of a flavor combo that just doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot. Ranking change this year: no change.
#8 Worst. Smarties
Smarties managed to climb one spot out of infamy, moving from #7 to #8. Though less unpopular than before, they still carry that “dry and chalky” reputation. You’ll likely see these little disks of powdery sweetness in abundance, yet most will end up at the bottom of the treat bags, untouched and unloved. A small victory for Smarties, but they have a long way to go before they’re out of the Halloween doghouse. Ranking change this year: Down from #7
#7 Worst. Black Licorice
Black licorice has made an unfortunate ascent to #7 this year. Its strong, savory flavor continues to divide candy lovers. While Twizzlers live on as the fruity favorite, pure black licorice just can’t seem to keep up with the sugary delights kids are after. It’s hanging in there, but its polarizing taste keeps it firmly on the “trick” side of Halloween.Ranking change this year: Up from #9
to #6 Worst. Wax Coke Bottles
Still kinda hanging around at #5, was #6 in 2021Sliding slightly down to #6, Wax Coke Bottles are still hanging around in the worst list. These candy relics are more about the novelty than actual enjoyment. Sure, they were fun as kids, but most have since realized they’re chewing on wax for a small squirt of sugar water. Not exactly the treat you hope for in your Halloween haul.Ranking change this year: Down from #5
to #5 Worst. Mary Janes – was #6 last year
Mary Janes has inched up a spot to #5. After making a comeback on the candy scene, they seemed ready for a fresh start. But Halloween trick-or-treaters have spoken, and it’s clear that peanut butter and molasses just don’t evoke the excitement that other candies do. It’s a valiant effort, but Halloween might be looking for a bit more excitement than this classic candy offers. Ranking change this year: Up from #6
to #4 Worst. Necco Wafers
Alright, so these throwbacks had their drama moment a few years ago and dipped for a while, but guess what? They’re back in the game! Anyone remember the Necco Wafer Panic of 2018? Wild times. Necco Wafers took a step back from the podium of unpopular candies, moving from #3 to #4. While some enthusiasts welcomed their return, others still aren’t buying into the chalky texture and subtle flavors. They may not be the worst of the worst, but they’re certainly not winning over the masses. Ranking change this year: Down from #3
#3 Worst. Candy Corn
Candy Corn’s polarizing nature has kept it in the top tier of worst candies, yet it has slightly improved from #2 to #3. Some appreciate its sweet simplicity, while others dismiss it as pure sugar overload. Despite this divisive opinion, it’s clear that Candy Corn still has a place in the Halloween debate, love it or hate it. It’s obviously not for everybody. But I’m all about the candy corn. Don’t @ me, but if you’re not vibing with candy corn, just slide it my way. It’s pure sugary goodness – isn’t that what candy’s all about? Ranking change this year: Down from #2
#2 Worst. Peanut Butter Kisses
A surprising move up to #2, Peanut Butter Kisses has failed to capture the hearts of trick-or-treaters yet again. Often mistaken for Mary Janes due to their plain black and orange wrappers, they offer neither the charm of Reese’s nor the indulgence of other peanut butter candies. Seems like they’ll need more than a classic appeal to escape the worst list next year.Ranking change this year: Up from #4
to #1 Worst. Circus Peanuts
And here they are, once again reigning as the least-loved Halloween candy: Circus Peanuts. Despite some candies making bold moves up and down the rankings this year, Circus Peanuts held onto the #1 spot like a bad habit.
For many, it’s no surprise that these spongy, banana-flavored, oddly orange marshmallow treats remain at the bottom of the Halloween candy barrel. They’ve managed to outlast all contenders, continuing their legacy as the candy most people would rather not find in their trick-or-treat bag.
But what is it about Circus Peanuts that makes them so infamous? Some argue it’s the bizarre flavor—a strange cross between artificial banana and sugar overload.
Others point to the texture, which hovers somewhere between foam and stale marshmallow, leaving a lot to be desired. Then there’s the mystery: why do they look like peanuts when they taste like anything but? Circus Peanuts simply defy logic, and perhaps that’s part of the reason they remain so unpopular.
Despite their place as the worst Halloween candy year after year, Circus Peanuts has an undeniable nostalgic charm. For a select few, they’re a quirky reminder of a bygone era of sweets.
However, for the vast majority of trick-or-treaters, they’re the candy equivalent of a “trick” on Halloween night. They’ve held this notorious title for good reason, and it looks like their spot at the bottom isn’t changing anytime soon.
Ranking change this year: Unchanged
The 10 Best 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 our breakdown of the top Halloween candies of all time.
