What are the three most popular Halloween candies in Iowa? Not candy corn

Susan Stapleton
Des Moines Register
Find out which candies are most popular in each state.

Trick-or-treaters ― or in the Des Moines metro, beggars ― will be knocking on doors and begging for candy in less than 30 days, and in order to keep the kiddos happy with their loot, Candystore.com releases a list of favorite candies by state. That means, maybe toss out the candy corn and Sweethearts for something the costumed kids will like.

This year, Americans are expected to spend more than $3.1 billion on Halloween candy, up 5% over 2021, according to an annual National Retail Federation survey. Overall, 67% plan to hand out Halloween candy. Americans on average spend $100.45 per person on Halloween, from costumes and decorations to candy.

In Iowa, the candy of choice is M&M's, which ranked the most popular for Halloween, according to CandyStore.com's annual look at top candies. Iowans buy 65,779 pounds for Halloween. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups came in at No. 2 at 57,821 pounds, while Hershey's Mini Bars landed in third place, selling 51,729 pounds.

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Nationally, Reese's was No. 1, followed by Skittles, M&M's, Starburst, Hot Tamales, Sour Patch Kids, Hershey’s Kisses, Snickers, Tootsie Pops and candy corn.

Iowa's neighboring states have their own favorites. Missouri likes Starburst. Nebraska and Illinois prefer Sour Patch Kids. Minnesotans like to eat Hot Tamales. In Wisconsin, it’s Butterfingers. South Dakotans like Jolly Ranchers.

CandyStore.com uses 15 years of bulk candy sales data to compile its annual list.

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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on FacebookTwitter or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.