NEW YORK — As kids get ready for another Halloween night of costumes, candy, and fun memories, many adults say they simply don’t have the money to celebrate this year. In a poll of 1,000 Americans, a staggering 52 percent say they won’t be handing out Halloween candy to young trick-or-treaters.
Out of these Americans, one in four blame inflation for spoiling this year’s festivities (24%). That shouldn’t come as much of a Halloween shocker, since inflation rose to a 40-year high earlier in 2022.
Previous studies have found that three in four Americans feel inflation interfered with their 2022 financial goals. Six in 10 small businesses also fear that the ongoing cost of living crisis will ruin them.
Another 23 percent said they didn’t celebrate Halloween, leading them to not hand out candy. Meanwhile, just 12 percent say health and safety concerns related to the pandemic are still keeping them from avoiding trick-or-treaters this year.
For those still planning to hand out candy this year (48%), the average American buys two bags of candy and spends around $23 on the treats. Despite buying candy to give to costumed kids, one in three admit they eat a lot of it themselves.
Nerds: America’s favorite candy?
Interestingly, chocolate is NOT the most popular treat people look for each Halloween. It turns out more Americans search for Nerds! The candy is the most searched-for treat in seven states, including in California, Missouri, and New Hampshire.
When it comes to taste, however, it’s safe to say nothing tops a chocolatey treat. According to the poll, the top five candies Americans love to snack on are Reese’s, Kit Kat bars, M&M’s, Twix, and the Butterfinger candy bar.
If you’re looking to scare away all your guests this Halloween, put out a bowl of candy corn! The controversial treat takes the top spot as America’s most hated Halloween candy. One in three people say they absolutely hate candy corn, while 22 percent love it. As for other unpopular candies, Hot Tamales, Dots, caramel apple suckers, Mike and Ike round out the top five.
Your favorite candy may depend on where you live
The survey also found that people’s tastebuds tend to differ depending on where they live. Although candy corn is the most unpopular candy overall, it’s still the most popular treat in six states, including Oregon, Idaho, and Utah.
It’s the same story in the Upper Midwest, where caramel apple suckers are the go-to candy in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In the South, residents in Alabama and Louisiana love their Hot Tamales.
As for which candies will send you to the dentist after Halloween, the researchers at Byte say caramels, taffy, hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, coated candies like Hot Tamales, and toffee are the worst things for your teeth.
If you’re looking to avoid a cavity, the team suggests sticking with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and sugar-free gum.
