Official Ranking of Every State’s Favorite Candy
Halloween candy debates can split households faster than politics. Americans spend over $250 a year on sweets, and according to Google search data from Innerbody Labs (2025), our sugar loyalties vary wildly by state. Fruit flavors dominate this year, though chocolate still fights for relevance. Here’s a look at which candies won hearts across the country.
Kansas – Candy Corn
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Kansas picked Candy Corn as its top treat, which makes perfect sense for a corn-producing hub. The state ranks among the nation’s top 10 for corn output, so its residents may be celebrating their crop in candy form.
Colorado – Jolly Ranchers
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jolly Ranchers hold a special place in Colorado’s history. The candy was first created in Golden in 1949, which makes the state’s affection for it more like hometown loyalty than random preference. While many states went for chocolate, Coloradans stuck with their local legacy.
Louisiana – Sour Punch Straws
Credit: Reddit
Louisiana chose Sour Punch Straws, a candy that fits its sharp and lively flavor preferences. The state’s food culture leans toward bold seasoning and bright taste, and these sour ropes follow the same rule. Sweet at first and tart at the end, they suit Louisiana’s no-half-measures approach to flavor.
Vermont – Reese’s
Credit: Reddit
Vermont’s favorite is Reese’s, a classic mix of chocolate and peanut butter that never goes out of style. Despite having more candy stores per person than any other state, Vermonters stick with the familiar pairing that’s as dependable as their love for local ice cream and maple syrup.
Pennsylvania – Hershey’s Kisses
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Hershey Company began in Derry Township in 1894, and Hershey’s Kisses have been wrapped in silver foil there ever since. More than “favorite candy,” it is a cultural symbol. Every Kiss carries a piece of local heritage and a little bragging right for being the chocolate capital of America.
Georgia – Skittles
Credit: Reddit
In Georgia, Skittles top the charts, proving the Peach State appreciates a full color palette of sweetness. The candy’s mix of flavors—berry, citrus, and tropical—seems to match the Southern fondness for big flavor. While chocolate-heavy states stuck with tradition, Georgia went for pure variety.
Maine – Sour Patch Kids
Credit: Reddit
Maine went with Sour Patch Kids, a candy that flips from sour to sweet in seconds. It’s an oddly fitting pick for a state known for sudden shifts in weather. The brand also ranked first in eight other states, proving that Americans don’t mind a little sting with their sugar.
California – Sour Punch Straws
Credit: Reddit
Sour Punch Straws fit the state’s love for color and creativity. The candy is practically made for TikTok close-ups, and with flavors like blue raspberry and green apple, it’s on-brand for a state that loves an aesthetic.
Wisconsin – Starburst
Credit: Reddit
Wisconsin is America’s Starburst stronghold, and it’s easy to see why. The pink Starburst remains the crowd favorite, though local fans seem to support all four flavors with equal enthusiasm. Starburst actually claimed 13 states nationwide, the highest number of any candy this year.
Utah – Reese’s
Credit: Reddit
Reese’s took the top spot here, tying with Vermont and Wyoming. The mix of peanut butter and chocolate feels timeless, and Utahns seem to prefer balance over novelty. It’s a classic that continues to outperform flashy newcomers like Sour Punch Straws or Skittles.
Iowa – Starburst
Credit: Reddit
Iowa’s favorite candy is Starburst, matching the national move toward fruity flavors. The state also lists Reese’s and Sour Patch Kids among its top picks. Innerbody’s data shows Iowa as one of the most candy-loving states, with a mix of classic chocolate and sour fruit choices.
Texas – Sour Punch Straws
Credit: Reddit
Texas chose Sour Punch Straws, and it fits perfectly. The bright, sour flavors match the state’s bold taste and love for intensity. The candy’s sharp kick and colorful look suit a place that prefers strong flavors and big statements over anything plain or predictable.
Nebraska – Skittles
Credit: Reddit
Nebraska wears the candy crown this year. With Skittles leading the charge, the Cornhusker State ranked #1 for overall candy enthusiasm, according to Google search data. The state’s devotion to Skittles also aligns with its friendly rivalry with neighboring Iowa, both landing among the most candy-loving regions in the U.S.
New Mexico – Hot Tamales
Credit: Reddit
The cinnamon-flavored candy fits perfectly in a state where heat rules the cuisine. While 39 states ranked Hot Tamales near the bottom, New Mexico embraced the spice. It’s a fitting choice for a region famous for red and green chiles—proof that even candy preferences can have local flavor.
Alabama – Starburst
Credit: Reddit
Alabama sits proudly at the top, powered by its love for Starburst. The chewy fruit candy’s bright flavors clearly hit the sweet spot for the Heart of Dixie. Alabama’s choice also mirrors national sentiment: 13 states crowned Starburst their favorite.