Trick or Treat: Our Favorite Halloween Candy

From Twix, to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, to Jolly Ranchers, to Snickers, we’re celebrating the best Halloween candy.

From haunted houses, to theme parks, to over the top costumes, to horrifyingly real decorations, Halloween has taken on a life of its own. But when you’re a kid, it’s still all about the candy. It’s that excitement at the end of the night when you get home, unload your trick or treat bag and figure out what cool candy you got. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to find a house that gives out full size packages, while other times you get multiple pieces of your favorite. Frankly, as long as we don’t get something like candy corn or black licorice, most of us are happy. To get in the spirit of spooky season, we’re taking a look at Black folks’ favorite Halloween candy and why we’re obsessed with them.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Confederate Memorial Day Is A Holiday? Here Are 5 States That Celebrate

Snickers

Photo: Getty Images Chris Hondros

The classics are classics for a reason. There’s something undeniable about that perfect blend of nougat, caramel, peanuts and chocolate.

Kit Kat

Cookie wafers covered in chocolate will never disappoint. Plus, it’s always fun to take your time breaking off each piece and really savor those four bars.

M&Ms

Whether it’s peanut, caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mint, pretzl, peanut butter, or the seasonal pumpkin pie, you really can’t go wrong with M&M’s. There’s something for everyone.

Jolly Ranchers

Photo: Shutterstock George Sheldon

If you ask “What’s the best Jolly Rancher flavor?” in the wrong company, you will start a debate from which there is no escape. While watermelon tends to top a lot of lists, everyone has their favorite and they feel extremely strong about it. No other candy strikes this sort of passionate response.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

There will always be something magical about the way chocolate and peanut butter compliment each other. And Resse’s are the perfect format for that pairing.

Reese’s Pieces

If you love chocolate and peanut butter, but the texture of the Cups aren’t for you, Reese’s Pieces are a delicious alternative. Plus, you can usually make these last longer than the Cups.

Starburst

Photo: Shutterstock Sheila Fitzgerald

This is one we don’t have to argue about. Strawberry is hands down the best flavor of Starbursts. End of discussion. Also, be careful with those party mixes, because you may end up with piña colada.

Now and Later

An uninformed person might try to tell you that Now and Later, Jolly Ranchers and Starburst are interchangeable. Don’t believe them. While the flavor is stronger in Jolly Ranchers and Starbursts, Now and Laters are definitely sweeter, so it just depends on what you’re looking for.

Red Vines/Twizzlers

Yes, we know Red Vines and Twizzlers aren’t the same. However, it is a one or the other situation. If you’re a Red Vines person and you get Twizzlers in your trick or treat bag, it feels like the Halloween gods are playing in your face.

Hershey’s Chocolate Bar

Photo: Shutterstock mares90

When you don’t know what to hand out, you can’t go wrong with an old fashioned Hershey’s Chocolate Bar. And if you want to get creative, try the Special Dark, Cookies and Cream, Almond, or other specialty flavors.

Blow Pops

Photo: Shutterstock Keith Homan

The most popular lollipops are probably Blow Pops. The gum isn’t great, but their size makes them last longer than other lollipops. This is yet another candy where the flavor argument can get heated.

Gummy Bears/Worms

Photo: Getty Images Justin Sullivan

Gummy bears or gummy worms are definitely an acquired taste. As good as they are, the texture isn’t for everyone. Fair warning, if you live in a warm climate, keep these in the fridge. They don’t have a great shelf life in the heat.

Sour Patch Kids

Photo: Getty Images Michael M. Santiago

If you love Gummy Bears, but want that crazy hit of sour to ruin your taste buds for the rest of the day, Sour Patch Kids are your choice. Eating a bag of these is like going into battle with your tongue. How many will you eat before it taps out and says it’s done with the sourness.

Twix

Photo: Shutterstock Allmy

A cookie topped with caramel and chocolate is all you need in your candy life. The fact that you get two of these in a package makes it feel like you’re getting bonus candy. If you get a Twix in your Halloween bag, that’s a big win.

Skittles

As hard as it is to imagine, chocolate isn’t for everybody. Skittles are such a fruity, sweet treat, they’re one of the few candies you might consider setting aside to enjoy after Halloween.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

If You See These Missing Black Girls, Call For Help!

If You See These Missing Black Girls, Call For Help!

We’ve compiled a list of missing Black girls under the age of 18 who have disappeared across several states in America, and any details we know regarding each case. #Sayhername …
All You Need To Know About Winnie Mandela's Extraordinary and Turbulent Life

All You Need To Know About Winnie Mandela’s Extraordinary and Turbulent Life

In honor of women’s history month, we’re telling you all about the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the Mother of South Africa’s Nation …
The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous 'Lion King' Song Will Shock You

The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous ‘Lion King’ Song Will Shock You

Over 30 years later, fans are finally getting a clue about the famous ‘Circle of Life’ song from The Lion King. But it may not be what you think! …
All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin police are piecing together the motive behind Ndiaga Diagne, the Black man who killed three and injured 14 in a March 1 mass shooting …
Jess Hilarious Says 'The Breakfast Club' Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

Jess Hilarious Says ‘The Breakfast Club’ Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

‘The Breakfast Club’ co-host says that since the show moved from YouTube to Netflix, a lot of their long-time followers feel “neglected.” …
Why Bill Cosby's Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Why Bill Cosby’s Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Jury selection is currently taking place in relation to Bill Cosby’s latest sexual assault lawsuit. But he’s not going down without a fight! …
What's at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

What’s at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

With the stakes high for Jasmine Crockett, Al Green and other Black politicians, here’s everything you need to know about the March 6 midterm primary races …
Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever...

Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever…

One in three people from the U.S. to France to Canada believe WWIII is likely within the next five years. Here’s why …
Henrietta Lacks' Estate Scores This Major Win Decades After Her Cancer Cells Were Stolen

Henrietta Lacks’ Estate Scores This Major Win Decades After Her Cancer Cells Were Stolen

Just in time for Women’s History Month, the family of Henrietta Lacks scored another huge win in the decades-long fight for justice …
Why The 'Scary Movie 6' Trailer Has Black Fans Going Crazy

Why The ‘Scary Movie 6’ Trailer Has Black Fans Going Crazy

The Wayans Brothers are back with another, long-awaited iteration of ‘Scary Movie.’ And judging by fan reactions, this one looks like the best one yet! …
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: (L-R) Halle Berry and Angela Bassett attend the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

Don’t Call Me Auntie: Black Celebs Have Strong Feelings About This Term of Endearment

During the 2023 Oscars, Michael B. Jordan lovingly called Angela Bassett “Auntie,” but some people have a problem with it …
Influencer Explains Why Her Bladder Collapsed At The Gym

Influencer Explains Why Her Bladder Collapsed At The Gym

After lifting too heavy at the gym, one TikToker is telling her viewers about experiencing a bladder prolapse …
Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

14 years after Trayvon Martin was killed, these other Black men and women were also murdered in shocking similarity …
How Teyana Taylor's Daughter Stole the Entire Show at the 2026 Actor Awards

How Teyana Taylor’s Daughter Stole the Entire Show at the 2026 Actor Awards

While Teyana Taylor may have been the one nominated at the 2026 Actor Awards, her five-year-old daughter Rue was the one everyone kept their eyes on! …
The Real Reason This Black Candidate for Governor Could Receive Zero Black Votes in November

The Real Reason This Black Candidate for Governor Could Receive Zero Black Votes in November

It seems aligning himself with MAGA and Trump is costing Mich. Rep. John James crucial support from the Black community …
Everything You Were Never Told About the Enslaved Woman Who <i>Actually</i> Sparked the Salem Witch Trials

Everything You Were Never Told About the Enslaved Woman Who Actually Sparked the Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials began in March 1692 with a coerced confession— but the true story of the enslaved woman at the heart of it all is far more complex …
Don Lemon Slapped With Another Lawsuit as Minneapolis Churchgoer Claims His Protest Coverage Violated Her First Amendment Rights

Don Lemon Slapped With Another Lawsuit as Minneapolis Churchgoer Claims His Protest Coverage Violated Her First Amendment Rights

Ann Doucette alleged she was left with “severe emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and trauma” after Don Lemon and others covered a Minneapolis church protest …
All the Best Black Moments You Missed at the 2026 Actor Awards

All the Best Black Moments You Missed at the 2026 Actor Awards

There was a whole lot of Black excellence at the 2026 Actor Awards! In case you missed it, catch our breakdown …
Black Girls: Here's Why A $3.99 Trader Joe's Tote Could Be The Most Valuable Thing In Your Wardrobe

Black Girls: Here’s Why A $3.99 Trader Joe’s Tote Could Be The Most Valuable Thing In Your Wardrobe

A Black British writer observes a new fashion phenomenon across the pond: Trader Joe’s tote bags have become a coveted status symbol, echoing the appeal and exclusivity once held by the iconic Hermès Birkin bag …
You’ll Never Guess What 1990s Halle Berry Film Inspired Iman Shumpert to Invest in Uber

You’ll Never Guess What 1990s Halle Berry Film Inspired Iman Shumpert to Invest in Uber

Iman Shumpert opened up on ‘Club Shay Shay’ about how a ’90s Black film inspired him to invest early in Uber — and what he learned after cashing out too soon …