Halloween candy shopping may look similar across the country, but regional preferences tell a more interesting story. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remain America’s leading Halloween candy, according to DoorDash’s latest ordering data, yet shoppers in individual states have their own favorites. From Haribo gummy bears in Colorado to Laffy Taffy, Twizzlers and SweeTarts in other parts of the country, the findings reveal a colorful mix of chocolate, fruity and chewy treats. With dye-free candy options also entering the market in 2026, this year’s Halloween season could bring new choices for shoppers stocking up for trick-or-treaters.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Remain America’s National Halloween Favorite
When Halloween candy shopping begins, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups continue to hold a strong position among America’s favorite treats. According to DoorDash data reported by Axios in October 2026, Reese’s was the country’s leading Halloween candy for the third consecutive year, based on orders placed through the platform. The company analyzed purchases made in October 2025 to identify which candies were ordered more frequently in individual states than across the country overall. Reese’s stood out in 17 states, demonstrating its broad appeal even as regional preferences differed. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter gives the candy a familiar sweet-and-salty flavor that appeals to many shoppers. However, the findings need some context: DoorDash’s national ranking reflects overall order volume, while its state-level map identifies candies that are disproportionately popular in particular states. That distinction helps explain how Reese’s can lead nationally while other sweets capture attention in specific regions.
Chocolate Candy Continues to Dominate Halloween Orders
Despite the growing variety of sweets available to Halloween shoppers, chocolate remains a major force in America’s candy preferences. DoorDash’s 2026 Halloween report found that chocolate accounted for four of the five most-ordered candies nationally. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups led the rankings, while other familiar chocolate favorites continued to attract shoppers preparing for Halloween. Chocolate’s popularity comes from its versatility, with products ranging from individually wrapped bars to peanut butter cups and candy-coated pieces. These options are also convenient for handing out to trick-or-treaters because they are easy to portion and distribute. Still, the national picture does not tell the whole story. DoorDash’s state-by-state analysis revealed strong interest in fruity, sour and chewy alternatives, suggesting that shoppers do not always follow the same preferences as the national rankings. The data reflects purchases made through DoorDash in October 2025, so it provides a snapshot of ordering behavior rather than a complete account of every candy sold in the United States.
Sour Patch Kids and SweeTarts Appeal to Fans of Tangy Candy
Sweetness is not the only flavor shoppers seek when filling their Halloween candy bowls. Sour and fruity candies have become an important part of the seasonal mix, and DoorDash’s findings highlight several brands that stand out in particular states. SweeTarts was especially popular across four Southwestern states, including Idaho and Oklahoma, according to the company’s regional breakdown. Sour Patch Kids also appeared among the notable alternatives to chocolate, combining a sour coating with a sweet, chewy center. These candies offer a different experience from traditional chocolate treats and appeal to people who prefer sharper fruit flavors. DoorDash also reported that older candies such as Lemonheads and Circus Peanuts experienced a notable increase in orders in October 2025, with purchases at least three times higher than the previous year. That rise suggests renewed interest in familiar sweets, although the report does not establish why shoppers ordered them more frequently. Together, these findings show that Halloween candy preferences extend well beyond chocolate, with tangy flavors and nostalgic treats adding variety to the seasonal choices.
Haribo Gummy Bears Stand Out as Colorado’s Unique Favorite
Colorado’s Halloween candy preferences offer a reminder that regional tastes can look quite different from national trends. DoorDash identified Haribo as the state’s standout candy in its 2026 Halloween analysis, based on ordering patterns from October 2025. Haribo is widely known for its gummy bears, which have a firm, chewy texture and a range of fruit flavors. Gummy candies can be an appealing alternative for shoppers who want something other than chocolate, and their small sizes make them easy to include in Halloween assortments. The company’s state-level method is important here: it measured which candies were ordered at a higher rate in a particular state than across the country, rather than simply identifying the candy with the highest total sales in that state. Haribo’s position therefore signals a distinctive regional preference within DoorDash’s data, not proof that every Colorado shopper prefers gummy bears. The finding also fits the wider pattern in the report, which shows that fruity and chewy candies continue to compete with traditional chocolate favorites during Halloween.
Regional Favorites Include Twizzlers, Laffy Taffy and Sweet Smiles Candy
Halloween candy choices become more varied when the national rankings give way to state-by-state preferences. DoorDash found that Sweet Smiles, a Dollar General candy brand offering an assortment of sweets, stood out across seven Southern states, including Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee. Laffy Taffy was the standout in five states, including Iowa and Wisconsin, while Twizzlers was particularly popular in Missouri and Wyoming. Airheads also stood out in Florida and Texas. These findings highlight the range of candies shoppers choose beyond the familiar national leaders. Sweet Smiles offers a variety of candy types, while Laffy Taffy and Airheads appeal to fans of chewy, fruity sweets. Twizzlers provides a recognizable licorice-style option. However, the results should not be interpreted as a definitive list of each state’s best-selling candy. DoorDash compared the share of orders for each candy in a state with its ordering rate across the country, so the results reveal relative preferences on its platform. They offer an interesting look at regional tastes without representing every retailer or candy purchase.
