The Worst Halloween Candy: A Guide to Avoiding Trick-or-Treat Fails
Halloween is a magical time filled with fun costumes, spooky decorations, and—of course—candy! But not all Halloween treats are created equal. Just like how some lawns thrive with the right care, some candies are a hit with trick-or-treaters, while others can be... well, a little disappointing.
As a company dedicated to making things better for the community (whether it's your lawn or your Halloween treats!), we’re here to help you avoid the candy pitfalls this year. Here’s our list of the worst Halloween candies to steer clear of when stocking up for trick-or-treaters.
1. Candy Corn
We know, we know. Candy corn is a Halloween classic. But ask any kid (or adult), and you’ll often hear a groan when they find this waxy, tri-colored treat in their bag. While some people love it, most kids find it sticky, overly sweet, and more of a decoration than a snack. If you must serve it, maybe try it as part of a decorative candy bowl instead.
2. Circus Peanuts
These orange, banana-flavored marshmallow treats are infamous for being one of the least-liked candies out there. With their weird texture and odd taste, circus peanuts often get tossed to the side. Trust us—kids would much rather have something chocolatey or sour than these spongy snacks.
3. Necco Wafers
Necco Wafers are the definition of "retro" candy, but not in a good way. These chalky, brittle disks are often compared to eating flavored paper. While some people might have a nostalgic soft spot for them, today’s trick-or-treaters are likely to find Necco Wafers a major letdown.
4. Black Licorice
Licorice may have some fans, but black licorice is widely disliked among kids and many adults alike. Its strong, bitter flavor makes it a candy that most trick-or-treaters would rather toss than eat. If you're a licorice lover, save it for yourself—chances are, it's not going to be a hit in the neighborhood.
5. Generic Hard Candy
Those unwrapped, no-name hard candies that seem to show up in the bottom of every Halloween bowl? Yeah, those aren’t anyone’s favorite. They often look unappetizing and can be a choking hazard for little ones. Stick to name-brand options like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers if you want to offer hard candy.
6. Peanut Butter Kisses
You know the ones—they come wrapped in orange and black wax paper and have been lurking in Halloween candy bowls for decades. While they have a peanut butter flavor, the consistency is more like taffy, and they can stick to your teeth for what feels like forever. Most trick-or-treaters will trade these away in a heartbeat.
7. Wax Lips
Wax lips are a novelty candy that’s more about looks than taste. While they’re fun for a few minutes, kids quickly realize that biting into them is like chewing on a candle. They don’t taste great, and they’re not even really candy! If you want to give out something fun, there are better options, like spooky-themed chocolates or gummy candies.
8. Tootsie Rolls (Especially the Fruity Ones)
While some kids might enjoy the chocolate-flavored Tootsie Rolls, the fruity varieties are usually the first to be traded away or left in the bottom of the candy bag. The texture is chewy to the point of being tough, and the flavor is... well, let’s just say it’s not as good as it sounds.
9. Bit-O-Honey
Bit-O-Honey is another candy that just doesn’t stand the test of time. With its overly chewy texture and mild honey flavor, it’s not something most kids look forward to. Plus, it’s notorious for sticking to teeth and can be difficult to eat, making it one of the more dreaded candies in the trick-or-treat lineup.
10. Mary Jane
This old-fashioned candy might be a hit with older generations, but today’s trick-or-treaters aren’t big fans of its tough, chewy texture and peanut butter-molasses flavor. It’s also not easy for younger kids to eat and is often traded away or left untouched.
Bonus: The Unwanted Treats
Let’s be honest—no kid wants to find toothbrushes, pennies, or boxes of raisins in their trick-or-treat bag. While they might be well-intentioned, they aren’t exactly what the kids are hoping for on Halloween night. Stick with real candy to keep the spooky fun going!
Tips for a Treat-Filled Halloween
Now that you know what not to hand out, here are a few tips to make sure your Halloween is a sweet success:
Stick with the classics: Chocolate bars, gummy candies, and anything sour tend to be big hits with trick-or-treaters.
Offer variety: Make sure to have a mix of candy types so there’s something for everyone.
Allergy-friendly options: Consider having some peanut-free, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly candies on hand for kids with food sensitivities.