Every October, children in the Midland–Odessa region, much like those across America, enthusiastically participate in the tradition of trick-or-treating, exchanging cheers and costumes for bags filled with colorful and tasty treats.

While the nostalgic excitement of this activity remains enduring, an examination of the favored treats reveals evolving consumer preferences compared to previous decades.

In other words, kids love Halloween and the candy associated with it.

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Mai Nguyen via Unsplash
Mai Nguyen via Unsplash
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Candy Favorites of Yesteryear

Historically, in West Texas, where parents distributed candies from bulk bins, children primarily favored chocolate and other candies.

Chocolate was widely available and offered in many varieties, making it a natural favorite among kids.

In those earlier years, novelty flavors or seasonal shapes often dominated as favorites among kids.

Think wax lips, candy necklaces, or mounds of candy corn that seemed unique to Halloween.

Candy Favorites in Modern Times

In more modern times, as technology has advanced, there is a far greater variety of Halloween candy that kids can choose from.

Despite that, will it change kids' minds about what candy is the best?

A 1999 survey indicated that among children aged six to eleven, candy remained the most popular treat during Halloween, with approximately 80 percent of respondents selecting chocolate, non-chocolate candy, or gum as their top choice.

Read More: Pecan Versus Pumpkin Pie: Texas Sounds Off

Fast-forward to more recent years, and the assortment of treats tells a clear story: chocolate still reigns supreme.

According to a 2021 poll of 8- to 14-year-olds, almost three-quarters picked the beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups as their favorite Halloween candy, with M&M’s and Milky Way following close behind.

Meanwhile, non-chocolate options like gummy bears or sour candies still land in top lists, but they play second fiddle.

The so-called “alternative treats” have grown in popularity, but they don’t rival the classic chocolate bar in a child’s stash.

Either way, personally, I would take anything.  I love Halloween candy.

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