Candy Corn still Utah’s favorite Halloween candy, despite ranking as nation’s worst
People get really fired up about the candy they don't like. This year 3,200 CandyStore.com customers voted on the worst and the best.
According to CandyStore.com’s 2026 ranking of the most popular Halloween candies by state, candy corn remains Utah’s No. 1 choice, followed by Tootsie Pops and M&M’s. The rankings are based on 18 years of actual candy sales, offering a look at which treats shoppers purchase most during the Halloween season.
The annual state-by-state rankings reveal that candy preferences vary considerably across the country. Twelve states have a new favorite candy this year, while M&M’s remains the top Halloween candy nationally. Sour Patch Kids ties M&M’s for the most state-level victories.
The rankings also show the growing popularity of newer candy varieties. NERDS Gummy Clusters entered the national top 10 for the first time, landing at No. 5 in the overall popularity rankings.
Candy corn’s standing in Utah is particularly interesting because the traditional fall candy also topped CandyStore.com’s list of the worst Halloween candies for 2026.
The company gathered votes from 3,200 customers to determine the best and worst Halloween candies. While candy corn took the top spot on the worst list, Snickers earned the title of best Halloween candy.
NERDS Gummy Clusters made an impressive debut on the best-candy list, coming in at No. 3. Almond Joy also appeared on the worst-candy list for the first time.
The contrasting results illustrate the difference between what people buy and what they say they enjoy. Candy corn may remain a popular purchase in Utah, but its reputation among candy critics is considerably less favorable.
For Halloween shoppers preparing for trick-or-treaters, the findings offer a few ideas for filling candy bowls. M&M’s and Snickers have strong national appeal, while Tootsie Pops and candy corn remain popular choices in Utah.
Of course, Halloween candy rankings are unlikely to settle the debate over which treats deserve a place in the candy bowl. Some people look forward to the seasonal appearance of candy corn each fall, while others are happy to leave it behind. And with newer varieties such as NERDS Gummy Clusters climbing the rankings, candy preferences continue to evolve.
For a closer look at Utah’s rankings and the top three Halloween candies in each state, visit CandyStore.com’s 2026 Halloween candy map. The company’s best and worst Halloween candy rankings provide additional details on the customer survey.
Whether candy corn is a Halloween tradition or a treat best left unopened, Utah shoppers appear to have made their choice — at least when it comes to what they buy.
