Greetings fellow Halloween fiends, tis the season for another dive down the history of Halloween. This time we’re rewinding through the decades and exploring the most popular Halloween candies from each decade. We can start this deep dive as far back as we’d like, but for the sake of our candy-loving readers, we’ll begin our journey in the 80s! Before we start, we’d like to acknowledge that there is an endless selection of candies we could choose from each decade. However, we had to narrow our selection down to the most popular candies during the Halloween season from each respective decade.
So without further ado, here is our timeline of the most popular Halloween candies throughout the decades...
80s: Runts
The 80s was a major decade for wild hairstyles, crisp pant suits, giant portable phones, and of course, delicious candy! It seemed like there was a new candy brand coming out every day! Candy lovers of all ages could go out to the shops and see a great selection of new candies that they could indulge in and be sure to love after the first bite! Released in 1982, Runts candy quickly became the hottest candy favour to hand out on Halloween night!
Kids were running around the block hoping to get a box of these fruity goodies to enjoy when the festive evening came to a close. If you happened to score a box of Runts, then you’d pretty much be the envy of all your friends. Kids couldn't resist these tiny treats that allowed them to experience the taste of bananas, cherries, oranges, strawberries, and grapes in one go.
It's safe to say that the 80s wouldn't have been the same without these fruity gems, making Runts a memorable part of Halloween nostalgic candy.
90s: Pop Rocks
The 90s was all about standing out and making a statement, whether it was through the clothes you wore or the music you listened to, people were open to exploring their individuality! When it came to candy, one sweet treat stood out among the rest, and that candy was Pop Rocks!
These bright pink candy sparklers were a hot commodity back in the 90s, and if you happened to score a pack of these during a night of trick or treating, you’d feel like a big shot! You could never enjoy just one taste at a time, you’d have to dump a handful and experience the popping sensation all at once. Once you got a taste, you couldn’t resist going back for seconds and thirds and fourths and fifths (okay, you get the point).
Pop Rocks candy may be known as retro candy now, but back then, they were the hottest thing on the block! When November 1st rolled around, kids couldn’t wait to show up to school the next day with these sweet rocks popping and cracking in their mouths!
00s: Candy Corn
Whether or not you’re a fan of Candy Corn, you have to admit that these sweet triangular-shaped treats have become synonymous with the season of Halloween. You could hardly escape the sweet treat from appearing in grocery stores, Halloween parties, or trick-or-treating bowls across the neighbourhood as Evanescence’s Bring Me To Life played faintly in the background.
Some cherished its sweet, slightly honey-like taste, while others couldn't resist the fun of stacking them into tiny candy corn towers. Candy Corn's popularity during this era wasn't just about its flavor; it was about the nostalgia and tradition that had been attached to the treat since its release in 1880. Halloween gatherings and harvest festivals wouldn't be complete without this classic candy. They became a symbol of the season, reminding everyone of the joyous, spooky festivities that only Halloween could bring.
10s: Snickers
Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign sent this classic chocolate bar into stratospheric popularity. Launched in 2010 during the Super Bowl, this iconic campaign reignited the interest and sweet tooths of candy lovers all over the nation!
As a result, there were plenty of Snickers bars being distributed to trick or treaters during the 2010s. They might’ve been mini versions of the chocolate bars, but they still hit the same! Outside its successful campaign, what made Snickers so special was its impeccable balance of flavors and textures - from the creamy nougat to the gooey caramel, all wrapped in a cloak of rich milk chocolate and studded with crunchy peanuts.
It was the candy bar that knew how to satisfy cravings like no other. Whether you were on a hiking adventure, hanging out with friends, or simply in need of a sweet pick-me-up, Snickers was there to save the day. Its versatility made it a fan favorite, a classic candy that could seamlessly transition from a midday snack to the ultimate comfort food during movie nights.
20s: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
If you’re unfamiliar with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then you’ve clearly been living under a rock. But if you’re reading this blog it’s highly likely you’re very familiar with these sweet and savoury treats that have been dominating the confectionary industry since their release in 1928.
These classic candy bites, with their perfect union of creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate, have become an iconic symbol of the spooky season. Trick-or-treaters eagerly anticipate finding these orange and black-wrapped treasures in their candy bags, while Halloween enthusiasts creatively incorporate them into recipes like peanut butter cup-studded brownies and ghostly graveyard cakes.
The popularity of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups during this decade is a testament to their irresistible taste and adaptability. They're not just candies; they're the essence of Halloween sweetness, making every October 31st a truly peanut-buttery, chocolatey adventure!
There you have it, a satisfying journey through the last 5 decades of candy delight! Did we mention your favourite Halloween candy from your childhood decade? What was your fav Halloween candy from these decades?