24 Halloween Candy Types Everyone Hates (But Still Eats)
Halloween brings out the kid in everyone, but let’s be honest — some candies are less than thrilling. Yet, we munch on these sweet treats yearly, even if they’re not our favorites. What’s up with that?
There are several candy types that everyone hates but still eats. This could be due to bad taste, weird flavors, too much sugar, or a sour aftertaste.
From USA Today to the Candy Store, we’ve scoured the internet looking for the Halloween candies everyone loves to hate but can’t seem to resist. Are any of these candies one of your guilty pleasures?
Candy Corn
Candy corn is the poster child for divisive Halloween treats. It’s sugary, waxy, and often criticized for its artificial taste. Yet, people buy millions of pounds of it every year. Why? Nostalgia plays a big role. Even if you don’t love it, you probably have a memory tied to it that makes you reach for one more piece.
Many find the taste unappealing, but it remains a staple because it’s so deeply embedded in the Halloween tradition. Love it or hate it, candy corn is a treat that’s hard to ignore during the spooky season.
Tootsie Rolls
Tootsie Rolls are like the distant cousin you only see once a year. You talk to them, trying to catch up, but the conversation is never as good as you think it will be.
These candies are chewy and chocolatey but somehow just don’t hit the spot. Despite that, they’re always there in the candy bowl. People keep eating them because they’re familiar, reliable, and a safe bet in a sea of experimental candies. The consistency is oddly satisfying, even if the flavor is nothing to write home about.
Necco Wafers
This is another candy that sparks controversy. They’re chalky and come in flavors that range from forgettable to downright strange. But these wafers have been around since the 19th century. Their long history keeps them in circulation. It’s like eating a piece of candy history, even if it doesn’t taste great.
Still, they persist, mainly because of their long-standing place in the candy world. This makes them a nostalgic, if not particularly delicious, option.
Smarties
Smarties are the epitome of “meh” candy. They’re tart, powdery, and often the last candy left in the bowl. So why do we keep eating them? Part of it is their sheer availability.
They’re handed out in droves during Halloween, and when you’ve exhausted your chocolate stash, Smarties are there to fill the gap. Plus, they’re a quick sugar fix when you need it most.
Circus Peanuts
These oddly shaped marshmallow candies are a Halloween mystery. They’re banana-flavored, even though they look like peanuts. Their texture is off-putting to many. And still, they have a loyal fan base that keeps them around.
Perhaps it’s the weirdness that makes them irresistible. There’s something oddly satisfying about their spongy texture, even if the flavor is far from universally loved.
Black Licorice
Black licorice is a love-it-or-hate-it candy, and more often than not, it’s the latter. Its strong, anise flavor is polarizing, to say the least. But for those who love it, black licorice is a treat they look forward to every Halloween. This is despite the fact that everyone else avoids it like the plague. It’s a candy that stands out in a crowd, even if it’s for all the wrong reasons.
Black licorice makes the list because its strong, medicinal flavor is a major turnoff for most people. The intense taste is something only a few can appreciate, making it a candy that’s often left untouched.
Good & Plenty
This is another licorice-based candy that divides opinion. The pink and white capsules look appealing, but once you pop one in your mouth, the licorice taste takes over.
Yet, these candies continue to be popular. Why? Because of their unique aesthetic and the fact that they’re not just pure sugar. But, for those who do enjoy licorice, it’s a rare Halloween find that they’re more than happy to eat.
Bit-O-Honey
Bit-O-Honey is a candy that’s been around for decades. Its chewy texture and honey flavor don’t appeal to everyone, but it has a dedicated following that appreciates its old-fashioned charm.
It’s a candy that evokes memories of simpler times, which might explain why it’s still around. The honey flavor is subtle. This is something some find refreshing compared to other overpowering candies.
Mary Janes
Mary Janes are peanut butter and molasses candy that have been around since the early 1900s. They’re sticky, hard to chew, and have a flavor that’s a bit too old-fashioned for some.
But for others, they’re a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of Halloween’s long past. The combination of flavors is unique, but not everyone appreciates the molasses undertone.
Peanut Butter Kisses
These candies come wrapped in orange and black wax paper, making them a Halloween staple. But their sticky, taffy-like texture and generic peanut butter flavor often leave much to be desired.
Still, they’re one of those candies that everyone ends up eating. This is because they’re so closely associated with the holiday. The wax paper wrapping adds to their nostalgic appeal, even if the candy itself isn’t a crowd-pleaser.
Whoppers
Whoppers are malted milk balls that have a crunchy texture and a flavor that’s not for everyone. They’re often described as tasting “stale,” but for those who love malt, they’re a must-have.
Even if you’re not a fan, they’re a candy that’s easy to eat mindlessly. You can do this while watching a Halloween movie marathon. The crisp, airy texture is unique, but the malt flavor can be polarizing.
Milk Duds
Milk Duds are another candy that people love to hate. They’re chocolate-covered caramels that are so sticky they can pull out a filling.
Yet, they have a loyal following because of their rich, creamy flavor. They’re a candy that’s more trouble than it’s worth, but somehow, you can’t stop eating them. The combination of chocolate and caramel is classic, even if the texture is challenging.
Jujubes
These small, colorful candies are almost impossible to chew. They’re hard, stick to your teeth, and have a flavor that’s often described as medicinal.
But there’s something about them that keeps people coming back. Maybe it’s the challenge of trying to eat them. Or, it’s the fact that they’re one of the few non-chocolate candies that make you feel like you’re getting a workout.
Almond Joy
Almond Joy candy bars have a coconut and almond combination that not everyone enjoys. The mix of textures and the distinct coconut flavor can be off-putting. This is especially for those who aren’t coconut fans.
But, since it’s in Halloween candy assortments, it often gets eaten anyway. This is either for the chocolate coating or the nutty crunch.
Mounds
Mounds are like Almond Joy but without the almonds. It’s a candy made with coconut that people either love or dislike. The dark chocolate on the outside doesn’t taste good to those who prefer milk chocolate.
Some say the coconut inside is dry. Still, Mounds are often found in Halloween candy bags and eaten by those who don’t have many other choices.
Now and Later
Now and Later candies have an extreme chewiness. They’re so tough that eating them feels like a workout for your jaw. The flavors are often artificial and overly sweet, which doesn’t help their case.
Still, they’re a nostalgic candy that people continue to eat. It can be just for the challenge of getting through one.
Raisinets
Raisinets are chocolate-covered raisins that people have mixed feelings about. The chewy raisin inside doesn’t always pair well with the smooth chocolate, making it a candy many people avoid.
Although raisins and chocolate aren’t everyone’s favorite, some still eat this classic candy. They’re often seen as a slightly healthier option compared to other candies, which is why they still find their way into Halloween treat bags.
Dots
These are small, colorful gumdrop candies that are often sticky and hard to chew. Their fruity flavors can taste artificial and sweet, which doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Despite their flaws, Dots remain a common Halloween treat, and many people eat them anyway. Why? Because they’re colorful and fun, even if they aren’t the most enjoyable candy out there.
Hot Tamales
Hot Tamales are cinnamon-flavored candies that pack a spicy punch. The intense flavor can be too much for some, making them a less popular choice.
Yet, their boldness and the challenge of handling the heat make them a candy that people still reach for. This is especially true for those who enjoy something with a bit of a kick.
Laffy Taffy
This candy has a chewy texture, which can be tough on the teeth. The flavors are often very sweet and sometimes taste artificial, which not everyone likes.
Despite these issues, Laffy Taffy is still popular because of the jokes on the wrapper. Kids especially enjoy the fun packaging, even if the candy itself isn’t a favorite.
Wax Bottles (Nik-L-Nips)
Wax Bottles, also called Nik-L-Nips, are small candy bottles filled with sweet liquid. The wax is chewy and not very tasty, but kids still bite off the tops to drink the sugary juice inside.
Even though the wax isn’t meant to be eaten, some kids try it anyway. The fun of sipping the liquid makes them popular, even if the overall experience isn’t great.
Butterscotch Discs
Not every candy is a kid’s favorite, and some treats end up at the bottom of the bowl. These hard, golden discs have a rich, buttery flavor that’s a bit too old-fashioned for many. Kids often pass them by, reaching for sweeter options instead.
But when all the other candies are gone, they finally get their turn. Older generations, however, love their classic taste, as it reminds them of days gone by.
Chick-O-Stick
Craving something crunchy and sweet? This candy mixes peanut butter and toasted coconut for a unique flavor. Not everyone loves the taste, and it can be a bit dry, but those who do can’t wait for their next bite.
It might not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s a treat for those who enjoy this special combination.
Dum-Dums
Small and colorful, these lollipops come in a variety of flavors. Some people love them, while others find them too sweet with an odd aftertaste. Because of this, they might not be as popular as other candies.
Still, you’ll often see Dum-Dums around Halloween. They’re easy to hand out and don’t stick to your teeth, even if they’re not the most exciting choice.
