Surprise Pick! What’s the Favorite Candy of New Jerseyans?

What's your preferred candy when you swing by the convenience store or settle in for a movie at the theater? Take a moment to think about it—no rush. Got it? For me, it's Milk Duds at the movies and Starbursts at the store. 

Actually, I'm up for candy anytime, but come October, the candy scene shifts gears thanks to Halloween. It's a month overflowing with candy delights. 

Ever wondered what candies are a hit in New Jersey and beyond? Well, the sweet team at Candystore.com has been on it for over 16 years!

Before we uncover what claims the top spot in New Jersey (a bit surprising), let's explore the overall top 10 candies and the states where each one stands as the undisputed favorite:

1. Reese's Cups: Tops the list in Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.
2. M&M's: Dominates in California, Kansas, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and D.C.
3. Hot Tamales: Takes the crown in Minnesota, New Mexico, and North Dakota.
4. Skittles: Holds the #1 spot in Alabama, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.
5. Sour Patch Kids: Preferred in Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, New York, and Texas.
6. Starburst: Leads in Indiana, Michigan, and South Dakota.
7. Hershey Kisses: The favorite in Arizona and Maryland.
8. Candy Corn: Claims the top position in Utah.
9. Hershey Mini Bars: Wins the hearts of Hawaii, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
10. Snickers: Most loved in Idaho.

Alright, let's discuss what claims the throne in the candy realm here in New Jersey - drum roll, please - it's the Tootsie Pop. What? ... the Tootsie Pop is nice, no doubt. However, as we've observed above, there are arguably so many better options out there.

Tootsie Pops may not be my absolute first or second choice or even third choice, but I'll definitely enjoy one if it's within reach. And I do remember their iconic marketing campaign - "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Beyond the top 10, other favorites include Twix in Alaska and Montana, Butterfinger in Arkansas, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Wisconsin, Milky Way in Colorado, Almond Joy in Connecticut and Missouri, Tennessee, and Washington, 3 Musketeers in Mississippi, Blow Pops in Ohio, Lemonheads in Louisiana, and Jolly Ranchers in Georgia.

Notably, Candy Corn has been climbing the ranks and now surpasses Snickers and Butterfinger in popularity.