Candy has been an American obsession for generations, from childhood trick-or-treating adventures to adult indulgences. With Americans consuming an average of 8 pounds of candy annually—and children eating even more—it's clear that sweet treats hold a special place in our culture. This list ranks the most popular candies in America based on sales data and consumer statistics, offering insight into what satisfies the nation's collective sweet tooth.
Understanding "Popular"
Defining popularity involves some subjectivity. This ranking considers multiple factors including total sales figures, number of consumers, and overall market presence. While Halloween candy sales influence these rankings, this list reflects year-round popularity rather than seasonal spikes alone.
10. Candy Corn
Love it or hate it, candy corn remains a Halloween staple that divides candy enthusiasts nationwide. This controversial treat, with its distinctive tri-colored design, sells more than 35 million pounds annually despite mixed reviews.
Candy corn's history dates back to the 1880s when George Renninger created it in Philadelphia. The Goelitz Candy Company, which later became Jelly Belly Company, acquired the rights and originally marketed it as "chicken feed." While it may not win universal acclaim, its cultural significance during Halloween season keeps it relevant.
9. Skittles
These colorful fruit-flavored candies deliver an addictive burst of sweetness that's hard to resist. The Wrigley Company initially developed Skittles in the United Kingdom before bringing domestic production to the United States in the early 1980s.
The memorable "Taste the Rainbow" slogan, created by a New York marketing firm, helped cement Skittles' place in American candy culture. Over 12.9 million Americans consumed Skittles in 2020, with the original flavor variety remaining the most popular among various editions.
8. Starburst
Another Wrigley Company creation, Starburst originated in the U.K. in 1960 before expanding to international markets. The chewy, fruit-flavored squares have maintained consistent popularity, with strawberry frequently cited as a fan favorite.
The candy's distinctive texture and intense fruit flavors appeal to a wide demographic. In 2020, more than 16 million Americans enjoyed Starburst, making it one of the top-selling non-chocolate candies in the country.
7. Twix
This chocolate-covered cookie bar combines caramel, milk chocolate, and crispy shortbread into an irresistible package. Mars, Inc. introduced Twix in 1967, bringing it to American markets in 1979.
The dual-bar format and satisfying crunch have made Twix a perennial favorite. Approximately 161 million bars sell annually, with 20.5 million Americans reporting they ate Twix in 2020. Its popularity extends beyond retail sales—it's a highly sought-after Halloween treat.
6. Hershey's Chocolate Bar
As America's iconic chocolate bar, Hershey's holds significant cultural importance. Milton Hershey introduced the first bar in 1900, establishing a chocolate empire that continues today.
While some candy enthusiasts prefer premium chocolates, Hershey's remains deeply embedded in American tradition. The company sells over 250 million bars annually, proving that nostalgia and accessibility contribute significantly to candy popularity.
5. Peanut M&M's
Among M&M's various flavors—including almond, pretzel, caramel, and crispy—the peanut variety reigns supreme. Mars Company introduced M&M's to the United States in 1941, and they've remained a staple ever since.
The numbers are staggering: over 40 million Americans consumed Peanut M&M's in 2020, while Mars produces approximately 400 million individual M&M's daily across all varieties. The candy-coated shell and peanut center create a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
4. Kit Kat
The distinctive snap of breaking apart a Kit Kat bar has become synonymous with taking a moment for yourself. This wafer-and-chocolate combination was developed in the U.K. and is produced globally under Nestlé, while Hershey holds the U.S. license through its H.B. Reese Candy Company division.
Over 41 million Americans purchased Kit Kats in 2020, with approximately 192 million bars sold in the U.S. annually. The crispy wafer layers coated in milk chocolate create a texture and taste that has remained largely unchanged—and beloved—for decades.
3. Hershey's Kisses
These individually wrapped chocolate morsels have been bringing small moments of joy since 1907. The Hershey Company produces an astounding 70 million Kisses every single day to meet consumer demand.
In 2020, 42.5 million Americans enjoyed Hershey's Kisses, making them one of Hershey's most successful products alongside the classic Hershey bar. Their convenient size, distinctive shape, and foil wrapping have made them perfect for sharing, baking, and solo indulgence.
2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
The marriage of chocolate and peanut butter has proven nearly unbeatable. H.B. Reese, a former Hershey Company employee, created these cups in 1928, and they've dominated candy sales ever since.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the top-selling candy brand worldwide, generating more than $2 billion in annual sales. In 2020, 42.8 million Americans consumed these treats. Some rankings place Reese's at number one, particularly for Halloween candy preferences, showing just how close the competition is at the top.
1. Snickers
Taking the crown as America's most popular candy, Snickers combines peanuts, caramel, nougat, and milk chocolate into one satisfying bar. The Mars Company's creation has maintained its position at the top through consistent quality and universal appeal.
More than 48 million Americans ate Snickers bars in 2020, surpassing all other candy brands. The combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, makes Snickers a well-rounded choice that satisfies multiple cravings in one bar.
Honorable Mentions
Several other candies deserve recognition for their popularity:
- Sour Patch Kids
- Hot Tamales
- Tootsie Pops
- Almond Joy
- Butterfinger
- 3 Musketeers
- Milky Way
- Baby Ruth
The Sweet Conclusion
America's candy preferences reveal a love for chocolate-peanut combinations, nostalgic favorites, and treats that balance multiple flavors and textures. While individual preferences vary widely, these ten candies have proven their staying power through generations of satisfied sweet lovers. Whether you're a Snickers devotee, a Reese's enthusiast, or a Skittles fan, there's no denying that candy culture remains a vibrant part of American life.
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