Top ten candies this Halloween; and what they have in common
As we’re buzzing with excitement for Halloween, many are wondering: what are the best candies to give out? And, more importantly, what do they have in common?
With Halloween just around the corner, excitement is building for the big day. Kids eagerly hunt for the perfect costume to impress their classmates, while neighbors decorate their homes with cobwebs and pumpkins in preparation for the masses of superheroes, princesses, and beloved characters that will soon knock on their doors in search of sweet treats. Meanwhile, parents brace themselves for the inevitable sugar highs—and the crashes that follow.
But nobody wants to be the much-avoided house that hands out raisins, apples, or, heaven forbid, toothbrushes. So, let’s address the burning question on everyone’s mind: What’s the best candy this year?
Let’s take a look at the top ten most popular candies this Halloween… and what they have in common. Beware: the answer may surprise you.
Top ten candies:
- M&M’s
- Reese’s Cups
- Sour Patch Kids
- Skittles
- Starburst
- Hot Tamales
- Candy Corn
- Hershey Kisses
- Hershey Mini Bars
- Butterfinger
I know what you’re thinking: Candy corn?! Personally, I’m not a fan, but believe it or not, it remains one of the most popular candies this Halloween.
But what do these candies all have in common? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Starburst seemingly couldn’t be more different, so what unites them all?
The answer: pollinators!
Nine of this year’s top ten candies rely on pollinators- all except Sour Patch Kids. Bees, butterflies, and other insects work hard to satisfy our nation’s sweet tooth. From the cacao beans in our favorite chocolatey treats to the fruits that pack flavor into Starburst, one simple fact remains: We need pollinators!
While bees are our most familiar and best pollinator, many of these treats rely on other insects like weevils, midges, and other critters. Worldwide, insects are facing steep declines. In North America, for example, more than one-quarter of bumblebee species are at risk of extinction, with the rusty-patched bumblebee already on the endangered list.
But, there’s good news: you can help.
How to help
By planting your own pollinator garden, you can support these hard working creatures by providing them with much-needed food and a safe place to rest.
And next time you’re at the store, excitedly picking out your Halloween treats, remember to thank our friends, the pollinators.
Topics
Authors
Caroline Wagar
Former Federal Legislative Associate, Environment America
Lisa Frank
Executive Director, Environment America; Vice President and D.C. Director, The Public Interest Network
Lisa leads Environment America’s work for a greener, healthier world. She also directs The Public Interest Network’s Washington, D.C., office and operations. A pragmatic idealist, Lisa has helped win billions of dollars in investments in clean energy and transportation and developed strategic campaigns to protect America’s oceans, forests and public lands. Lisa is an Oregonian transplant to the Capital region, where she loves hiking, running, biking, and cooking for friends and family.
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