Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis, candy canes among favorite holiday treats

Online bulk retailer Candystore.com releases interactive U.S. map.

Map courtesy of Candystore.com.

Ever wonder what the most popular Christmas candy is in your state? Candystore.com has you covered.

The online bulk candy retailer has released an interactive U.S. map highlighting the top three choices in each state. Candystore.com builds the rankings based on consumer responses and feedback from candy manufacturers and distributors.

Candystore.com said Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis gained in popularity this year, earning the top spot in 10 states, as opposed to last year’s three. Reese’s Pieces, meanwhile, is the top holiday treat in Montana.

Not surprisingly, candy canes are popular this time of year, earning the top spot in eight states. Reindeer corn — a holiday spin on candy corn — is the most-loved candy in five states: Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, Rhode Island and Utah.

California, the country’s most populous state, favors Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis, followed by peppermint bark and Hershey Kisses. In New York, Snickers takes the top spot, followed by candy canes and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis.

In Illinois, where Candy Industry Magazine is based, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis is also the favorite, followed by M&M’S and Hershey Kisses.

Meanwhile, North Dakota and Wyoming are the only states that put chocolate santas — a classic Christmas treat — at the top of the pack.

Alyse Thompson has held many positions with BNP Media, first serving as an intern at Candy Industry Magazine in summer 2012. She joined Candy Industry's staff full time as associate editor in August 2016 after a few years at newspapers in West-Central Illinois, becoming managing editor in March 2019. Alyse has also served as managing editor of Cannabis Products Magazine since March 2019. She has bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from Western Illinois University.