Halloween is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world, but it is particularly popular in the United States. During this time, people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and buy large amounts of candy. But how much candy by weight is sold in the US during the Halloween season?
The exact amount of candy sold during the Halloween season varies from year to year, but there is no doubt that it is a large number. According to the National Confectioners Association (NCA), Americans spent an estimated $2.6 billion on candy for Halloween in 2018. That's equivalent to around 600 million pounds of candy!
Candy is sold in a variety of forms, including individual pieces, bags, boxes, and packages. In 2018, the NCA found that the most popular form of Halloween candy was individually wrapped pieces, followed by bags of candy. Of the $2.6 billion spent on candy that year, $1.5 billion was spent on candy in individual pieces, while $1.1 billion was spent on candy in bags.
The most popular type of candy for Halloween 2018 was chocolate, followed by gummy and chewy candy. Chocolate accounted for 57% of total sales, with gummy and chewy candy making up 22%. In terms of individual pieces, the top three most popular types of candy were Skittles, M&Ms, and Snickers.
It's not just candy that Americans buy for Halloween. The NCA also found that Americans spent $2.7 billion on decorations for the holiday in 2018. This includes items such as pumpkins, costumes, and decorations for the home. So while candy may be the most popular item associated with Halloween, it is far from the only item that is purchased.
Halloween Candy by Region
Halloween candy sales vary from region to region. According to the NCA’s 2018 survey, the West was the biggest spender on candy, with $732 million spent, followed by the South ($671 million), Midwest ($567 million), and Northeast ($366 million). The West was also the biggest spender on decorations, with $755 million spent, followed by the South ($654 million), Midwest ($564 million), and Northeast ($365 million).
When it comes to specific types of candy, there are some regional variations. For example, candy corn is particularly popular in the Midwest, while chocolate bars are more popular in the West. Caramel apples are a favorite in the South, while sour candy is the top choice in the Northeast.
Candy Consumption During Halloween
The amount of candy consumed during Halloween is staggering. According to the NCA’s 2018 survey, the average American consumed 24.7 pounds of candy during the Halloween season. That’s equivalent to around 270 individual pieces of candy!
The type of candy consumed also varies by region. For example, chocolate is the most popular type of candy in the West, while gummy and chewy candy is the top choice in the Midwest. The South is the biggest consumer of caramel apples, while sour candy is the top choice in the Northeast.
Health Concerns with Halloween Candy
While candy is a big part of the Halloween season, it is important to remember that some types of candy can be unhealthy. Many candies are high in sugar and contain artificial ingredients, which can be harmful to people's health. It is important to remember to practice moderation when it comes to eating candy and to be mindful of the types of candy being consumed.
It is also important to keep in mind that not all candy is created equal. Some types of candy are higher in sugar and artificial ingredients than others. For example, chocolate bars tend to be higher in sugar than individual pieces of candy, and gummy candies tend to be higher in artificial ingredients than chewy candies. It is important to be mindful of these differences when selecting candy for Halloween.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much candy by weight is sold in the US during the Halloween season?
A. Americans spent an estimated $2.6 billion on candy for Halloween in 2018, which is equivalent to around 600 million pounds of candy.
Q. What is the most popular form of Halloween candy?
A. The most popular form of Halloween candy is individually wrapped pieces, followed by bags of candy.
Q. What is the most popular type of candy for Halloween?
A. The most popular type of candy for Halloween is chocolate, followed by gummy and chewy candy.
Q. How much candy does the average American consume during Halloween?
A. The average American consumes 24.7 pounds of candy during the Halloween season.
Q. What are the regional variations of Halloween candy consumption?
A. Candy consumption varies from region to region. For example, candy corn is particularly popular in the Midwest, while chocolate bars are more popular in the West. Caramel apples are a favorite in the South, while sour candy is the top choice in the Northeast.
Q. What are the health concerns associated with eating Halloween candy?
A. Some types of candy can be unhealthy due to their high sugar content and artificial ingredients. It is important to practice moderation when it comes to eating candy and be mindful of the types of candy being consumed.
Q. How much do Americans spend on decorations for Halloween?
A. Americans spent an estimated $2.7 billion on decorations for Halloween in 2018.