ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you plan on giving out candy this Halloween, you might want to stock up on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
According to data from CandyStore.com, Floridians love to purchase Reese's cups during the spooky season more than any other state; purchasing an estimated whopping 667,727 pounds in 2023.
CandyStore.com, which is an online candy retailer, says Skittles and Hot Tamales come in second and third behind Reese's in popularity. Overall, Reese's cups have been the most popular Halloween candy nationwide, according to sales data collected over 15 years.
Reese's cups were also the most popular candy in Iowa, New Hampshire, Kentucky and Wyoming.
Nationwide, following Reese's cups are M&Ms and Hot Tamales. The website says "M&M's are giving the Reese's Cups a run for their money" and are inching closer to taking the #1 spot.
Halloween spending is expected to reach record levels as participation exceeds pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Retail Federation.
The NRF says Halloween spending is expected to hit $12.2 billion, topping last year's record of $10.6 billion. Candy spending is expected to reach $3.6 billion, up from $3.1 billion last year.
“More Americans than ever will be reaching into their wallets and spending a record amount of money to celebrate Halloween this year,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “Consumers will be shopping early for festive décor and other related items and retailers are prepared with the inventory to help customers and their families take part in this popular and fun tradition.”