The Best Candy for Halloween, Ranked by Our Staff

While most crave a good scare around Halloweentime, our food-loving staff is looking forward to something even sweeter this season: the candy. From nostalgic classics you've been trading since your trick-or-treating days to new varieties that just hit the shelves, we feel pretty passionate about which ones deserve a spot in your candy bowl this year — and which are worth keeping for yourself. To celebrate the thrilling season, we polled our staff on the top Halloween candies they love to stock trick-or-treaters with, use to curate a party spread, fill in their kids' lunchboxes and add to shopping carts when the sweet tooth cravings hit. The result? The ultimate candy lineup that's equally classic and controversial (including some honorable mentions that might be hot takes). Read on to see where your favorites stack up and gather inspo on which treats will crown you the best candy-giving house in the neighborhood.

#1: Reese's Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

To no one's surprise, the universally loved milk chocolate-covered peanut butter cups found their way to the number one spot on our list (and into our staff's hearts). Who could resist such a heavenly combo? "Peanut butter and milk chocolate are a perfect match for each other," said Recipe Developer Andy Liang. "The salt level of the peanut butter filling is just amazing!" But not only does our staff crave the delicously creamy and rich Reese's cups, but the brand's seasonal offerings that bring a sense of sweetness to an otherwise spooky month, like scary snack-size shapes and mini pumpkins. "Reese's are synonymous with Halloween!" said Producer of Branded Entertainment Liz Olanoff — and we couldn't agree more.

#2: Sour Patch Kids

Our staff can't resist the sour then sweet sensation of Sour Patch Kids, ringing them in at number two. These chewy candies are worth all the hype thanks to the assorted fruit flavors (we all have our favorite) and satisfyingly delicious sour coating that makes your taste buds sting. You can stock up on these snack packs to hand out on Halloween night, or purchase this family-size pouch with a reusable seal to chew on again and again throughout movie nights, roadtrips and dragging days in the office. "I love the satisfyingly sour taste and gummy texture of Sour Patch Kids" said Commerce Editor Laura James. "Growing up trick-or-treating, I remember my end-of-the-night hauls mostly consisting of common sweet chocolate treats like Twix, Snickers, Milky Ways, M&Ms... which are all great, too, but Sour Patch Kids were a rarer find, which made me savor and appreciate the mouth-puckering taste even more."

#3: Twix Candy Bar

"Twix is the epitome of everything you want," said Production Coordinator Isabella Malfi. "It's crunchy, it's gooey, it's sweet, but not saccharine. Nothing gets stuck in your teeth (like a nut, nougat or gummy) and can be eaten in one OR two bites — so it's the dealer's choice." Twix is clearly loved for so many reasons, and our staff is specifically drawn to the cookie-candy hybrid. Between the shortbread, caramel and chocolate components, Twix really is the best two-for-one combo for dessert and candy lovers alike. Not to mention two bars come in one pack, which is an instant win for a trick-or-treater on a sugar high or an adult looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.

#4: Snickers Chocolate Candy Bar

Knowing Food Network polled Reese's in the number one spot, there's no question why another peanut butter classic is in the top five. Filled with crunchy peanuts, gooey caramel, thick nougat and rich chocolate, Snickers is another candy bar that presents an addictive texture and flavor. "A little crunch, salt and creamy chocolate make for the perfect balanced bite!" said Rachel Metzger, Producer of Branded Entertainment. We also love how the peanuts are crushed and dispersed amongst the caramel, so you get that salty-sweet sensation in every bite.

#5: Swedish Fish

As Recipe Developer Amy Stevenson put it: "A nice, fresh and chewy Swedish fish is Halloween bliss." These old-and-reliable chews are a crowd-favorite for a reason — they're sweet, soft and easy to eat in just one or two bites. Whether you leave them as the center of your movie theater spread, scattered in packs within your candy bowl or in your snack stash, Swedish Fish are fit for any and all occasions. They even come in assorted flavors and colors, though you can't go wrong with the classic fruity red that screams nostalgia.