If you’re planning to hand out candy this Halloween, you might want to double-check your shopping list. A recent Ontario survey has revealed which Halloween treats kids would rather toss than taste, and some of the results might surprise you.
Whether you’re a seasoned candy-giver or buying your first bulk bag this year, consider this your friendly neighborhood warning: certain treats are guaranteed to get a side-eye or a silent sigh from trick-or-treaters.
So… what made the “worst Halloween candy” list this year?
Licorice – The Most Divisive Treat of All
Once again, black licorice has claimed the top (or should we say bottom) spot with 23.1% of votes. Every year, it divides households faster than pineapple on pizza. You either love its strong, herbal sweetness, or you absolutely can’t stand it.
Despite its long history (it dates back to ancient Egypt!), black licorice remains a Halloween wildcard. While some grown-ups appreciate its nostalgic flavor, most kids react with polite horror. If your goal is to keep your house popular with the under-12 crowd, it might be wise to keep this one off your list.
Cough Drops – Practical, But Unpopular
In second place with 20.2% of votes are… cough drops. And honestly, who’s shocked? They may soothe a sore throat, but they don’t exactly scream “fun-sized treat.”
Still, part of me wants to defend them. Between cold winds, fall allergies, and the start of flu season, a cough drop or two might actually be a blessing in disguise. But kids aren’t thinking about immunity, they just want sugar, chocolate, and maybe something gummy. If you’ve been handing out cough drops, it’s time to retire them from your candy bowl lineup.
Candy Corn – The Love-It-or-Leave-It Classic
Candy corn rounds out the top three worst candies, earning 10.5% of votes. Honestly, this one’s no surprise.
The tricolored cones have been a Halloween staple since the 1880s, but they remain as polarizing as ever. Their waxy texture and ultra-sweet flavor leave little room for middle ground – you either crave them or cringe at the sight. Judging by survey results, most Ontarians fall in the latter camp.
The Next Worst Things You Can Hand Out
Even if you’ve avoided the top three offenders, you’re not entirely safe. The survey revealed a few more “trick-or-treat fails” that could earn your house a bad rap this year.
Sun-Maid Raisins – The “Healthy” Trick
Raisins might check all the boxes, nut-free, individually wrapped, and dentist-approved, but that doesn’t make them candy. With 8% of the votes, Sun-Maid’s iconic little red boxes landed squarely in the “no-thanks” category.
Sure, they’re great for lunchboxes, but on Halloween night, kids aren’t hoping for antioxidants. They want sugar rushes and bright wrappers. So unless you’re hosting a health-themed Halloween party, skip the raisins and go for something more exciting, like mini Nerds or Smarties boxes.
Thrills Gum – “It Still Tastes Like Soap!”
Ah yes, Canada’s most infamous gum. Thrills Gum, the vibrant purple chew with an unforgettable taste, earned 7.8% of votes. Its own packaging proudly warns: “It still tastes like soap!”
Originally created in London, Ontario, Thrills is one of those nostalgic candies older generations love for the novelty, but kids? Not so much. If you’re aiming for giggles and grimaces, go ahead. If not, maybe leave this lavender-flavored oddity on the store shelf.
Tootsie Rolls – The Misunderstood Classic
Tootsie Rolls snagged 6% of the vote, a bit harsh for such an old-school favorite. They’re nut-free, chewy, and chocolate-flavored… so what’s the problem?
Maybe it’s the texture, somewhere between fudge and taffy, or maybe younger candy connoisseurs simply prefer more modern options. Either way, the Tootsie Roll era might be fading fast. If you’re sentimental about them, consider saving them for your office candy jar instead of the trick-or-treat bowl.
What Dentists Say About Halloween Candy
Before you start feeling guilty about handing out chocolate, relax, dentists aren’t trying to ruin Halloween. Dr. Karen Man of SmileGrove in Oakville says it’s perfectly fine to enjoy candy in moderation.
“It’s not about avoiding Halloween fun, but about finding a healthy balance,” she explains.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, the worst offenders are sticky, sour, and hard candies since the sugar lingers on teeth longer. Chocolate, on the other hand, dissolves quickly, making it one of the better choices for your smile.
If you want to protect your teeth (and your kids’), try having sweets right after meals, rinse with water, and don’t skip brushing and flossing before bed.
What You Should Give Out This Halloween
So what’s a candy-giver to do? Stick to the classics that never disappoint: Kit Kat, Smarties, Aero, and Coffee Crisp. These scored less than 1% on the “worst candy” list, proving they’re near-universal favorites.
For something fun and colorful, toss in mini bags of Skittles, Nerds, or even chips. As long as you avoid anything with nuts, medicinal flavors, or “soap vibes,” your house will be a guaranteed hit this Halloween.
Final Thought
Halloween candy isn’t just about sugar, it’s about nostalgia, excitement, and that simple joy of digging through your bag after a night of trick-or-treating. So this year, give the kids something to smile about (and not something to secretly trade away at school the next day).