Halloween candy makers can't leave it alone. Last year, we saw Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cup Skulls and Skittles Cauldron. This year, companies like Reese's, Hershey's and even Peeps have released more new versions of their classic favorites. But are these new candies an improvement on the originals? Or should we stick with what we know? In one of our favorite assignments of the year, we launched a taste-test to find out!
Read on to learn what you should give trick-or-treaters this year. And enter to win a candy prize pack, plus a $75 Visa gift card to buy whatever else you crave this season!
The original Reese's Peanut Butter Cups is one of the top selling candies in the U.S. for a reason. Pure deliciousness. Now you can enjoy the original recipe in a variety of shapes, including eyeballs, pumpkins and bats. While the shapes were not that exciting, the taste was very close to the original. Nearly all trick-or-treaters (and their parents) will be very happy.
We were, however a little nervous that the Reese's Stuffed with Pieces would be too over-the-top. Luckily, those Reese's Pieces actually added to the candy, giving the peanut butter cup a light crunch. VERDICT: Buy whatever Reese's you can find.
Hershey's has always had variety with their miniatures that are perfect for trick or treaters. They now have many more candies in their line up, including: cookies 'n' cream chocolate eggs dressed up like skulls and white chocolate candy bars with candy corn pieces. You might enjoy these if you're a white chocolate fan. VERDICT: The original Hersey's miniatures are the way to go.
Last year, we sampled Brach's Brunch Flavored Candy Corn. This year, Brach's came out with with an apple mix - green apple, apple pie and caramel apple. The variety is beautiful to look at but the flavoring just tasted too artificial. VERDICT: Don't mess with the original.
Both new M&M's flavors were a bit divisive. While some of our tasters loved them, others were not impressed. Did we finish both bags? Yes. Would we buy them again? We're not sure. Especially since there are so many amazing M&M's out there that we all agree on. VERDICT: The original milk chocolate version will always have a special place in our hearts. And our trick-or-treat bags.
We next decided to try some grown-up candy, so we bought the Ghirardelli Fall Assortment. It has three flavors: Milk Chocolate Caramel, Dark Chocolate Bourbon Caramel and Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Caramel. Ghirardelli's traditional Milk & Truffle are a creamy break to any day. These fall versions had the same high quality chocolate we expect from Ghirardelli. The bourbon and pumpkin spice caramels were subtle, yet flavorful. And we loved the mix of three in one bag. VERDICT: This time, try something new.
Peeps are not just for Easter anymore. They now have marshmallow ghosts, purple cats, and a set of four fall flavor chicks. We tried the Maple Brown Sugar last year and we weren't excited. This year, we opted for the caramel apple and candy corn. Both marshmallows tasted overly sweet, exactly what you would expect in a Peep chick. But they each have a layer of chocolate on their bottoms, which seemed unnecessary. VERDICT: Original yellow marshmallow Peeps are the way to go. But we do prefer to eat them in the spring.
Our kids have several friends with allergies, so we always make sure to have treats for them too. Tootsie Rolls are proudly peanut and gluten free. Their chocolaty originals are sticky, sweet and fun. This year, there's a limited edition Tootsie Roll called the Vanilla Flavored Midgee. It's just a white version of the original, but it does satisfy the sweet tooth. VERDICT: Try a fun blend of the chocolate and the vanilla.
One in thirteen kids in the U.S. has food allergies. If you want to be even more helpful to families with restrictions, there are many great non-food treats to distribute, such as toys, activity books, tattoos, or even coupons to stores in your town. Watch this video from MommyTalkShow with more info on the national movement called the Teal Pumpkin Project, which helps make trick-or-treating fun for all kids, regardless of what they can eat.
What Halloween candies are your favorite? Tell us for the chance to win a candy prize pack, plus a $75 Visa gift card to buy whatever you're craving this season.
There are four ways to enter:
*One lucky commenter or Tweeter will be chosen at random to receive a selection of candy mentioned in this post (valued at approximately $25) and a $75 Visa gift card. Giveaway is open through October 31, 2017 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.
Snickers full sized bars are most popular with teens.
I like the recess peanut butter cup with recess pieces
Toffee
M&M's!!!!!!!!!!!
Reeses :)
Goobstoppers and Tweelzers are my favorite. What is yours?
Reese's Pumpkins
Gummy Bears, Hershey kisses, Mounds, Lindt chocolate
Reese's cups are the best!
I like the original versions of most candy. Bring on the Snickers, Milky Ways, M & Ms!
I really love Snicker's! I love the combo of caramel and peanuts
Reese's peanut butter cups.
Milky way...all varieties
Milky way...all varieties
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - 😋