Every other year, I'd tell you that Halloween was my favorite holiday. This year, it's a little upsetting. Because so many people have a hard time following rules, trick-or-treating has been canceled in many neighborhoods across the nation. That doesn't necessarily mean no candy. As long as we have grocery stores, we'll always have candy.
But, it's just not the same — especially for those of us with young kids. My daughter Charlotte went out for the first time last year and had a blast. This year, she can't stop talking about trick-or-treating, and I'm already thinking of ways to emulate the experience in our own home.
It's also been tough for grocery stores and candy manufacturers. Because most of them couldn't predict the future, there's still a ton of candy being released for the big day. For some consumers, it's a reminder of what could have been.
That's why it's important to view this holiday as an adult. Simply put, you still need to sample the candy. Just because trick-or-treating may be canceled doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate the holiday with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, as per usual. To make the best out of a bad situation, it's important to still see what's out there in terms of new Halloween candies.
Zombie Skittles
A Skittle that tastes like rotting zombie flesh? Well, OK. It must have been hard testing this one out, as (hopefully) nobody really knew what to base that flavor around. Luckily, there are other spooky Skittles flavors to help balance it out — Chilling Black Cherry, Petrifying Citrus Punch, Boogeyman Blackberry, Mummified Melon, and Blood Red Berry. These were originally released in 2019, but they're back again. Typically, that means that Skittles is standing behind them as your new go-to holiday favorite.
Hershey's Cookie & Cream Fangs
When you think of cookies and cream, Halloween typically doesn't come to mind. It seems like more of an Easter flavor. But I trust Hershey's. The company got its start in the business back in 1894. I haven't even visited all of Hershey Park, just Chocolate World, which is like visiting a candy store. These fangs are perfect for someone who loves "spoopy" Halloween decor.
Hershey's Vampire Kisses
Hershey's Vampire Kisses are a bit spookier than the company's fangs. But it is good to know it took a classic and put a Halloween spin on it. The inside is more delicious than scary. Each kiss is filled with a red strawberry creme. They're definitely a good choice for your indoor candy dish this month, and acceptable as a new Halloween favorite.
Werther's Original Pumpkin Spice
Now, hear me out. I'm a big fan of the original Wether's Original and I'm not a grandmother. The hard candies are perfect to throw in your purse to enjoy during a movie. Yes, I'm that person. At first, this new variety looked a little alarming, but I trust Werther's to know what it's doing. The company is a national treasure.
Kit Kat Witch's Brew Candy
Kit Kat has unleashed yet another new flavor for 2020, and supposedly it's quite good. If you like Rice Krispies Treats, you may dig the flavor of these. They also get points for being green. Green chocolate is festive, yet something you surprisingly don't see too much of.
M&Ms Milk Chocolate Popcorn
Popcorn isn't all that spooky, but oh well. It's a new flavor of M&M that many other candy companies haven't touched before. (Although if it's popular, surely Oreo will try hard to emulate the taste. The cookie brand is known for kooky concoctions.) These came out a few months back and were targeted at football and movie theaters — two things that have had dicey returns in 2020. So, why not make it a Halloween candy instead? As The Impulsive Buy states, "These are delicious M&M's with a light popcorn flavor … I have already downed 2.5 share size bags singlehandedly."
Kit Kat Halloween Pumpkin Pie
The Kit Kat Halloween Pumpkin Pie flavor isn't new, but it is making a comeback. According to Delish, these first appeared on shelves in 2017 and immediately gained a following. If you like pumpkin but seem to be a little burned out on pumpkin spice, maybe this is the ideal Halloween candy for you this year. (Also, can I just say that Kit Kat is killing it this Halloween season? Maybe the brand is looking to dethrone Peanut Butter Cups as the most beloved candy.)
Trolli Sour Brite Candy Corn
It's about time for a non-chocolate candy to shine. Trolli Sour Brite Candy Corn is different from the regular gummy variety, as it is technically classified as candy corn. If you're a fan of the classic candy corn that everyone loves to hate, you'll adore these.
Shop Now: Trolli Sour Brite Halloween Candy Corn (Target, $2.79)
Reese's Outrageous Bars
Are these Halloween-themed? Not exactly. But they're still delicious and come in a big box if you're looking for a full-sized bar. Amazon reviewers can't get enough of this chocolate bar. As one reviewer named Genaro wrote, "So rich, you thought you won the lottery." It's been a tough year. Buy these if you want to treat yourself.
M&M's Halloween Cocoa Crisp
Lastly, M&Ms has offered a cozy (yet still "creepy") variety that'll last you throughout the end of the year. It's comforting enough for fall, yet still ghoulish to break out for Halloween. Regardless of what you're celebrating, these M&Ms are perfect for chocolate lovers. Your candy bowl will thank you.
Shop Now: M&M's Halloween Cocoa Crisp (Target, $3.19)
