CandyStore.com has updated its Christmas candy map for 2022. 

Its interactive map with a snowglobe design ranks the most popular Christmas candy in each state in America, as well as the first and second runners-up. Over 16,000 customer survey responses were counted to figure out the most popular candy by state, and website visitors can hover over their states (or any states of interest) to see the most popular candy in that state.

Key takeaways include:

  • Peppermint bark cooldown: Last year, peppermint bark picked up three new #1 spots, but this year, it lost six #1 spots, as California and Texas both "cooled" on peppermint bark this year. 
  • Candy canes on the decline: Candy canes lost four #1 spots this year, including New York, where they were replaced by Snickers, and New Hampshire, where M&M'S now reign king.
  • Rise of popularity for KitKat and Starburst: Kit-Kat has never been in any #1 spots, but this year both Massachusetts and Oklahoma voted the candy as #1. In addition, Starburst picked up two #1 spots this year, in Nevada and Wisconsin.

CandyStore.com also checked in with major candy manufacturers and distributors to be sure its survey corresponded with their seasonal observations.

Industry pulse

To say people are eager for the holidays to begin might be an understatement this year. The National Retail Federation says that nearly half (46%) of holiday shoppers started their shopping before Halloween.

Fear of continued inflation might be driving some people to shop now. Over 80% said they expect prices to go up on gift items. Thirty percent said the best deals were already available in November.

Still, the NRF predicts that holiday spending will increase by 6-8% this year, up to $960 billion. Not too shabby.

Christmas candy quick facts

  • 93% of people gift chocolate and candy for the winter holidays.
  • 1.76 billion candy canes are produced every year for the holiday season.
  • 31% of gift givers plan to give candy.
  • LEGOs are a top 4 Christmas gift for both boys (#1) and girls (#4).
  • 60% of holiday shoppers started by the beginning of November.
  • 72% of people eat a candy cane starting on the straight end, the rest start on the curved end.
  • Approximately 150 million chocolate Santas are produced annually.
  • The largest candy cane in the world was made in Switzerland and it was 51 feet long.
  • December 26 is National Candy Cane Day.
  • Canada spent $362 million (USD) in Dec. 2014 on candy, confectionery, and snack foods.
  • 56% of holiday sales are expected to be online.