Rite Aid has released new findings on consumers’ favorite trick-or-treating novelties and seasonal shopping habits.

The company explored last season’s sales data to uncover insights around how Americans prepare for Halloween night. Last year, Rite Aid sold more than 2.8 million pounds of candy. By examining these candy purchases, Rite Aid has debunked some of the most popular candy debates. 

With nearly two-thirds of all Halloween candy sales being a chocolate product, chocolate reigns as the most beloved treat among shoppers. Last year, the most popular chocolate candies that filled consumers' carts included:

• M&M’S
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins
• Milky Way

However, other sweet and sour candies still made their presence known on Halloween night. Among these treats, the fan favorites that satisfied consumers' sweet-tooths last year included:

• Skittles
• Tootsie Pops
• HARIBO Trick-or-Treat Gummies

For those wondering about where candy corn falls into the mix, the polarizing treat is a top performer, with more than 138,000 pounds sold around the holiday — laid out from end-to-end, that’s enough candy corn to stretch nearly the entire length of the state of California.

A hurry on Halloween eve
Although Rite Aid shelves are stocked for weeks with Halloween candies, shopping patterns from last season revealed a big confession: consumers are candy procrastinators. According to the timing of Rite Aid candy sales, 45 percent of all bagged candy purchases happened the week leading up to the holiday. and for many shoppers, a week in advance was still too far out. Whether Halloween crept up or they enjoyed too much from their previously-bought stash, one thing is for sure — the day before Halloween proves to be the most popular day to pick up candy for trick-or-treaters.

Teal is the new orange
It’s important to remember that while Halloween is an evening rooted in fun, it can also be stressful for families with food and dietary allergies. That’s why many are turning to teal pumpkins as the universal symbol for allergy-friendly: placing a teal pumpkin on a doorstep is meant to indicate to trick-or-treaters that the home is giving out treats free from major allergens. Rite Aid is committed to raising food allergy awareness and encouraging consumers to pick up a teal pumpkin and other allergy-friendly alternatives to help promote safe trick-or-treating for all. To help make Halloween inclusive for all trick-or-treaters, the Rite Aid website also offers a convenient sorting feature so shoppers can easily identify candies free from allergens.