Ohio's Favorite Halloween Candy Is One You May Not Like
Halloween is less than a week away and most Americans are gearing up for the haunted holiday by filling their front porches with ample confections for trick-or-treaters. Whether or not you're following a specific formula to determine how much Halloween candy you should be buying, one thing has been proven clear throughout the years: Americans have no problem splurging on candy for October 31st. According to Statistica, in 2021 alone America spent an astounding $3 billion on candy for the seasonal celebration.
Types of candy purchased will differ by location since every U.S. state has its own quirks and personal preferences. For example, everyone knows Ohio and football go together like bread and butter, but many that live outside the state may be unaware of Ohio's popular food associations. While CityBeat congratulates Cincinnati-based "Skyline Chili" for making USA Today's list of the ten best regional fast food chains in America for 2021, Ohio has been known for its decadent state candy since 1919 (per Ohio Artisan Collective). According to Culture Trip, the iconic Buckeye candy is supposed to emulate the nuts of the state tree, made with a creamy peanut butter center and surrounded by a layer of milk chocolate.
Knowing this, you might guess Ohio's favorite Halloween candy to be a variety as rich as the state-known buckeye. However, the state's preference happens to be one of the most controversial candies enjoyed during the spooky season.
You either love or hate Ohio's favorite Halloween candy
Apart from statewide devotion to pumpkin spice, Ohio also has a hankering for the Halloween candy people love to despise — candy corn. According to a survey conducted by Byte, over 1,000 Americans were questioned about their Halloween candy preferences. Search engines were also investigated to see which treats were sought after the most.
While the most searched candy nationwide was Nerds, candy corn proved to be Ohio's top choice with five other states including Utah and Idaho showing a strong bias for the seasonal treat. Last year the National Confectioners Association awarded candy corn the number three spot for the most loved candy in America behind chocolate and gummy varieties.
However, even with certain states' approval, candy corn is still greatly disliked in America. In fact, Byte's survey revealed that 34% of Americans hate candy corn. So what's the deal? Why do so many people love to hate this classic seasonal candy?
The reasoning behind the candy corn controversy
Candy corn lovers across America may be currently indulging in candy corn-laced trail mix and candy corn fudge, but those who hate the fall confection have no problem sharing their strong opinions. Food flavor specialist Marie Wright told Today that people tend to get heated over foods like candy corn because of its sweet flavor and unique texture. According to Wright, the part of the human brain that connects to smell is also linked to our taste buds and typically evokes nostalgia-based emotions over food and childhood memories.
Paul Adams, the senior editor at Cooks Illustrated Magazine, explained to USA Today that candy corn is so polarizing due to the fact that there is no flavor balance. One of the most popular makers of candy corn, Brach's, discloses that just 15 pieces of the tricolored candy contain 22 grams of sugar, yet generally, candy corn contains no opposing acid or flavor, which creates quite an aversion for some candy eaters.
Despite all the negative opinions, candy corn is still number three in the U.S. so major companies continue to market candy corn throughout the year. Ohioans' have made their opinions known. While they're in favor of the super-sweet candy, others across the nation remain disgusted or indifferent. What's your opinion on the controversial treat?