Clarksville, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Trick or treaters are just around the corner and according to CandyStore.com, ninety-five percent of households will buy candy in preparation for the Halloween tradition. Americans buy an estimated 600 million pounds of Halloween candy each year. To put it in perspective, a Chinook CH-47F weighs 24,578 pounds (empty).

The online candy retailer released an interactive map showing the top Halloween candy in each state.

Tennessee’s favorite candy? Tootsie Pops at a staggering 54,882 pounds and Skittles coming in 2nd place at 47,621 pounds. Not surprised? See five other states that have a specific candy affinity:

  1. Nevada – Candy Corn, 311,876 pounds
  2. Washington – Salt Water Taffy, 225,463 pounds
  3. Louisiana – Lemonheads, 112,883 pounds
  4. Indiana – Hot Tamales, 98,275 pounds
  5. Montana – Double Bubble Gum, 28,736 pounds

For the full interactive map, click here.

America’s favorite candy overall – Skittles. Americans can’t get enough of the rainbow assortment, yet Reese’s Cups followed close behind in second place, after they lost their 2018 first place title.

Why Candy on Halloween

Curious how all of this candy, and trick or treating, became part of our holiday tradition? While the origins of Halloween date back for centuries, today’s trick or treating stems from creative marketing of the candy companies.

The idea of trick or treating has loose ties to the mix of pagan Celtic holiday Samhain and the Catholic All Saints Day, and All Hallows Eve. In the 1940s and 1950s, American families were becoming more suburban and neighbors were looking for ways to connect. Trick or treating was one such opportunity, with children going door to door collecting nuts, coins, and baked goods.

Candy executives saw the opportunity to capitalize on this budding tradition, and introduced their packaged candy into the mix.

What’s Your Candy IQ?

Test your knowledge and you’ll enter for the chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to the Disney Jr. Holiday party in Nashville on November 13. Can you identify the unwrapped Halloween candy below?

(Please be patient, it may take a moment to load)

[ss-promo op_id=”623841″ op_guid=”d7f22f17-a55b-44fc-a433-79d9006c5493″ routing=”hash”]