DoorDash Data Reveals Reese's Dominance and Regional Candy Preferences for 2026

Key points

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were the top-ordered candy in 15 states, including Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, for the third consecutive year.
• DoorDash analyzed snack orders from October 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, to identify national and state-level preferences.
• Sweet Smiles and SweeTarts dominated the South and parts of the Southwest, respectively, due to their low cost.
• North Carolina preferred Hershey's bars, while no single state ranked M&M's as its top choice despite their national third-place finish.
• Fruity candies like Nerds and Skittles did not crack the national top five but maintained strong regional followings.

Background

This analysis follows DoorDash's previous Halloween candy reports, which have tracked shifting consumer preferences over recent years. The data reflects ordering behavior during the 2025 holiday season, providing insights for 2026 stocking decisions.

How outlets are covering it

Mental Floss and Delish both reported on the same DoorDash dataset, confirming the state-by-state rankings and national top ten. Both outlets highlighted the dominance of chocolate over fruity options and the regional divide between the South's preference for budget mixes and the Midwest's loyalty to Reese's. No significant discrepancies were noted between the two sources regarding the specific rankings or the methodology used by DoorDash.

Why it matters

Understanding regional candy preferences helps retailers and consumers optimize Halloween stocking and purchasing. The data reveals distinct geographic trends, such as the South's focus on affordability and the Midwest's consistent choice of Reese's, which can inform marketing strategies and personal treat selections.

What to watch

Consumers and retailers can use these 2025-based rankings to guide 2026 Halloween preparations. DoorDash may release updated data following the 2026 holiday season to track any shifts in consumer behavior or new market entrants.