With Halloween right around the corner, it’s hard not to reflect on childhood Halloweens spent roaming the streets in search of sugary treats to fill your plastic pumpkin pail. Here are the undisputed candy kings of Halloween, decided by yours truly.

M&M’s

Coming in at number five is a classic for a reason – M&M’s. It was always so exciting to receive a small bag of chocolate-coated goodness after a chilly night of trick-or-treating. They were all the better when they came in fun Halloween colors. 

Dots

You either love them or you hate them – but I happen to love these things. I would always trade off all my Reese’s Cups vying to get another box of delicious, chewy Dots. In recent years they have come out with mystery-flavored Ghost Dots to ramp up the spooky vibes to a whole new level. 

Laffy Taffy

Laffy Taffy has to be heaven on Earth. Finding these at the bottom of your candy pail was always so exciting. This delicious candy also comes with a package adorned with some of the worst jokes – it’s wonderful. Laffy Taffys come in a variety of flavors, and all of them are delicious (though I’m sure we can all agree green apple is on top). 

Kit Kats

Perhaps one of the greatest candies ever invented, Kit Kats are delicious wafer cookies coated in layers of milk chocolate. These also come in a variety of flavors, but I think the classic is the best. Kit Kats were always a high commodity, being fought over at intense late-night candy trades between me and my sisters. To this day, when I bite into a Kit Kat, I’m always brought back to Halloween night.

Caramel Apple Pops

The undisputed king of Halloween candy is these enchanting green apple suckers coated in layers of sweet caramel. This is what would start arguments between even the greatest of friends on Halloween night. These are the perfect combination of sour and sweet that make your mouth water. 

Commentary Writer Emma Hardesty can be reached at [email protected].