Ah, spooky season is here and Halloween is upon us. Aside from the costumes, music and movies, there’s candy and Halloween candy is one of the best candies out there.

Upon research I found that in America, black licorice was one of the most popular kinds.

Why? 

I don’t know, it’s disgusting. My favorites are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twix and Kit Kats.

Of course, over the years, Halloween candy has changed drastically, with some iconic candy still relevant today. One of the first Halloween candies was candy corn. The cool thing about candy corn is that it is still popular with people in the US. Aside from candy corn, the other notable candies were Hershey’s Chocolate, 3 Musketeers and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. 

In the 30’s and 40’s, common trick or treating practice included handing out baked goods, small toys and coins.

Crazy right. 

Today we think if our children receive things out of packaging while trick or treating, that it has been tampered with. Thankfully in the ’70s people started to realize this.

Even today people will still find bad things in children’s candy. From needles and razor blades to meth and staples, there have always been stories about kids getting sick or even dying from bad candy. One case, in particular, stands out, dating back 44 years ago. 

On Halloween of 1974, a man by the name of Ronald O’Bryan had given his 8-year-old son, Timothy, a tampered Pixie Stick filled with Cyanide.

Police didn’t believe at first it was the father’s fault until a few other kids came forward saying they had also received tampered Pixie Sticks. O’Bryan was then given the death sentence and died 10 years later. 

It’s best to always check children’s candy before consumption no matter who had given it to you or a child. Whether you’re trick or treating or passing out candy taking that extra step is important. 

The best thing about Halloween candy is that it can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Not to mention how cheap it is on November 1st.

Candy prices have changed over the years and today at Walmart you can get an assorted bag anywhere from $9 to $14. Annually, Americans spend $2.6 million on Halloween candy. 

Despite the prices, the candy is worth it because of the experience it brings so this Halloween, check your candy and indulge.