Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Halloween candy haul. But when it comes to the Lone Star State’s sweet tooth, one colorful candy is standing out.
Skittles are the candy Texans buy at a higher rate than the national average, according to Instacart’s 2026 Halloween Sweet Tooth Report. And while Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups may rule the country, Texas has its own candy personality.
The report analyzed Instacart grocery orders from October 2025 to identify America’s favorite Halloween treats, regional candy cravings and even the most popular food-inspired costumes.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the country’s top-selling candy by ounces sold, but Texas has a different standout.
Skittles are purchased at a higher share of candy items in Texas than they are nationally, according to Instacart’s analysis.
Across the country, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups claimed the No. 1 spot in 40 states and Washington, D.C. Peanut M&M’s came in second nationally, followed by Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, M&M’s and Snickers.
Peanut M&M’s were the top-selling candy in several states across the Plains and Mountain West, as well as Hawaii.
Rhode Island went in a completely different direction. It was the only state where Sour Patch Kids outsold both Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Peanut M&M’s to claim the top spot.
Some states have very specific Halloween cravings, and the numbers are sweet enough to raise a few eyebrows.
Here’s a look at some of the regional favorites identified in the report:
When it comes to overall candy buying, the West also takes the lead. Utah purchased candy at a rate 67% above the national average, followed by Idaho at 50%, Alaska at 47%, Washington at 43% and Montana at 40%.
Texas ranked No. 14 among states for candy purchases as a share of items sold, at 10% above the national average.
If you’re looking for the country’s biggest Halloween candy hauls, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska are worth a look.
Anchorage, Alaska, led all cities, with candy purchases 56% above the national average. Eugene, Oregon, followed at 53%, while Tacoma, Washington, came in at 51%. Vancouver, Washington, and Spokane, Washington, rounded out the top five.
On the other end of the list, Newark, New Jersey, and New York City were among the places where candy purchases fell well below the national rate.
Candy isn’t the only thing getting attention in Instacart’s Halloween report. The company also examined costume shopping trends.
Skeletons and witches led among adult costumes, while kids gravitated toward Ghostface masks from the “Scream” franchise, followed by witches and skeletons.
But among adults shopping for food-themed costumes, one fruit took the crown: the banana.
That choice comes with a fun twist. Bananas were also Instacart’s top-selling item overall, according to the report.
