These Are the Most Popular Easter Candies in America, According to Instacart
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Whether you're filling an Easter basket or expecting to receive one to mark the April holiday, we can all agree that there's a science to crafting the perfect array of treats—you've got your pastel treats, egg-shaped desserts, and of course, plenty of chocolate. And while there are tons of Easter basket candies and egg hunt sweets to choose from, Americans tend to gravitate towards some tried-and-true favorites, like Cadbury products and chocolate bunnies.
With just days to go before the Easter holiday, Instacart released a list of America's favorite Easter candies by volume in the weeks leading up to the special occasion. The data was collected via a survey of more than 2,000 Americans conducted online by The Harris Poll, and revealed that Americans take their Easter confections very seriously. According to the intel, 77 percent of Americans will absolutely or probably buy Easter candy this year. Additionally, 57 percent of respondents went so far as to say that Easter candy is better than Halloween candy. Say what?!
"Although Halloween may be the ultimate sweets holiday largely centered around trick-or-treating for fun-sized candies, there's a sensible reason many folks are more partial to Easter candy," Instacart trends expert, Laurentia Romaniuk, explained. "With marshmallow chicks, chocolate bunnies and eggs, and jelly beans hitting store shelves just once a year, consumers are able to look forward to the limited-time offering of the specialty candies, which often feature pastel colors, unique shapes, and indulgences like creme fillings or malted chocolate."
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When it comes to Americans' favorite Easter candy option, there was a clear, and perhaps unsurprising winner, followed by many classic choices. And overall, chocolate treats are more popular than their sweet counterparts made without chocolate—seven out of the top 10 candies include chocolate. Keep reading to find out America's most popular Easter candies.
Cadbury Easter Creme Egg
This Easter staple, which is a chocolate egg with a soft fondant center, was the most popular confection in 24 states, including Washington, D.C., California, Texas, and Georgia.
Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs
Though similar to the number-one candy on this list, these tasty eggs boast a milk chocolate exterior and a peanut butter center, similar to that of a traditional Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. That delicious combo was enough to make this seasonal Reese's creation the most popular Easter candy in 20 states. And while Cadbury Easter Creme Eggs reigned supreme on the West Coast, Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs easily dominated much of the Midwest and East Coast.
Starburst Easter Jelly Beans
The first non-chocolate item to appear on the list, these fruit snacks snagged top honors in five states—the Dakotas, the Carolinas, and Florida.
Cadbury Chocolate Mini Eggs
Shoppers in Vermont and Massachusetts can't get enough of these bite-sized pastel eggs filled with chocolate, and we can't blame them!
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Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kisses
Though not Easter specific, there's no denying the appeal of a classic Hershey's kiss, especially if you want just a little something sweet to celebrate. That's why Americans named these treats the fifth most popular Easter candy.
M&M's Easter Milk Chocolate Candy
Coming in sixth is these Easter-themed M&M's, which boast a mix of pastel hues and make an excellent filling for an "egg" left behind by the Easter Bunny.
Lindt Milk Chocolate Bunny
Since Instacart's data showed that nearly half of Americans—47 percent—say that chocolate bunnies are among the most superior Easter candies, it's no surprise that these chocolate creatures took seventh place.
Brach's Jelly Bird Eggs
According to Instacart's info, jelly beans experience 109 percent growth during the two weeks leading up to Easter. The tiny treats are bested only by marshmallow candies, which see 111 percent growth during the same time frame. And while nearly a quarter of Americans say jelly beans are among their least favorite Easter candies, their tremendous seasonal uptick proves they're also an Easter stronghold. When it comes to jelly bean flavors, nearly half of Americans prefer classics like cherry, orange, and lemon-lime.
PEEPS Yellow Marshmallow Chicks
Despite being very strongly associated with Easter, the data around PEEPS Is interesting, to say the least. Per Instacart, 33 percent of Americans agree that marshmallow chicks are among their least favorite Easter candies. However, a quarter of Americans say they eat marshmallow chicks for the sake of tradition, despite it being among their least favorite Easter candies. Long live PEEPS!
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Hershey's Milk Chocolate Candy Eggs
These colorfully wrapped candies, which are solid chocolate, rounded out the top 10. Use 'em to line your Easter basket if it needs a pop of color.
