Maryland is one of three states where candy corn is the top-selling Halloween candy this year, according to CandyStore.com’s annual ranking of Halloween candy sales by state.
What’s Happening: The online candy retailer released its 2026 Halloween candy rankings, built on 18 years of bulk sales data combined with figures from major candy manufacturers and distributors. Maryland, Utah and North Dakota top the list with candy corn as their No. 1.
What’s Important: Maryland held its candy corn ranking from 2024, making it one of 38 states that kept the same favorite. Candy corn ranks No. 8 nationally by total pounds sold — and also took the top spot in CandyStore.com’s separate survey of the most hated Halloween candy. The candy splits opinion harder than any other on the map, the company said.
By the Numbers: Americans are expected to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy this year, up from $3.9 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation. Candy prices rose 8.1% in the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, meaning shoppers are likely buying slightly less candy by weight even as they spend more.
The Big Picture: M&M’s held the No. 1 spot nationally for the second straight ranking, tied with Sour Patch Kids at 10 states each. Twelve states switched favorites since 2024, with seven of those trading a chocolate candy for a non-chocolate one. NERDS Gummy Clusters appeared on the map for the first time, winning Indiana and finishing in the top three in six other states.
CandyStore.com’s rankings are projected from Halloween-season sales data going back to 2008. The 2026 edition is a projection, not a count of completed 2026 sales.