A Sweet and Spooky Halloween
A Sweet and Spooky Halloween
Hershey's Halloween team member Heather Seamans shares secrets from Candyland, USA
Halloween is still more than one month away, but if you’re addicted to social media (or frequent any stores), you’ll note that Scary Season is in full nightshade bloom.
The holiday, with origins from 9th century Ireland’s Samhain, has strong ties to honoring the fall harvest. But for most people, Halloween is synonymous with trick or treating.
This act of dressing up and going door to door for candy also has Irish origins, and you can give credit to Canadians for first coining the now-familiar “trick or treat” phrase. And there can be no trick or treating without candy.
Candy corn, the divisive waxy sugary treat, was invented in the late 19th century and was probably quite popular when it was the only game in town. Other candies followed, but it could be said that the Halloween candy game was vastly improved when Hershey’s introduced its minis in 1939.
Since then, these little chocolate bars have been considered a prize by old and young during Halloween with kids trading each other for their favorites among the mixed bag that includes Mr. Goodbar, classic Hershey’s, Dark, and Krackle.
Heather Seamans from the Hershey Halloween team (yes, Halloween is such a major holiday for candy makers it gets its own team), says Halloween is considered the chocolate company’s busiest season. “Halloween has a natural tie-in with candy. We call this season our Super Bowl.”
Like any massive annual event, there’s much preparation — and the season is getting longer and longer. “We’ve seen Halloween creep in earlier and earlier,” says Seamans, adding, “Basically people are ready for Halloween by July Fourth.”
Seamans has a theory about why Halloween has become so massively popular in recent years. “It’s become the perfect holiday. There aren’t any expectations like those for Christmas, which can come with pressure. Halloween is still all about the fun.”
The Halloween candy expert also has some interesting insights about the holiday, including the top-rated candy. “The most popular candy is Reese’s, followed by Kit Kat and the classic Hershey Bar. Kids - young and old are super excited when they get the “good stuff” in their trick-or-treat bags.”
Seamans also loves the idea of having a candy dish at Halloween parties — and even as a year-round pick-me-up in your living room or at your entryway. “We love the candy bowl. It makes sense at a Halloween party or any time. It’s a way to offer something to surprise and delight your friends.” For Halloween, Seamans suggests an assortment of Reese’s skeletons and Monster Kisses. “They give you an element of decor.”
Seamans also shares some new Halloween novelties that Hershey’s is offering in addition to the classics. “We have Reese’s Werewolf Tracks and Ghost Toast Kit Kats.” There are also Harry Potter and Autumn leaves-themed candies. Her favorite for a spooky movie night is the Twizzlers shaped like ghosts. “We’ve seen movie-watching take off. People look forward to their favorite scary films.”
Last, but not least, cooler weather just begs for a s’mores night. Seamans says that s’mores have also gained popularity since people realized that you don’t need to be out in the woods with a campfire to enjoy the melty goodness. “There are so many ways to make s’mores now,” she adds.
However you celebrate Halloween — be it watching Hocus Pocus with friends or dressing up and knocking on your neighbors’ doors, candy is an integral part of celebrating. “It’s all about that moment of connection and togetherness.”