Candy in the United States often goes beyond being just a treat. Many types become part of everyday life, appearing in lunchboxes, snack breaks, and small celebrations. Their frequent presence in stores and at gatherings makes them easy to recognize and keeps them familiar across generations. These simple, shared moments help certain candies remain part of routines that people look forward to.
Over time, some candies earn lasting attention because of steady support from shoppers rather than short-term trends. They are commonly shared during holidays, recommended among friends, or enjoyed at special events. This consistency helps certain names stay memorable and widely appreciated. For anyone curious about which candies have stood the test of time and continue to delight people, keep reading to see the most recognized and loved options across the country.
#20 – Crunch
Crunch is a chocolate candy bar that combines smooth milk chocolate with crisped rice pieces, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. The crisped rice adds texture and a lighter feel compared to a plain chocolate bar, making it a popular choice for people who enjoy chocolate without it feeling too heavy.
The combination of chocolate and crisped rice gives Crunch a distinctive taste and texture that many remember from childhood or casual snacking. Its simple yet enjoyable profile makes it a go-to option for quick treats, sharing with friends, or enjoying on the go. Crunch continues to be a reliable and recognizable candy choice for those who want a familiar and playful chocolate experience.
#19 – Whatchamacallit
Whatchamacallit stands out for its unique combination of chocolate, crisp layers, and peanut‑flavored elements, offering a texture and taste that many candy lovers enjoy. Its crunchy center and smooth coating make it a reliable choice for people looking for a snack that is both satisfying and easy to carry. The candy has kept its appeal by balancing sweetness and crunch in a way that feels familiar but still distinct.
One of the brand’s most notable features is its layered texture, which sets it apart from standard chocolate bars. The mix of crisp and chewy components provides a small but enjoyable experience in every bite. This balance of flavors and textures has helped Whatchamacallit maintain steady popularity among shoppers. Whether enjoyed as a quick treat on the go or shared with friends, it remains a recognizable and dependable candy option that many continue to reach for.
#18 – Nerds
Nerds are small, crunchy candies known for their bright colors and tangy fruit flavors. Each box usually contains two separate compartments, each with a different flavor, allowing fans to enjoy them separately or mix them together. The tiny, irregularly shaped pieces make them easy to snack on, and the strong fruity taste sets them apart from traditional candies.
The brand has expanded over time to include variations like chewy or gummy-core versions inside the classic crunchy shell. Their light, sweet crunch and playful flavors continue to attract both kids and adults, making Nerds a recognizable and fun option in the candy aisle. They are often chosen for party favors, snack mixes, or just as a quick, colorful treat on the go.
#17 – Twizzlers
Twizzlers is known for its chewy, rope-shaped candies that come in fruity and licorice-style flavors. The strawberry flavor is the most popular, making up a large portion of production and often being the first one people think of when the brand is mentioned.
The brand also offers variations like “Pull ’n’ Peel,” which allows the candy to be separated into thinner strands, and bite-sized pieces that are convenient for sharing or snacking on the go. This combination of playful formats and familiar sweet taste has helped Twizzlers remain a popular choice for movie nights, road trips, and everyday treats.
#16 – Airheads
Airheads is a popular American candy brand known for its soft, chewy taffy-style candy bars and fruity flavors. The candy is recognized for its flexible, tug-and-chew texture, which makes it easier to eat than many harder candies. Popular flavors include cherry, watermelon, blue raspberry, grape, orange, and the playful “White Mystery.”
Airheads stays popular thanks to its variety of formats and flavors. In addition to the original bars, the brand offers sour “Xtremes,” bite-sized pieces for snacking, and shareable options. The bright wrappers, fun colors, and mix of sweet and tangy flavors make Airheads a favorite for both kids and adults. Its playful design and approachable taste have helped it remain a go-to choice for casual treats and snack bags.
#15 – 3 Musketeers
3 Musketeers is a candy bar from Mars, Incorporated that features a light, whipped chocolate nougat center covered in smooth milk chocolate. The airy texture gives it a softer feel compared to many dense chocolate bars, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a lighter chocolate treat.
Its simple combination of chocolate and nougat has helped 3 Musketeers stay popular over the years. The brand offers several variations, including mini bars, fun-size options for sharing, and seasonal flavors such as mint. These variations allow fans to enjoy the classic chocolate-nougat taste in different ways while keeping the familiar texture at the center. The balance of lightness and sweetness continues to make 3 Musketeers a favorite for casual snacking or adding to dessert treats.
#14 – Milky Way
Milky Way is a well-known candy bar that combines a soft nougat layer with creamy caramel, all covered in smooth milk chocolate. The mix of fluffy nougat, sticky caramel, and chocolate coating gives it a sweet, comforting taste and a texture that many enjoy as a satisfying snack.
The familiar flavor and consistent quality of Milky Way make it a popular choice for candy lovers. The brand also offers variations, including dark chocolate and mini-sized bars for sharing or snacking on the go. Whether eaten as a quick treat or shared with friends, the bar provides a dependable and enjoyable experience. Its soft center and sweet finish help it stand out among other chocolate bars and keep it a recognizable option for people of all ages.
#13 – PayDay
PayDay is a candy bar centered around a chewy caramel core coated in whole salted peanuts. The combination of sweet caramel and crunchy, salty peanuts gives it a distinctive taste that stands out from typical chocolate-based bars. Its nut-forward texture makes it a satisfying choice for people who enjoy a mix of sweet and salty flavors in a single treat.
The bar’s unique flavor profile and hearty texture have helped PayDay remain popular for decades. The brand offers variations such as mini bars, which are convenient for sharing or snacking on the go. It is often chosen as a snack that feels filling and flavorful without relying on chocolate. Whether enjoyed on the go or shared with friends, PayDay continues to be a recognizable and reliable option for those looking for a candy bar that delivers both taste and substance.
#12 – Jolly Rancher
Jolly Rancher is a candy brand known for its bold, fruity hard candies, available in flavors like watermelon, cherry, blue raspberry, grape, and green apple. Each piece delivers a strong, lasting fruit taste, making it popular for people who enjoy long-lasting flavor instead of quick-melting chocolate.
The brand also offers a variety of formats beyond hard candy, including chewy gummies, candy ropes, sour bites, and lollipops, all keeping the fruity taste at the center. These options allow fans to enjoy Jolly Rancher flavors in multiple ways, whether for on-the-go snacking, sharing with friends, or as a sweet treat during gatherings. Its mix of vibrant flavors and flexible formats has helped it remain a well-loved choice across generations.
#11 – Hershey’s
Hershey’s is a widely recognized candy brand in the United States, best known for its smooth and creamy milk chocolate. Its classic chocolate bar is a staple in candy aisles and is often chosen for quick snacks, sharing with friends, or adding to desserts. The familiar taste makes it a reliable option for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Beyond the original bar, Hershey’s offers a wide variety of chocolate products, including bars with almonds, crisped rice, dark chocolate options, and bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. Its consistent quality and recognizable flavor help the brand remain a popular choice nationwide. Hershey’s continues to appeal to anyone seeking a simple, satisfying chocolate experience, making it a go-to brand for everyday treats and special occasions alike.
#10 – Almond Joy
Almond Joy is a candy bar that features a sweetened coconut filling topped with whole almonds and coated in smooth milk chocolate. The coconut provides a chewy, slightly tropical base, while the almonds add a crunchy, nutty contrast that pairs well with the creamy chocolate.
The brand also offers variations, including mini bars for sharing and seasonal editions sometimes coated in dark chocolate. The combination of textures and flavors makes Almond Joy stand out. The chocolate melts first, followed by the chewy coconut, and then the almonds add a satisfying bite. This mix gives the candy bar a distinct profile compared to standard chocolate bars, making it a favorite for anyone who enjoys coconut, nuts, and chocolate together.
#9 – Starburst
Starburst is a fruit-chew candy known for its soft, chewy texture and bold fruit flavors such as strawberry, cherry, orange, and lemon. The chewy squares are individually wrapped, making them convenient to carry and share as a quick sweet treat.
The brand has released several variations to offer more ways to enjoy its fruity taste. These include “FaveREDs,” which focus on red- and pink-fruit flavors like cherry, strawberry, and watermelon; “Swirlers,” chewy fruit sticks combining two flavors in one; “GummiBursts,” a chewier and softer version; and mini or share-size packs for easy snacking. Starburst continues to appeal to candy lovers with its vibrant flavors and flexible options, making it a reliable choice for anyone who enjoys fruity, chewy sweets.
#8 – Skittles
Skittles are chewy, fruit-flavored candies that come in bright, colorful shells marked with an “S.” The original mix includes flavors like strawberry, orange, lemon, and grape, offering a combination of sweet and tangy tastes that appeal to many candy lovers.
The brand has introduced several variations to keep things fresh. Sour Skittles provide a tangy twist, Wild Berry focuses on deeper berry-based flavors, Tropical mixes in tropical fruit tastes, and mini or “Littles” packs are convenient for sharing or snacking on the go. These options give candy fans multiple ways to enjoy the classic fruity experience. Skittles’ playful colors, chewy texture, and wide range of flavors continue to make it a favorite choice for all ages.
#7 – Sour Patch Kids
Sour Patch Kids are soft gummy candies coated in sour sugar that first deliver a tangy taste, followed by a sweet chewiness. The combination of sour and sweet makes them a favorite for people who enjoy candies with a lively flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
The brand offers several variations to keep the experience fun. These include the original Sour Patch Kids, the “Extreme” line with extra sour coating, a “Watermelon” variant shaped like watermelon slices, and “Tropical” blends featuring a mix of fruit flavors. With their playful shapes and wide flavor options, Sour Patch Kids remain a popular choice for movie snacks, candy bowls, or casual treats.
#6 – Butterfinger
Butterfinger stands out for its crisp peanut‑butter core that is layered, flaky, and crunchy, wrapped in a thin chocolatey coating. The filling delivers a distinct mix of sweet and nutty flavor, with a texture that breaks apart easily in your mouth. Its taste and crunch give Butterfinger a different feel than smoother, creamier candy bars.
The brand has introduced several variations over time. These include mini and fun-size bars for sharing or snacking, Bites and Snackerz, which are small, bite-sized pieces for on-the-go enjoyment, and Butterfinger Cups, which feature the peanut-butter center in a cup format. A Salted Caramel version is also available, replacing the classic outer coating with a caramel-flavored shell while keeping the signature center intact.
#5 – Kit Kat
Kit Kat is a chocolate-covered wafer bar known for its crisp wafers layered with smooth milk chocolate. Each bar is divided into fingers that can be snapped apart, making it easy to enjoy one piece at a time or share with others. The combination of light, airy wafers and creamy chocolate gives Kit Kat a distinctive crunch and flavor that appeals to candy lovers of all ages.
The brand offers a variety of versions beyond the classic bar. These include mini bars, snack-sized two-finger bars, and larger “Chunky” bars for those who want a bigger treat. Kit Kat also comes in different flavors, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, and layered “Duos” bars. The versatile formats make it convenient for on-the-go snacking, sharing, or simply enjoying a sweet break during the day. Its consistent taste and easy-to-share design keep it popular worldwide.
#4 – Twix
Twix is a chocolate bar that combines a crisp cookie base with a smooth layer of caramel, all covered in milk chocolate. The mix of crunchy cookie, chewy caramel, and creamy chocolate gives it a texture and flavor that many people enjoy as a satisfying treat.
Twix comes in several variations to offer different ways to enjoy the classic combination. These include mini bars and fun-size bars that are convenient for snacking or sharing. There is also a Salted Caramel version, and in some markets, limited editions feature flavors such as Peanut Butter or Snickerdoodle. Twix has also been adapted into ice cream bars, letting fans enjoy the same sweet and crunchy experience in a frozen form. Its combination of textures and flavors keeps Twix a popular choice for candy lovers.
#3 – M&M’s
M&M’s are small, round candies with a colorful sugar shell and a chocolate center. Each piece is marked with a lowercase “m,” making them easy to recognize in a mix of candies. The classic milk chocolate version combines smooth chocolate with a crisp candy coating, creating a texture and flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
The brand offers a variety of options to suit different tastes. Peanut M&M’s feature a whole peanut in the center, Peanut Butter M&M’s have a creamy peanut butter filling, Crispy M&M’s include a crunchy rice center, Caramel M&M’s contain a soft caramel core, and Pretzel M&M’s combine salty and sweet. Mini versions and seasonal or limited-edition mixes also appear periodically, providing fans with new ways to enjoy the familiar candy. The wide range of flavors and textures keeps M&M’s a top choice for snacking and sharing.
#2 – Snickers
Snickers is a candy bar that combines nougat, caramel, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate. This mix provides a satisfying blend of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and nutty textures. The soft nougat, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts wrapped in smooth chocolate make it a filling and flavorful snack for candy lovers.
The brand has introduced several variations to offer new ways to enjoy the classic bar. These include Snickers Almond, which replaces peanuts with almonds, Snickers Peanut Butter with a creamy peanut butter layer, and Snickers More Nuts with extra peanuts. Seasonal and limited-edition versions also appear from time to time, providing fresh takes on the original flavor combination. Snickers remains a popular choice for anyone looking for a candy bar that delivers both taste and texture in each bite.
#1 – Reese’s
Reese’s is a candy brand best known for its peanut butter cups, which combine creamy peanut butter with a smooth milk chocolate coating. The blend of sweet chocolate and salty peanut butter creates a balanced flavor that has made Reese’s a favorite for many candy lovers. Its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and familiar taste make it ideal for snacking, sharing, or adding to desserts.
Reese’s also offers several variations that let fans enjoy the classic flavor in different ways. These include Miniatures, white chocolate or dark chocolate versions, and seasonal editions shaped for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. The brand produces peanut butter-filled candy bars and Big Cups as well, providing multiple ways to enjoy the signature chocolate and peanut butter combination. Its variety and consistent taste help maintain its status as a top choice for candy enthusiasts.
