Welcome to the fifth annual edition of the Lasso editorial staff’s definitive halloween candy review. For the past four, we have consistently disagreed on the superior Halloween candy, a pattern that continues today. Here are this year’s picks:
Abby Crespin (EIC): Last year, I declared Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups as my all-time favorite Halloween candy, but I now officially renounce that statement. Ever since I was a child, I have always been quite close with my father; the name Abby even signifies “father’s joy,” and with that, we share many common interests, including our appreciation for the Butterfinger candy bar. Constructed with a crunchy peanut butter wafer core and smothered in a smooth chocolate coating, Butterfingers are a true delicacy. Although we may be the only two individuals on the planet that genuinely enjoy this highly underrated sweet, the unique candy bars evoke a chocolatey nostalgia and heavenly flavor with each bite that I will always adore.
Molly Moore (Managing Editor): M&M’s, named for my initials, of course, will forever and always be my favorite candy. I loved sorting my M&M’s by color in kindergarten, and maybe even more recently. M&M’s gained prominence, partially through their surprisingly expansive array of flavors. Anyone who visits the M&M store in Times Square (I’m there everytime I’m in New York) understands M&M’s truly remarkable variety. The selection doesn’t end there; Mini M&M’s are the single best miniature version of any object known to man.
Kaylah Curley (Managing Editor): Some may argue that mini gummy bears are too small, but that’s precisely what determines their brilliance. While I made this argument last year, it’s as simple as this: mini gummy bears are to gummy bears what gummy bears are to… well, actually enjoyable candy. It’s not just about looks; it’s about the experience. As you’re walking down the streets of Falls Church and want a quick snack, the small translucent bag with the colorful bears peering through are the perfect treat to satisfy your sugar cravings for the night.
Sophia Borghesani (Public Relations Editor): While some people might question whether this choice can even be considered a Halloween candy, the truth is that bubble gum is by far the best Halloween treat. In contrast to candy like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Twix, they don’t melt and make your hands sticky, making the experience 10 times worse. Plus, it lasts forever and isn’t gone within two seconds. Even better, it’s not what people grab first off the shelves, so it’s always in stock.
Anna Goldenberg (News Editor): Honestly, when people talk about Halloween candy, I don’t know why Nestle Crunch Bars aren’t brought up more. Delicious chocolate, combined with the fantastic crunch of rice puffs, is absolutely perfect. Yet this excellent and versatile treat is often passed over in favor of other, better-loved Halloween candies, which I have never understood. How could one turn down such a simple yet glorious desert? I will never understand.
Rachel Grooms (News Editor): My favorite Halloween candy is definitely Twix. Left Twix is the only acceptable answer. Yes, there is a difference. Right Twix has way too much cookie, while Left Twix is a perfect mix of chocolate, caramel, and cookie. I used to hate Twix, but then I realized that I was deeply wrong. Anyone who currently hates Twix, I feel very sorry for you, as you are missing out on wonders. The gooey caramel sensation with the perfect amount of chocolate-to-crunch ratio is only found in the Left Twix, trust me.
Victor Kidwell (Features Editor): When it comes to late-night Halloween snacking, Whoppers are where it’s at. I can think of no greater meal than a Snapple and a box of Whoppers , courtesy of the CVS across the street from Rare Bird on Broad Street. The chocolate coating and the slightly chewy, malty feel is just perfectly served in this ambrosial form sent straight from the heavens.
Tessa (Opinion Editor): I have always truly loved anything dark chocolate. I’m not a huge fan of sweets, so I feel dark chocolate candies are the perfect mix of bitter and sweet. For example, dark chocolate M&M’s, Dove chocolates, and York Peppermint Patties are some of my favorite dark chocolate candies. Milk chocolate candies are too sweet, and white chocolate is not real chocolate (sorry, not sorry to white chocolate fans). However, I could totally eat plain dark chocolate on its own.