Americans can’t resist Halloween candy.
A survey of 2,000 adults reveals dipping into Halloween candy supplies before October 31 has become a staple of the holiday tradition so much so that more than half of those polled say they make multiple sweet-treat stops before the end of the month.
Buying bags of candy twice before the calendar flips over to November isn’t even that bad considering one in every four people surveyed confessed to restocking three times or more before trick-or-treaters arrive at their door.
That’s all according to research conducted on behalf of CVS Pharmacy which shows candy is at the heart of Halloween for many across the United States.
Candy ranked above costumes, the fall atmosphere, and spooky vibes on a list of things that make the holiday special.
While restocking sweet supplies has become common fall practice, this year might look a bit different for trick-or-treaters arriving at doorsteps.
That’s because four in ten polled said they will be handing out non-food goodies to be more inclusive toward children with food allergies. Those non-food items range from fidget toys to friendship bracelets to small stuffed animals.
“More and more households are opting to offer treats that every child can enjoy,” said Brian Eason, vice president of general merchandise and consumables at CVS Health.
That effort is part of an ongoing partnership with the Teal Pumpkin Project, which aims to make Halloween convenient and accessible to all children with allergies.
Even the best intentions can’t prevent the inevitable scrambling that comes attached with holiday fun though.
The survey says early planners — those who stock up for trick-or treaters and have their decorations up by Oct. 1 — admit to running out for last minute candy and even forgetting costume accessories.
When it comes to getting in the spooky spirit, 43% of respondents say they go “all out” for Halloween — with those dressing up spending an average of five and a half hours creating their costume.
