We all remember the days of searching for the best neighborhoods and houses for trick-or-treating. Kids always make a mental note of which houses give out full-sized candy bars and the best chocolates. This Halloween, if you want to avoid being the house that kids keep on their bad list, make sure you don’t give out any of these candies to trick-or-treaters.
- Circus peanuts - Who knew these artificial banana-flavored foam candies were still available in 2025? Thankfully, nobody hands these out anymore, and you shouldn’t either.
- Candy corn - Some people love it; some hate it. Although they’re the most visually iconic Halloween candies, they’re also the most controversial. Play it safe and skip the candy corn.
- Nik-L-Nip - These wax bottles with colorful liquid were a hit in the olden days. But it basically tastes like eating crayons.
- Good & Plenty - Sure, they’re brightly colored, but they’re also licorice-flavored, and do you know any kids who love licorice?
- Raisins and Raisinets - These boxes of dried fruit have no place in a Halloween candy bowl. Kids don't get dressed up and walk three blocks for Raisinets.
- Smarties -They’re the least offensive candy on this list, but they’re still just meh, so pass on the pastel chalk tablets.
- Necco Wafers - The Necco Wafers were invented in 1847, and they taste like it, too. The flavors are old-fashioned: licorice, clove, wintergreen, and cinnamon. No kid wants to trade them, much less eat them.
- Cheap milk chocolate - There’s nothing wrong with a plain Hershey’s chocolate bar. But watch out for the off-brand, dollar-store variety wrapped in festive, shiny foil.
Source: Tasting Table