What candy is most associated with America?

Charms? Tbf they had new mres when i got out. And i never cared for the candies. I mostly gave those away. My chief was a choc fan and feeding him candy kept me out of the shit details.

Always kept the tootsie rolls tho. Those things could last forever in a sack.

[-]

Charms weren’t in newer MREs, they were in MREs until 2007. . They were actually developed during WW2 as a supplemental energy form for combat rations. They are like a square Lifesaver. You can still buy them, they are made by Tootsie Roll.

[-]

WestBrink@reddit

Totally ripped off by Forrest Mars after he saw Smarties (British Smarties, not the little sugar pucks). Not some special army development process or anything.

[-]

shelwood46@reddit

Are those the same as Canadian Smarties? Because those are awful.

[-]

WestBrink@reddit

Far as I know, yeah. And agree that M&Ms are a better product. Just saying, Rowntree was in the little chocolate oblate spheroid covered in candy given to troops thing long before Mars was...

[-]

BananaSlugMascot@reddit

Upvote for oblate spheroid.

[-]

JollyRancher29@reddit

Are Canadian/British smarties the same as Sixlets?

[-]

Think-Departure-5054@reddit

No, suckers are so much better.theure creamier and spherical. M&ms are the same as Canadian/British smarties.

[-]

LiqdPT@reddit

Not by the US Army. Mars saw British soldiers with Smarties and copied them

[-]

dcdiegobysea@reddit

Only because they have a thin candy shell, eliminating a chance of them melting in a car vents on the midst of a trip to save his recently deceased father's company.

I prefer peanut butter m&m

[-]

Succulent_Roses@reddit

He specifcally says not the most popular or most advertised.

[-]

TRiC_2020@reddit

This came to my mind first and I don’t even like them.

[-]

kingchik@reddit

That was my gut instinct!

[-]

casapantalones@reddit

I’d say m&ms too. I don’t even like plain m&ms but they come to mind as a generic example of “candy.”

[-]

BraveStrategy@reddit

M & m s stores all over the world!

[-]

Prairie_Crab@reddit

Candy corn.

[-]

Zealousideal_Crow737@reddit

Hershey's. I'm not even crazy about Hershey's but it just comes to mind the fastest.

[-]

Fun_Variation_7077@reddit

Go to Chocolate World in Hershey. It's fresh, so it's slightly less disgusting.

[-]

Acceptable_Tea3608@reddit

Hershey chocolate isn't disgusting. But it is MILK chocolate and most of the world eats DARK chocolate, so there's a taste difference. Their Special Dark is pretty good but not easy to find.

[-]

illegal_miles@reddit

The issue isn’t that it’s milk chocolate. The issue is that they specifically use soured milk, so it has butyric acid, the smell of which people associate associate with, well, sour milk. And vomit.

Europeans have milk chocolate too. So do the American chocolate makers, such as Sees. They just don’t use sour milk so it doesn’t smell like puke.

[-]

Acceptable_Tea3608@reddit

I have never heard that they use soured milk. Hershey was especially proud to get fresh milk from pastured PA cows.

[-]

icedragon42@reddit

They don't use soured milk, thay would be illegal. It's just that their pasteurization method makes the milk taste slightly soured. Americans grew to like the flavor in chocolate, so they stuck to the same method. I've never actually noticed the "vomit" taste even when comparing European chocolate to Hersey's.

[-]

illegal_miles@reddit

There are different variations of the history and exact process but here’s one source:

Hershey avoided using powdered milk, but the unique sour taste of Hershey’s chocolate actually comes from the slight spoiling that occurs when milk is condensed. Still, the folks in marketing concluded that chocolate “made with fresh milk!” sounds a lot sweeter than chocolate “made with rancid condensed milk!” And Hershey’s employs that fresh milk narrative to this day.

https://westridgespyglass.org/5981/op-ed/the-backstory-hersheys-happy-accidents-flavorful-failures/

[-]

Rhombus_McDongle@reddit

Europeans thinking American chocolate is gross is like how Americans used to dislike the flavor of hops (or any flavor) in their beer. When I had "good" European chocolate it was like the Bud light of chocolates.

[-]

Alpastor_Moody@reddit

Bro what are you talking about 😂

[-]

illegal_miles@reddit

I’m talking about a well documented fact about Hershey’s chocolate that makes it different from most of the rest of the chocolate in the world:

He points to the milk listed in the ingredients. "Butyric acid." Butyric acid comes from the milk fats in the chocolate. In a process called lipolysis, the fatty acids in the milk decompose, resulting in a rancid, or "goaty" taste. Hershey's purposefully puts their chocolate through controlled lipolysis, giving it that unique flavor. Because of this, most Europeans don't like Hershey's chocolate—but Americans do.

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/finding-flavor-chocolate

Non Americans who didn’t grow up eating Hershey’s often say it tastes weird or like puke or rancid butter. They aren’t crazy. We’re just used to it.

[-]

teaanimesquare@reddit

Butyric acid is also in Parmesan cheese among other things. It’s actually quite good for you.

[-]

Bright_Ices@reddit

Butyric acid is also what contributes to the flavors of Parmesan, cheddar, butter, apples, potatoes, and many more beloved foods.

[-]

Lugbor@reddit

It really is. I've had milk chocolate from a lot of different companies, and Hershey is consistently one of the worst.

[-]

woodwork16@reddit

I remember tours through the Hershey Factory. That place is amazing.
They replaced the tours with some kind of Disneyesc ride through the history of chocolate. The tours were better than the ride.

[-]

Wildcat_twister12@reddit

It’s the only chocolate you can use in s’mores. I have tried others and none blend with the marshmallow and graham crackers like Hershey’s does

[-]

jonesnori@reddit

And at that, they used to work better. Hershey bars used to be thinner but broader. (I think they reduced the total weight but changed the thickness to fool the eye.) The thinner chocolate melted under the marshmallow much more easily. (My childhood was over 50 years ago.)

[-]

Remarkable_Table_279@reddit

Definitely essential for s’mores

[-]

icedragon42@reddit

I think a Snickers bar is kind of the default candy. I've never heard someone say it's their favorite, but it's always there.

[-]

NaughtyLittleDogs@reddit

I'm not a peanut person, so I'm very aware when stopping at a vending machine or convenience store for a treat that the rest of American really ARE peanut people. The vending machine in the break room at my last job literally had NO candy without nuts or peanut butter. So my vote is either Snickers or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, because those are what I always see people buying. Those and Twizzlers (which I also find disgusting)

As for me, I like a bit of plain dark chocolate when I can get it. But I'm a weirdo.

[-]

RatonhnhaketonK@reddit

M&Ms or Hershey, I think

[-]

sleepygreendoor@reddit

Hershey’s

[-]

Captain_StarLight1@reddit

I’d personally go with Hershey’s. Not necessarily the best or best selling, but certainly the most iconic

[-]

BlackberryNo5962@reddit

Snickers

[-]

Nercow@reddit

The Hershey bar (while mostly not loved) was the rest of the worlds introduction to American candy. So my vote is that

[-]

PA_MallowPrincess_98@reddit

Hershey’s Chocolate!🍫🍫🍫🍫

[-]

turquoise_amethyst@reddit

Anything with peanuts. Peanut brittle, peanut m&ms, Reese’s pieces, peanut butter cups

Any cookies with those candies in em too

Otherwise… those strawberry hard candies, wax bottles filled with syrup juice, and the bubblegum or wax lips

[-]

BackpackJack_@reddit

Hershey's Kisses. For some reason, KitKat also came to mind, but I quickly realized that it originated in the UK and Japan does a better job at making them with all those unique flavors.

[-]

Consistent_Damage885@reddit

Hershey's bars.

[-]

JustAnotherDay1977@reddit

If someone just says “candy,” I think of hard candies, like the little butterscotch candies in the off yellow wrappers. If someone says “chocolate,” I think Hershey Bar.

[-]

Background_Humor5838@reddit

Thank you! I'm genuinely so confused why everyone associates a chocolate bar with the word candy. Chocolate and candy and two separate categories in my head. If you ask me if I want candy, I'm thinking you have a hard candy or some gummy candy, not a chocolate bar lol

[-]

gutclutterminor@reddit

Ever heard of See's Candy? Glorified chocolate.

[-]

jalapeno442@reddit

Chocolate is candy though??

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

Chocolate is chocolate

[-]

jalapeno442@reddit

Chocolate is a type of candy lol the definition of candy literally mentions it

[-]

Background_Humor5838@reddit

Not a chocolate bar. Some types of chocolate are candy but everyone in these comments is saying a hershibar which chocolate, not candy

[-]

TiberianSunset@reddit

source?

[-]

Pops_88@reddit

Same! *maybe* kisses or mms, but not chocolate bars for sure.

[-]

Background_Humor5838@reddit

I had no idea the majority of Americans on Reddit were so confused about candy 😂

[-]

freecain@reddit

Its funny, if someone says "hey, want some candy" - I think hard candy.

But, "hey there's this candy shop we should stop at" - I'm assuming they have chocolate, and would be disappointed if they didn't.

[-]

Historical_Log1275@reddit (OP)

My mom just mentioned cracker jacks and I forgot about those! Anyone else?

[-]

PuddleFarmer@reddit

Salt water taffy

[-]

voteblue18@reddit

Anything Reese’s but mostly the original pb cup.

[-]

Highway49@reddit

The Christmas trees are my favorite — more artificial peanut butter!

[-]

NotUntilTheFishJumps@reddit

The holiday shapes (pumpkins, bats, trees, eggs, etc) are SO much better than the cups, and I will die on this hill.

[-]

Pretty_Eater@reddit

Same with twizzlers lately, they've been doing holiday shapes and they are way more enjoyable.

[-]

00death@reddit

They’re all so much worse though. The cups are the perfect ratio. Anything else is wrong and doesn’t taste right

[-]

NotUntilTheFishJumps@reddit

Oh hell nah, the cups have way too much chocolate!

[-]

OkManner7521@reddit

I fully agree. I don’t even like the original cups but give me a pumpkin, egg, bat, etc and I’m demolishing them!

[-]

Historical_Log1275@reddit (OP)

The footballs are even better or eggs ahh

[-]

Highway49@reddit

I've never even seen the footballs! I need to eat them now, as they are my two true loves of Reese's and football together lol!

[-]

dadbodsupreme@reddit

Yeah, all the artificial peanuts.

[-]

Highway49@reddit

They use real peanuts, but all the other stuff makes the filling “artificial peanut butter.”

[-]

ChironXII@reddit

Palm oil and sugar? What else?

[-]

dadbodsupreme@reddit

Is that a thing on CA labelling? It literally just lists "peanuts" on packaging.

[-]

Highway49@reddit

Lol, no it’s the same label. I saw this once but basically they use a lot of sugar and dextrose to get the crumbly texture, and the some stabilizers and stuff.

[-]

moonmoonboog@reddit

lol I feel that way about the Easter eggs. I freaking love the ratio.

[-]

Highway49@reddit

“The big ones not the little ones” is my diet manifesto!

[-]

dwhite21787@reddit

A Hershey product

[-]

chesbay7@reddit

Living fairly close to Hershey, PA, I agree.

[-]

dwhite21787@reddit

Living close to Lititz, I was a Wilbur fan til they got bought out

[-]

chesbay7@reddit

Yep, them, too! A Wilbur bud was so good!

[-]

Yoink1019@reddit

They were separate companies until the 60s.

[-]

DharmaCub@reddit

The Take 5s are the best.

[-]

jIdiosyncratic@reddit

This.

[-]

MoreCheesePlease8675@reddit

Here in Peru (I'm from the U.S but don't live there anymore) I would say most people here associate American brand names with the U.S in general. But the one I associate the U.S with is Skittles because I can't find an equivalent here other than the name brand U.S Skittles.

[-]

TheFlyingHambone@reddit

Airheads and sour belts and stuff are my idea of "good" candies. taffy is decent to.

[-]

slothboy@reddit

The first thing I think of is the Hershey bar. I never buy them. I never eat them, but it's kind of the default American candy, mostly due to WWII.

If I'm buying candy though, it's either a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or a 100 Grand.

[-]

Background_Humor5838@reddit

As an American, I'm shocked at how much chocolate is in the comments. When I think of candy, I immediately think of fruity candy like lollipops and sour patch kids and things like that. Technically chocolate bars are a type of candy but I feel like chocolate and candy are two separate things.

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

Yea, candy = fruit flavored, chocolate is just chocolate

[-]

Background_Humor5838@reddit

Thank you I feel seen ❤️

[-]

Cowboywizard12@reddit

Reese's Peanutbutter Cups.

I've heard Europeans think its weird that Americans and Canadians actually like Peanutbutter

[-]

DrNurse63@reddit

Reese’s or M&Ms

[-]

KimBrrr1975@reddit

Depends on the day. Sometimes I think candy and think "oooh Aldi peanture butter cups" (so much better than reeses). Other times it's "oooh Jolly Joes" or something fruity. There isn't one specific candy or type of candy that comes to mind consistently just depends what I am feeling for.

[-]

amyn2511@reddit

Those Aldi pb cups are elite.

[-]

Otherwise-OhWell@reddit

Probably Snickers but I preferred Lemon-Heads. Zotz were great too.

[-]

amyn2511@reddit

Zots are amazing! I didn’t discover those until my late 30’s and they are quite addicting

[-]

NonsensicalBumblebee@reddit

I have never heard of Lemon-Heads or Zotz.

[-]

Spirited_Concern_800@reddit

Snickers!

[-]

tacitjane@reddit

Saltwater taffy and fudge.

[-]

harpejjist@reddit

Americans will have their own answer as two favourite candy, but if you’re outside of America looking in, you’re going to assume anything with peanut butter like Reese’s

[-]

Imaginary_Roof_5286@reddit

In my home it’s Reese’s original peanut butter cups.

[-]

petey629@reddit

Snickers

[-]

No_Entertainment1931@reddit

It’s gotta be Peeps

[-]

2Asparagus1Chicken@reddit

Licorice

[-]

nygenxmom@reddit

M & Ms.

[-]

23onAugust12th@reddit

Hershey Bar.

[-]

boodyclap@reddit

Not candy but as far as treats, funnel cake, so many people outside the US have asked me "do you actually eat funnel cake?"

[-]

Educational_Impact93@reddit

Speaking of Hershey's, I've heard foreigners say that it tastes like puke to them due to the Butyric acid in it. Does it taste that way to anyone here? I've never understood the rationale behind it to be honest. If it tasted like vomit, how did it become popular?

[-]

Acceptable_Tea3608@reddit

It's a milk chocolate vs. dark chocolate which most people outside of America eat. But Hershey makes a Dark Chocolate bar too.

[-]

jonasshoop@reddit

It's not milk vs dark. Milk chocolate is just as popular all over the world.

[-]

Intelligent_Pop1173@reddit

I’m American and definitely get the vomit taste. I’ve never liked the milk chocolate Hershey bars, not even as a kid. And Hershey kisses give me a scratchy throat and are very unpleasant. Could be a slight allergy to the butyric acid but I just stay away from them because I don’t like them.

[-]

Newmillstream@reddit

It doesn’t taste like vomit to me, but I grew up eating quality made local chocolate, so Hersheys never tasted great to me either. There is an off taste, but if I was hungry for a snack and could choose a free Hersey bar or nothing, I would eat the Hershey bar.

[-]

lamettler@reddit

I’m not a fan either. It has a graininess to it that I just can’t get over.

[-]

Remarkable_Table_279@reddit

First time I heard someone say that I went “that’s what that weird flavor is…I couldn’t place it”. Mr goodbar apparently doesn’t have it…it’s much better than hersheys & now I want a me goodbar

[-]

Think-Departure-5054@reddit

Yes it tastes like that to me, an American. It used to be my favorite chocolate too! I’m convinced they changed the recipe.

[-]

onegirlarmy1899@reddit

My taste buds changed after COVID.

[-]

Lucky_Ad2801@reddit

Yes, I do not like the taste of hershey's chocolate. It is nothing like european chocolate. The dark chocolate I can tolerate.But the milk chocolate makes me nauseous

[-]

Tricky_Ad_1870@reddit

I'm an American who agrees with the foreigners. There is an ondertone of puke in Hershey's.

[-]

MissBandersnatch2U@reddit

Got used to it as a kid

[-]

Educational_Impact93@reddit

I've heard that, but how does one get used to the taste of vomit

[-]

RizzmwitTheTism@reddit

I prefer it over all other chocolate including all imported ones I’ve tried

[-]

1chomp2chomp3chomp@reddit

White bread cuz all the sugar in it

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

If you actually compare the recipes we use the same amount of sugar as other countries.

[-]

Appropriate-Food1757@reddit

Nobody out-candies America. I am convinced we are number one in that.

*I’m not saying we have superior quality chocolate products so save your breath. I know.

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

but we do have more types of chocolate than just Hershey’s

[-]

Appropriate-Food1757@reddit

Absolutely. There is good chocolate here

[-]

PreparationHot980@reddit

Nasty milk chocolate

[-]

mattpeloquin@reddit

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

[-]

UrbanPanic@reddit

I don't think it's a particular type of candy that seems especially American, but the number of different candies we have available.

[-]

3X_Cat@reddit

Circus Peanuts!

[-]

Weightmonster@reddit

The foam things or the chocolate peanut butter ones?

[-]

3X_Cat@reddit

The orange foam things that are supposed to taste like bananas but really taste like acetone.

[-]

Eastern-Fee-3715@reddit

Been huffing acetone lately? 😂

[-]

Think-Departure-5054@reddit

That’s the most confusing thing I’ve read all day. They were intended to taste like banana?!?

[-]

3X_Cat@reddit

Yes. They use isoamyl acetate which actually comes from a banana.

[-]

roseimelda@reddit

The wrapped peppermint candies that live in a bowl at diners’ cash registers

[-]

NoKing9900@reddit

I would say the Snickers bar

[-]

BonCourageAmis@reddit

I personally hate milk chocolate but the Hershey bar is iconic

[-]

FunkySalamander1@reddit

Maybe salt water taffy. I doubt it’s known by many outside of the country, but it’s what I think of when I think of traditional America.

[-]

ididreadittoo@reddit

M&Ms

[-]

5footfilly@reddit

When my counterpart from Bangladesh came to the US he said all his daughter asked for was M&Ms. They can’t get them at home. At least not in 2014.

I took him to Target and he loaded up.

More proof kids and parents are the same everywhere.

[-]

_Bon_Vivant_@reddit

Hershey Bar

[-]

Narrow-Initiative-80@reddit

I don't think of America when I'm thinking about candy so there is no association with me. When I think about candy, I think about See's Candy.

[-]

SherryGabs@reddit

Hersheys. They’re an American icon.

[-]

GreatRecipeCollctr29@reddit

Reese's peanut butter cups or Boyer's peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets in milk chocolate. See's Candies in California. Whitman's Sampler.

[-]

breadexpert69@reddit

Oreo or Reeces pieces

[-]

needmoarbass@reddit

Anyone who lives by a pier might think of local taffy first. Since it’s very popular in those areas. Lots of small shops making it and selling it, no particular brand.

[-]

Background_Humor5838@reddit

This whole comment section is crazy for associating chocolate bars with the word candy. A chocolate bar doesn't even fit the actual definition of candy. I'm baffled by my fellow Americans lol

[-]

Acceptable_Tea3608@reddit

Kicking one out to you: Lifesavers

[-]

MsPooka@reddit

When I think of a city in the UK I think of London, when I think of a city in France I think of Paris. Why? Because they're the biggest, the most well known, and the most popular for tourists. When I think of a candy I think of snickers for the same reason. I doubt others would think of it as an American candy since it's available just about everywhere, but it started here, just about everyone loves them, and they are delicious.

[-]

hydrated_purple@reddit

Snickers are pretty American I think.

Also, not a candy, but I believe root beer is basically only drank in the US.

[-]

ConversationLegal809@reddit

I don’t know why, but I thought sour patch kids

[-]

Acceptable_Tea3608@reddit

All those sour patch gummies are from the 90s.

[-]

GreenBeanTM@reddit

Gumdrops, those sugar dots on a piece of paper, licorice, salt water taffy, etc. no idea how many of those are actually American, but when I hear “candy” I don’t think of anything you actually associate with a brand, I think of the old candy you wouldn’t bat an eye at when going to a historical town or watching “Little House On The Prairie” or an equivalent show

[-]

jalapeno442@reddit

Reese’s

[-]

Acceptable_Tea3608@reddit

Hersheys Chocolate bar and Lifesavers.

[-]

WhelanBeer@reddit

Hershey’s

[-]

senjisilly@reddit

My dad was in the occupation forces in Japan immediately after the end of WWII. He and his fellow soldiers handed out their Hershey bar rations to the local children. He said it was a nice memory.

[-]

bubbameister1@reddit

Because the classic Hershey bar was distributed to troops in WW2, it is associated with America throughout the world.

[-]

PoopsieDoodler@reddit

Upvote this response to the MOON

[-]

Outrageous-Pin-4664@reddit

Yeah, I think that's gotta be the answer, even if it is no longer as popular as it used to be.

[-]

bubbameister1@reddit

It's not my favorite, but it's quintessentially American.

[-]

Outrageous-Pin-4664@reddit

It's kinda like "American Cheese" being associated with us. People overseas seem to think that's all we eat over here, while over here we regard it as something cheap to feed to kids. 😛

[-]

AdmJota@reddit

But they're not asking what candy is associated with America. They're asking what Americans associate most with the word "candy".

[-]

bubbameister1@reddit

Read it again. It is specifically what candy is most associated with America.

[-]

AdmJota@reddit

Also, I agree that I phrased my response poorly. I've edited it to fix it.

[-]

AdmJota@reddit

"[W]hat candy do Americans think of when they think of Candy?"

[-]

OhThrowed@reddit

Accurate, though also ironic because you'll struggle to find anyone who claims a Hershey bar is their favorite candy.

[-]

Opus-the-Penguin@reddit

It may get a boost because it's an essential component of s'mores. That's one of the best things out there and, I suspect, quintessentially American. Unless it's also Canadian?

[-]

wdh662@reddit

We eat them in Canada. In my experience we use jersey milk bars more often.

My favorite is the celebration cookies. Comes coated with chocolate on one side already.

[-]

Effective-One6527@reddit

I like using caramel filled chocolate

[-]

Opus-the-Penguin@reddit

jersey milk bars

Uh oh. Got some bad news for you there.

[-]

OhThrowed@reddit

I love s'mores. Nostalgic as heck and sugary gooey goodness.

[-]

dobbydisneyfan@reddit

It’s my sister’s favorite.

[-]

Fun_Variation_7077@reddit

Ah, she lost her sense of taste after covid, too?

[-]

dobbydisneyfan@reddit

Lol

[-]

OhThrowed@reddit

I now know of one person ;)

[-]

TheRealTaraLou@reddit

I'll get down on the dark chocolate bars though

[-]

WhiskeyDeltaBravo1@reddit

Their slogan even used to be “The Great American Chocolate Bar.”

[-]

Traditional_Ant_2662@reddit

My first thought was Hershey.

[-]

BlackQuartzSphinx_@reddit

Hershey bar. There's a whole town associated with the chocolate.

[-]

one-off-one@reddit

Well the company built the town for factory workers. It wasn’t like a town decided to honor Hershey as its namesake. Hershey essentially bought the town.

[-]

onegirlarmy1899@reddit

A company town built as a model for other companies in the world.

[-]

witchy12@reddit

They have an amusement park too

[-]

FormidableMistress@reddit

That people keep getting hurt at. 😬

[-]

IHaveBoxerDogs@reddit

Hershey Park has very few injuries. There was a death earlier this year, but it was never announced if the poor child drowned or had a medical emergency of some sort.

[-]

GrunchWeefer@reddit

And a hockey team!

[-]

Remarkable_Table_279@reddit

Currently gummi bears & dum dums because that’s what I have in my kitchen right now. But hersheys (tho I don’t care for plain hersheys…I like Mr goodbar), snickers and M&ms are classic American chocolate brands. For fruit candy…skittles & jolly ranchers

[-]

ButterflyAlice@reddit

As an American, when I hear the word candy, my first thought is DumDums lollipops.

[-]

RockSolidSpine@reddit

Our family has always had a bias in favor of Curtiss candies- Baby Ruth, Butterfingrr….

[-]

cprsavealife@reddit

M&M's. Maybe Snickers.

[-]

twelveangryken@reddit

I would say it's the plain Hershey bar. It's known almost everywhere, and even if we don't associate it with America, a lot of people elsewhere do.

[-]

Civil_Papaya7321@reddit

I think Snickers is number one. However, most people I know go to Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

[-]

RandomPaw@reddit

Snickers would get my vote although Baby Ruth is very American

[-]

Adorable_Dust3799@reddit

Plain kitkats. Japan stole the flavors

[-]

Think-Departure-5054@reddit

Japan didn’t steal the flavors. When was the last time you had something matcha or ube in America? Japan KitKats are superior to all other KitKats

[-]

grandmasraviolis@reddit

I might be an outlier, but when I think of quintessentially American candy, I think of the old school candies like saltwater taffy, jawbreakers, and the root beer-flavored hard candies shaped like barrels.

[-]

homebody39@reddit

M&Ms

[-]

Think-Departure-5054@reddit

That’s going to depend on region, age and personal preference.

For example, I don’t consider chocolate to be candy, chocolate is just chocolate. So when I think candy, I’m thinking something I can get in a movie theater like Reese’s pieces or sour patch kids or something.

[-]

HmmDoesItMakeSense@reddit

Hershey bar

[-]

02meepmeep@reddit

It’s gotta be M&M’s created for troops in WW2, right?

[-]

la-anah@reddit

When I think "candy" for some reason I don't think chocolates. I think hard or gummy candies. The generic word "candy" prompts this image in my head https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/Hard-Candy-Party-Mix-Fruit-Flavored-Assorted-Individually-Wrapped-6-Pound-Bag-Approx-450-Count_7defa503-da05-484a-bb63-2500136a2d6d.4a1a65a0a0dfe69648a7d48c55c7e74e.jpeg

[-]

lovegal@reddit

either hersheys chocolate or sour patch kids

[-]

DraperPenPals@reddit

Reese’s cups

[-]

cyvaquero@reddit

I’d say Reese’s may be the most popular today, but Hershey’s is probably most “American” chocolate. Hell, they make Reese’s.

I say this as a Pennsylvanian, Hershey’s isn’t even close to the best chocolate in PA - but they are prolific.

[-]

Fun_Variation_7077@reddit

What's some good Pennsylvanian chocolate? I'm trying to establish pride in my new state.

[-]

cyvaquero@reddit

Gardner’s Candies out of Tyrone have Peanut Butter Meltaways which will make you never look at Reese’s the same.

https://www.gardnerscandies.com/VIEWBYCATEGORY.aspx?id=pb

[-]

Cinisajoy2@reddit

And if you ask me Hershey Pennsylvania stinks. It is just too sticky sweet.

[-]

shelwood46@reddit

Weirdly, while I do not think much of the bars, I do love Hershey's Kisses.

[-]

Wiscobluegalgen@reddit

Not a big sweets, gal in my adult life, but as a child, I would say peanut butter cups and Twix.

[-]

Parking_Champion_740@reddit

I think m&ms

[-]

Lucky_Ad2801@reddit

Personally, I don't like hershey's products, but I do like saltwater taffy, and that you can find around most beach areas in the u.S.

[-]

Sleepygirl57@reddit

Reece’s peanut butter cups.

[-]

Cinisajoy2@reddit

My personal favorite is Reeses. As for the store shelves, it is mostly Hershey products and M&M Mars products.

[-]

Inner_Mortgage_8294@reddit

Charleston Chew

[-]

henare@reddit

frozen

[-]

Danny-B0ii@reddit

Everyone saying Hershey's but I'm going to say Reese's, everyone's forgetting that Reese's puff commercial that got cemented into people's heads bc the song😂

[-]

Cinisajoy2@reddit

Reese's is a Hershey product.

[-]

Danny-B0ii@reddit

It's also a chocolate

[-]

Ok-Lavishness-349@reddit

Pralines.

[-]

CrazyWhammer@reddit

I think Candy Corn is the obvious answer, but these responses have proven me wrong.

[-]

Cinisajoy2@reddit

Hershey or M&Ms. I can't pick one. Oh and those are the parents of most candy's on store shelves.

[-]

Silkies4life@reddit

When I think candy I think Jolly Ranchers. I kinda separate chocolate bars from hard candy though

[-]

desertboots@reddit

Salt water taffy

[-]

SabresBills69@reddit

hersheys the first national chocolate brand. m&ms is probably the most thought off because it’s easily transported without risk of melting. it was used during wars in food rations

[-]

Lumpy_Branch_552@reddit

M&Ms

[-]

RobotShlomo@reddit

Hershey bars I think. It always seems to be the one that anybody from outside the US says "I tired it", and they always comment on how bad they are.

It should be said that Hershey's chocolate hasn't always taste like this. They used to have more cocoa, but the amount over time has been reduced in order to, as always, cut costs.

[-]

pikkdogs@reddit

M&ms were popular in ww2. Soldiers would give them away to kids and such.

[-]

djmcfuzzyduck@reddit

Twix seems pretty popular. It’s not my preference for candy.

[-]

Soigne87@reddit

Probably Reeses or M&Ms.

[-]

PrpleSparklyUnicrn13@reddit

Hershey bars or M&M’s

[-]

Dampware@reddit

Bazooka bubble gum. Once upon a time, that is.

[-]

SordoCrabs@reddit

For "candy", probably M&M or Reese's.

If we're specifying "candy BAR", probably Snickers.

If "non-chocolate candy" is on someone's mind, they're probably thinking Twizzlers or Starburst.

I believe Kit Kat and/or Twix were created in the UK. but they would also be contenders.

[-]

Substantial_Pen3328@reddit

Hershey's is definitely American. Europeans hate it because it tastes like vomit.

[-]

yodellingllama_@reddit

Honestly, I'm thinking twizzlers. Or its cousin, red vines. There's something very American about red chewy ropes that have an unidentifiable, yet vaguely fruit-adjacent, corn syrup concoction. Seems like an industrial byproduct, repackaged as a movie theater treat. And, like Hershey's bars, no one particularly likes them. Very American.

[-]

Thund3rCh1k3n@reddit

Jolly ranchers or big league chew are my two picks.

[-]

np99sky@reddit

The stuff you grow up seeing at Halloween in the budget packs. Nobody goes out and buys candy for themselves all that much outside of events for kids.

Reese's is in there. M&Ms, Hershey's, whatever. I only like Reese's out of those but I think of Smarties and candy corn too although smarties taste like chalk to me.

[-]

Strangy1234@reddit

Snickers or Reese's

[-]

Strangy1234@reddit

This would be better answered by non-Americans

[-]

missraveylee@reddit

Licorice- well, red vines

[-]

MissBandersnatch2U@reddit

Salt water taffy

[-]

peter303_@reddit

A lot of these were created in the late 1800s. Americans wanted tasty convenience treats. Business and manufacturing were created to make such.

[-]

probablynotaround@reddit

Hersheys

[-]

jackjackj8ck@reddit

Most associated is M&Ms

But the best one is REESE’S

[-]

Specific-Peanut-8867@reddit

It could be because we have larger chains in the United States selling candy anywhere in Europe there might be a lot more regional or local candy companies

[-]

PickleMundane6514@reddit

I’m American but I was living in Romania and got fun dip and airheads for my trick or treaters and both were a huge hit but the fun dip nearly caused a riot. I had a teenage boy nearly in tears saying, “thank you so much I always heard of this American candy and wanted to try it but could never afford it”.

[-]

AndrewGooding@reddit

M&Ms

[-]

Burden-of-Society@reddit

Snickers bar

[-]

Weightmonster@reddit

I would say Hersheys chocolate. Uniquely American. In many other American sweets like Reese’s cups and traditional S’mores. Not very good through.

[-]

judijo621@reddit

Hershey's. See's.

[-]

Opus-the-Penguin@reddit

See's is the best! Warren Buffet needs to take them national.

[-]

hurtingheart4me@reddit

I think it’s a tie between Reese’s and Hersheys

[-]

Elderberry_False@reddit

I can tell you my friends in Germany go absolutely crazy for Reese’s peanut butter cups which they don’t have there.

[-]

duke_awapuhi@reddit

Fudge is American

[-]

Budgiejen@reddit

Hershey

[-]

No_Sir_6649@reddit

Hershey kisses, mnms, tootsie rolls.

[-]

BeerWench13TheOrig@reddit

When I think of candy, I don’t really think chocolate, so my mind went immediately to Nerds, Runts, Skittles or jelly beans. The only chocolate that comes to my mind as “candy” is m&ms or Hershey kisses. Now, if you had said “candy bar”, I’d probably say Hershey’s bar, Reese’s cup or Snickers.

[-]

Hotwheels303@reddit

Everyone saying hersheys I can’t remember the last time I actually had a Hershey bar. Needs clusters is the answer

[-]

car55tar5@reddit

Reese's

[-]

husky_whisperer@reddit

Anything gummy and/or sour.

[-]

Hotwheels303@reddit

Nerds clusters. I’m 30 and went years without ever wanting candy and since I tried them they are my guilty pleasure. Every person I offer them to hits me with the “no thanks, I’m okay” and then tries one and is hooked

[-]

ATLien_3000@reddit

Hershey's.

[-]

iconsumemyown@reddit

Nose candy.

[-]

QuarterNote44@reddit

When I lived in Germany, all the kids would come to the American neighborhoods on Halloween and specifically ask for Reese's. So probably that.

[-]

os-n-clouds@reddit

Leaving out the big brands, I'd say cotton candy or funnel cake. They're both technically European but, IMHO, are as American as apple pie.

[-]

dobbydisneyfan@reddit

Reese’s, considering most of the rest of the world doesn’t even eat peanut butter like we do

[-]

WellWellWellthennow@reddit

Snickers .

[-]

unexplainednonsense@reddit

Reese’s

[-]

dwhite21787@reddit

Which is Hershey

[-]

printergumlight@reddit

Which is not the question. It’s not “which candy company”, but “which candy”.

If you ask people outside the US what candy from the US is most associated with America you would get M&Ms, Reese’s and/or Snickers in response.

Not many people would say Hershey Chocolate bar or Hershey Kisses.

[-]

CODMAN627@reddit

The classic Hershey chocolate bar

[-]

Redbubble89@reddit

Hershey's is the biggest brand. I wouldn't call it the best but cheap comfort food. Mars with Snickers, M&Ms, and Milky Way are not really the Pepsi of candy but it's 2nd horse. I think Wrigley got bought out by Mars. They also have brands like Skittles that were first in the UK before coming to the States.

[-]