Easter baskets can be surprisingly personal. Some people go all in on chocolate, others swear by fruity treats and a few stick to nostalgic favorites they’ve loved since childhood. New shopping data is giving us a peek into what people across the country are actually buying—and the results might surprise you.
According to Instacart, one candy clearly stands above the rest nationwide, but not every state is on board. While many shoppers agree on a go-to favorite, a handful of states are doing their own thing, choosing classic chocolate bars or iconic bunny-shaped treats instead.
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The Most Popular Easter Candy by State
Instacart
According to new data, Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs are the top Easter candy in a huge majority of the country, taking the number one spot in 38 states. That’s four years in a row at the top, making it the clear MVP of Easter baskets. Fans love the soft texture and extra peanut butter filling, which many say tastes even better than the classic cup.
Still, not every state follows the crowd. Here’s how preferences break down across the U.S.:
- 38 states: Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs dominate as the top Easter candy.
- California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate is the favorite.
- Hawaii and Maine: Lindt Gold Bunny Milk Chocolate hops to the top.
- Washington, D.C. and South Carolina: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups beat out the seasonal egg version.
Even when Reese’s doesn’t win, it still shows up in a big way, proving just how strong its fan base is.
Related: Nothing Bundt Cakes Is Debuting an Easter Surprise March 23
The Other Easter Candy Trends Shoppers Love
Instacart
The data also highlights some fun regional trends. Jelly beans, for example, are still a classic—but they’re especially popular in the Midwest and Upper Plains. States like Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin go big on jelly beans.
Chocolate bunnies also have their own fan clubs. Hawaii, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire are among the biggest buyers of these iconic treats. Interestingly, Hawaii stands out as a top chocolate bunny state while skipping jelly beans more often than most.
And while chocolate clearly dominates Easter shopping, fruity and sour candies are still part of the mix. Items like Sour Patch Kids, Starburst Jelly Beans and Nerds continue to show up in carts, proving there’s room for more than just chocolate in a well-rounded basket.
Related: This Luxury Resort Just Turned Easter Into a Chocolate Lover’s Dream Getaway
