3 of the Most Underrated Chocolates and Candies
Do you have a sweet tooth? Have you been shouting from a rooftop the deliciousness of specific chocolates and candies? Me too. Not all great candy bars get the love they deserve. We’re all so absorbed with the top ones that we’re not enjoying enough of the stuff that might be only one tier below the greats. Hopefully this doesn’t send the underrated stuff flying off the shelves.
100 Grand
What is going on here? The 100 Grand is perfect. It’s literally a Nestle Crunch Bar, but they inflated it and shoved it full of caramel before sealing it up. It has the little rice crunchies that we all grew up loving in the Crunch bar, but also sweet caramel! It’s a very nice surprise when I see it in my kid’s Halloween candy, or a candy bowl at work. Thank you to Gina Cosenza, and her desktop candy bowl, for having the knowledge that 100 Grand bars are amazing, while also severely underrated.
PayDay
When I was in grade school, we used to raise money for school events by selling candy bars. I believe schools still do this, but that was my introduction to PayDay bars. I’m pretty sure my parents had to put in their money at the end because I ate all the PayDay bars in the box. What about the PayDay makes it better than a Baby Ruth? It’s almost the same thing. Is it the amount of peanuts and salty deliciousness that mixes with the caramel nougat center? Yea, it’s definitely the salt. It adds a wonderful layer to a great candy bar. Chocolate is better when it has some sea salt in it. It just makes sense that the sweetness of the center, and saltiness of the peanut layer make for what should be considered a top tier candy bar.
Take 5
This is my number one. I seriously have no idea why it is ever available on the shelves. They shouldn’t be able to keep bags of this in stock, but these bags seem to be everywhere. It has everything that the best candy bars have. Peanuts, caramel, pretzels, caramel and covered in chocolate. I mean come on! This is the best candy bar out there. No questions asked. Tip to make the Take 5 even better… Freeze it. Amazing.
Thank you coming to my candy TED Talk.
9 Worst Trick or Treat Handouts for Halloween
Key Chains
Keychains are handy, but they’re not exactly the kind of treasure kids hope to find in their candy haul. They want stuff that’s sweet, not stuff for keys they don’t have. Save yourself some money and pass on key chains.
klyaksun/ Getty Images
Hygiene Products
We all know cleanliness is important, but getting soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer in your treat bag on Halloween is not what kids look forward to. It’s a treat, not a trip to the pharmacy. It’s like getting socks for Christmas. While practical, it’s not exactly exciting.
onsuda/ Getty Images
Loose Change
Coins may have been an acceptable treat decades ago, but nowadays, they’re seen as disappointing. Kids prefer candy. Or maybe small toys (if they’re exciting/cool enough). Unless, you’re giving away the big bucks, steer clear of this one.
Max Zolotukhin/ Getty Images
Trail Mix
Healthy snacks are great, but Halloween is all about the sugar rush. Kids aren’t exactly thrilled to find a mix of fruit and nuts in their bag. They’re hoping for chocolates and gummies, not something they associate with after-school snacks.
dbvirago/ Getty Images
Coupons
Adults may appreciate coupons for discounts at local businesses, but they don’t make for a fun Halloween treat for kids. Saving money is cool, but Halloween is all about instant gratification. And coupons for discounts don’t really make the cut.
ichico/ Getty Images
Brochures or Pamphlets
Halloween is not the time to distribute religious or informational materials. Kids are looking for fun and treats, not pamphlets. Consider giving those away another day that’s not Halloween.
Wirestock/ Getty Images
Toothbrushes and Dental Floss
Halloween is all about the candy, right? So, if you toss a toothbrush or dental floss into a kid’s stash of treats, you’re basically inviting disappointment. Plus, it’s safe to assume that the trick-or-treater already has a toothbrush. Do they truly need another one?
egal/ Getty Images
Unwrapped Candy
Throwing unwrapped candy into a plastic pumpkin? That’s just asking for a sticky mess. Plus, it’s not the cleanest option. And given the concerns these days, it’s just another worry for parents who fear someone might mess with their child’s candy.
LeventKonuk/ Getty Images
Homemade Treats
Those fancy homemade snacks that look like they came straight from Pinterest can be cute, but if you don’t really know the kids or their parents, they might wonder about your intentions. Sticking to pre-packaged treats is your best bet on Halloween, especially if you’re trying to keep trick-or-treating simple and sanitary.
13-Smile/ Getty Images
