Candy Corn Is Illinois' 'Most Hated' Halloween Candy, Survey Says

ILLINOIS — At a time when the nation is already divided on any number of topics, many states – Illinois included – tend to agree on a topic that creates controversy each year around this time.

Candy corn.

The autumnal sweet treat tends to be polarizing among residents, who either love or hate the tri-colored confection. But according to a new study based on Google analytics, Illinois is among the states that have pinpointed candy corn as the most-hated Halloween candy.

The study, released recently by Byte.com, deemed candy corn as the most hated after surveying 1,000 people. The poll stated that only 22 percent of those interviewed “love” candy corn while the vast majority of poll participants took the opposite view.

Chicago was among four U.S. cities that were deemed “least Candy Corn obsessed”, and fell only behind New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia in its disdain for candy corn. Meanwhile, the Byte.com survey found that most candy cover lovers reside in Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, and Portland.

While 44 percent of Americans said they were indifferent to candy corn, 34 percent of those surveyed were not afraid to announce their hatred of the product. The survey relied on Google Analytics, which provided researchers with the states where closet candy corn fans are by determining which ones search the most for it.

The survey ranked Tootsie Rolls as Illinoisans' favorite candy during a season in which 52 percent of Americans are expected to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. The study listed Reese’s as the country’s favorite candy, followed by Kit0Kat, M&Ms, Twix and Butterfinger.

The most hated after candy corn? Hot Tamales, Dots, caramel apple suckers, and Mike and Ike.