The Evolution of Trick or Treating in the UK: A Look Back

Trick or treating, a tradition that has its roots in ancient Celtic festivals, has evolved significantly over the years in the UK. Historically, the practice was known as “souling” or “guising,” where children and poor adults would go door-to-door on Halloween, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food or money. However, the Americanised version of trick or treating, involving costumes and sweets, didn’t become popular in the UK until the 1980s. According to a survey by YouGov, in 2006, only 22% of Britons celebrated Halloween. Fast forward to 2023, and the holiday has become a significant event, with 58% of the population participating in Halloween festivities, including trick-or-treating.

UK Halloween 2023: The Most Popular Trick or Treat Candies

As Halloween celebrations have grown in popularity, so too has the demand for trick-or-treat candies. In 2023, the most popular sweets among trick-or-treaters in the UK to fill your sweet bags are Cadbury’s Freddo, Haribo Starmix, and Mars Bars, according to a survey by Statista. These classic British sweets have remained favourites over the years, with their popularity showing no signs of waning. Interestingly, American candies such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Kisses have also started to make their way into the UK Halloween candy mix, reflecting the increasing influence of American culture on UK Halloween celebrations.

Emerging Trends: How UK Halloween Celebrations are Changing in 2023

In 2023, UK Halloween celebrations are becoming more elaborate and creative. There’s a growing trend towards themed trick or treating, where entire neighbourhoods coordinate their decorations and costumes around a specific theme. At Gift Delivery, we also have trick-or-treat bags to go with their costumes. Additionally, there’s an increasing emphasis on sustainability, with many families opting for homemade costumes and eco-friendly decorations. According to a report by Mintel, 35% of UK consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable Halloween products. Furthermore, there’s a rising trend of “trick or treating for a cause,” where children collect donations for charities instead of or in addition to sweets.

The Sweetest Side of Halloween: Unique UK Candy Trends for 2023

In 2023, the UK candy market is seeing some unique trends. There’s a growing demand for gourmet and artisanal sweets, with brands like Hotel Chocolat and Rococo Chocolates offering luxury Halloween-themed chocolates. Vegan and allergen-free candies are also on the rise, catering to the increasing number of consumers with dietary restrictions, according to a report by Grand View Research, the global vegan candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2021 to 2028. Additionally, there’s a trend towards nostalgic sweets, with retro candies like Sherbet Fountains and Love Hearts making a comeback. As Emma Clifford, Associate Director of Food and Drink at Mintel, puts it, “Nostalgia can be a comforting antidote to the fast pace of modern life, and retro sweets tap into this sentiment.”

In conclusion, Halloween in the UK has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a Celtic festival. Today, it’s a major event that’s celebrated with elaborate decorations, creative costumes, and, of course, plenty of sweets. As we look forward to Halloween 2023, we expect to see more themed celebrations, a greater emphasis on sustainability, and an exciting array of candy trends.