Why is Montana’s Favorite Christmas Candy Unusually Boring?

Look, this isn't a rant against the whole portable-peanut butter-chocolate advancement humans have made in recent years thanks to the scientists at one big-name candy company.

But as we enjoy our decked halls and holiday snacks galore (in advance of the weight loss campaigns of next month), one has to wonder why Montana's favorite Christmas candy continues to be the most puzzling, pedestrian, and unimaginative choice in the entire United States.

And according to the candy experts (how do I get THAT job) at candystore.com, Montana is still stuck in the same rut as we were a year ago.

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All by ourselves on a "candy island"

During "candy holidays", the folks at candystore.com compile sales figures and other factors determining each state's favorite candy. They also track trends, including this year's rebound by peppermint bark, which had dropped six #1 spots after 2021 but is back at #3, and the "candy cane comeback".

But that analysis also shows Montana's "boring" candy trend. For the second year in a row, the Treasure State's favorite is Reese's Pieces, the only state in the country to crave them at Christmas.

What?! How do we pick a treat that, while admittedly tasty, comes in brown, orange, and yellow? Fine for Halloween and through the fall. But is that really what you want in the Christmas candy dish when there's an entirely different palette of cheerful colors?

I'm embarrassed

Look, I get that we love peanut butter snacks. Colorado, California, Washington, Texas, and Arizona favorite Reese's Cup Minis. But at least they come in colorful holiday foils. Utah does the same with holiday-wrapped Hershey Kisses. Nevada is part of the peppermint bark comeback (guess they don't melt in the pocket with all those poker chips) and Oregon's candy canes.

Yet look across the border at our closest neighbors. Beautiful, bright holiday colors with holiday M&Ms in Idaho and Wyoming!

When I was shopping with my granddaughter this week I asked why we couldn't at least buy the red and green Hershey's "pieces", to which she patiently explained, "Well, they aren't peanut butter." Boom.

At least Montana's individuality extends to treats

Maybe this is all part of our inherent independence in Montana, started by those pioneers in Bannack and Virginia City who didn't want to spend more gold nuggets for holiday M&Ms. But here's hoping our New Year's resolutions include something a little more flashy and colorful for Easter.

Just don't bring up our #2 pick. Reindeer corn. Which is nearly as weird as the Chocolate Santas which they love in North Dakota.