A Crazy Amount Of Halloween Candy Is Made Right Here In Illinois

If you're planning to load up on Halloween candy this year, here's a sweet little suggestion: Why not help out your fellow working Illinoisans while you're at it?

How do you do that? Well, some of the most familiar and popular treats destined for trick-or-treat bags across America are made right here in the Land of Lincoln. And we've got quite a history of making the stuff!

So, go ahead and dig into the trick-or-treat bag, and let everyone know you're doing it to help the local economy...not because you've got a sugar problem.

assorted-flavour candies lot

Chicago Has Got Quite The Candy History

Let's start with Ferrara Candy Company, headquartered in Chicago, with a major manufacturing operation in Forest Park. The company's local candy-making roots go back to 1908, and its Illinois-produced lineup includes some Halloween favorites you probably recognize.

We're talking Lemonheads, Red Hots, Atomic Fireballs, and Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters. That last one is a relatively recent sensation, with production in Forest Park helping turn the colorful, crunchy-and-chewy treat into a modern candy-aisle superstar.

Then there's Tootsie Roll Industries, another Chicago candy institution. Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops have been Halloween staples for generations, and the company continues to manufacture candy in Chicago.

And don't forget Mars, which has a long history in the Chicago area. Snickers and M&M's are among the company's iconic brands, and the Chicago region has played an important role in their production and development.

Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Illinois Has Got The Serious Candy Creds

Chicago was once one of America's great candy-making capitals. The Chicago History Museum notes that by the 1980s, nearly one-quarter of all candy made in the United States was being produced here.

Of course, not every candy from an Illinois-based company is necessarily manufactured in Illinois. Production locations can vary by product, so check the packaging if you're determined to buy locally made treats.

But when you're filling that shopping cart for October 31st, remember that some of your favorite Halloween goodies help support manufacturing jobs right here at home.

Now for the important question: Which Illinois-made candy would you be happiest to find in your trick-or-treat bag? And which one would you be tempted to sneak a few pieces of before the kids arrive?

Snickers and Lemonheads for me.