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Hershey’s Kisses Declared America’s Favorite Chocolate

Hershey's Kisses, No. 1 in Harris Interactive study

Last updated on August 29th, 2022 at 01:07 pm

Americans have a sweet tooth and proclaim chocolate candies as their favorite indulgence, according to the just released 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend (EQ) study, an annual study of brand equity, conducted by Harris Interactive.

America's Sweet Tooth Showdown: Hershey's Kisses vs. Plain M&M's.
America’s Sweet Tooth Showdown: Hershey’s Kisses vs. Plain M&M’s.

In the perennial battle of the brands, Hershey’s Kisses is the top ranked chocolate candy brand for the fifth time in eight years. America’s favorite little chocolate candy unseats one of its most enduring competitors, M&M’s Plain Chocolate Candy, which has occupied the top spot whenever Hershey’s Kisses Chocolate Candy hasn’t.

While always enjoying strong brand equity, this year Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Chocolate Candy moves up to the second spot for the first time.

“For the last eight years, it has been a battle between Hershey’s Kisses and M&M’s Plain Chocolate Candy for the top spot as America’s favorite,” says Aron Galonsky, SVP of the brand and communications consulting group at Harris Interactive. “While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Chocolate Candy is usually in the top five, 2012 marks the first time that it is a contender for the top spot. It will be interesting to see if it continues this momentum.”

This year, Hershey’s and Mars products dominate the top chocolate brands, which include Hersey’s Milk Chocolate Candy Bars, Kit Kat Bars, and Reese’s Pieces. Within the Mars family, Peanut M&M’s, Snickers, and Twix also make the list of top brands.

Premium Chocolate

The 2012 study marks the first EQ in which premium chocolate is separate from the larger candy field. Ghirardelli Chocolate, which made its first appearance in the Harris Poll EquiTrend study in 2008, is the top ranked brand followed by Godiva Chocolate and Dove Milk Chocolate.

 What a Life Saver

For those Americans who enjoy candy of the non-chocolate variety, Life Savers Candy takes the top spot. Other non-chocolate brands making the top of the list include Jolly Rancher, Tootsie Pops, Skittles, and Starburst.

Chewing Something Extra

For the first time, chewing gum is sorted into its own Harris Poll EquiTrend category and, as such, Extra Gum chomps its way to the top, followed by Dentyne Gum, 5 Gum, Trident, Orbit, and Stride Gum.

 

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