•State-by-State Ranking of Jelly Beans
• Top 3 Flavors from Each State
• 15 Years Sales Data + Over 9,000 Surveyed
• Updated March 2024
April 25, 2025 By Stephan Salvatore
It’s jelly bean season again! With Easter and National Jelly Bean Day (April 22nd) just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into the Best Jelly Bean Flavors of 2024. Whether you love the sweet classics or the quirky flavors, there’s something here for everyone.
So, what are the nation’s top jelly bean picks this year?
Thanks to updated data from candy sales and surveys, we’re revealing how America’s jelly bean preferences have changed — state by state. In fact, this year’s results might just surprise you.
Best Jelly Bean Flavors: America's Top Picks
April has unofficially become Jelly Bean Central, thanks to its close ties with Easter and National Jelly Bean Day. Although Easter fell in March this year — just barely — jelly bean season is still going strong in April.
Unlike the love-it-or-hate-it reputation of candy corn, jelly beans tend to be a bit less controversial. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no debate — especially when it comes to flavor. From the bold tang of sour to the sweet comfort of cherry, preferences are all over the map.
Interestingly, this year’s data highlights a major trend: darker-colored jelly beans are stealing the spotlight. While some may still reach for fruit-forward flavors, others are gravitating toward bold, nostalgic tastes.
As a result, Black Licorice — once a divisive underdog — has made a powerful comeback.
Jelly Beans: The Easter Essential
Come Easter, over 16 billion jelly beans eaten. That’s a whole lot of jelly beans, proving these little guys are a big deal this time of year.
Even though National Jelly Bean Day on April 22nd doesn’t seem to shake up sales by itself, jelly beans are synonymous with Easter and spring. It’s like everyone’s got jelly beans on the brain, making them the go-to snack of the season. Talk about bulk candy!
Jelly Beans Quick Facts
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Unclear Origins: First appeared in America during the 1860s, possibly for the Civil War.
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Billions Made: Over 16 billion produced for the Easter season alone in the U.S.
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To the Moon: That many jelly beans could make it 1/3 of the way to the moon.
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Astronaut Food: Traveled to space on the 1983 Challenger shuttle.
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World’s Largest: The largest jelly bean weighed about 6,020 pounds, showcased in 2003.
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Slow Production: It takes 7-21 days to make jelly beans due to layering process.
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Harry Potter Inspo: “Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans” from Harry Potter inspired real flavors.
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Dedicated Day: April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day in the U.S.
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Early 1900s Sales: Jelly beans were only sold in individual flavors.
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Christmas Candy: Jelly beans were originally a Christmas candy until about 1930.
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Blueberry Origin: Blueberry bean lovers can thank Ronald Reagan. Jelly Belly needed a blue jelly bean when he was elected, and the blueberry jelly bean was born.
Best Jelly Bean Flavors Nationwide
This year’s jelly bean flavor rankings reveal a fascinating trend: darker-colored jelly beans are reigning supreme.
Topping the charts is the ever-controversial Black Licorice, closely followed by other rich, deep flavors like Buttered Popcorn, Cinnamon, and Root Beer. These results, highlighted in the lovely image at the article’s beginning, showcase a collective shift towards bold and distinctive tastes.
🍬 #1 Black Licorice – New Winner!
Black Licorice has made a triumphant return to the throne, climbing back to the #1 spot after a few years of playing second fiddle.
Once the reigning champion, it slipped down to #3, and then gradually inched its way up to #2 last year. Now, it’s officially back on top, proving that its unique, somewhat divisive flavor can still win hearts (and taste buds) across the country.
While it’s a flavor that splits the crowd down the middle, the lovers of black licorice jelly beans are passionate enough to vault it back to the pinnacle of jelly bean favoritism, outshining the perennial favorite, cherry.
Ultimately, this dark horse of the jelly bean world shows that even the most controversial flavors can lead the pack.
🍿 #2 Buttered Popcorn
Last year’s champion, Buttered Popcorn, with its savory, butter-laden taste, finds itself in the spotlight yet again. This time, it secures the #2 spot — just a kernel’s throw away from the top.
This flavor, evoking the essence of movie nights and salty snacks, continues to divide opinions sharply. Yet, its distinctive taste and aroma have garnered enough fans to keep it firmly at the forefront of America’s jelly bean preferences.
As a result, Buttered Popcorn remains a powerhouse in the rankings. It’s a tight race at the top, but this unique flavor holds its ground with undeniable gusto.
🌶️ #3 Cinnamon
Hovering at #3 for another year, Cinnamon holds its ground firmly in the jelly bean rankings. This fiery contender has steadily blazed its way up, maintaining a strong position among America’s favorite flavors.
Notably, as part of the growing trend for spicy candies, cinnamon jelly beans have ignited a fervor for flavors that pack a punch.
With more people seeking out bold, exciting tastes, Cinnamon exemplifies this shift. It’s a standout choice for those craving a little extra warmth in their candy. Indeed, it’s a testament to the spicy trend heating up the candy world — proof that cinnamon’s fiery charm is more than just a flash in the pan.
🧋 #4 Root Beer
Fizzing its way further up the charts, Root Beer has bubbled up to #4 this year, after refreshing its position from #6 last year. Surprisingly, this nostalgic favorite has made impressive strides, climbing a total of 9 spots in just 4 years.
Now closer to the top, it’s showing that it has the gusto to challenge even the most beloved flavors.
In fact, its rise reflects a growing appetite for nostalgic, non-fruity tastes that offer something different. As such, Root Beer’s success is a clear sign that classic flavors are making a strong comeback in the jelly bean world.
🍒 #5 Cherry
Cherry jelly beans — the timeless classic — have experienced a slight dip to #5 this year, down from #4. For decades, this vibrant, sweet flavor reigned supreme. However, recent shifts in flavor preferences have nudged it slightly off its throne.
Even in a landscape increasingly dominated by savory and spicy contenders, Cherry’s enduring popularity is a testament to its legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a standout among sweet, fruity options, holding its own with grace.
Though it may not be #1, Cherry’s iconic status and beloved taste keep it firmly in the mix.
🍉 #6 Watermelon
Slipping from its previous high of #5 to #6 this year, Watermelon has seen a small decline in its sweet ascent. Last year’s surge demonstrated its nationwide appeal, paralleling Cherry in sugary delight. However, this year’s dip may hint at a competitive ebb and flow within the jelly bean market.
Still, the journey of Watermelon jelly beans reflects the dynamic shifts in preference — even among the sweeter flavors. It remains to be seen whether this summery favorite can regain momentum or will settle amid the growing dominance of savory and spicy picks.
🍐 #7 Juicy Pear
Holding steady at #7, Juicy Pear continues to enchant as a modern classic among jelly bean aficionados. Interestingly, its rapid rise in popularity showcases how newer flavors can disrupt the norm.
In states like Vermont, Wyoming, and Washington, Juicy Pear claimed the top spot — a feat few expected. With its refreshingly light taste, it offers a flavorful break from the richer, spicier options in the top rankings.
Overall, Juicy Pear proves that modern favorites can stand tall alongside the classics.
☕ #8 Coffee
Perking up from last year’s #9 to #8, Coffee continues its climb in the jelly bean ranks. After a caffeine-fueled leap from #16 just a few years ago, this flavor now enjoys a cozy spot in the top ten.
Clearly, its rise mirrors America’s ever-growing love for coffee. From latte to espresso, Coffee jelly beans appeal to a wide range of flavor-seekers — not just caffeine lovers.
As a result, Coffee has secured its place not only in mugs but also in the hearts of jelly bean fans everywhere.
🔵 #9 Blueberry
Taking a slight tumble from #8 to #9 this year, Blueberry jelly beans have shuffled a bit in the rankings. Originally created to complete the red, white, and blue theme for political events, Blueberry quickly became a fan favorite for its bright color and classic fruit flavor.
Even though it dropped a spot, its appeal hasn’t faded. Blueberry remains a go-to for colorful candy bowls and fruit-forward mixes. Ultimately, its steady presence shows that fruit flavors — especially vibrant ones — are still in demand.
🍋 #10 Sour
Sour has zested its way into the top ten, climbing from #12 to grab the #10 spot this year. Previously lingering just outside the spotlight, sour jelly beans are now enjoying their well-earned moment.
With growing popularity in states like New York and Nebraska, Sour has clearly earned its seat at the table. In contrast to the richer flavors topping the list, its sharp, tangy profile offers a refreshing punch that many candy lovers crave.
All in all, Sour’s rise reflects a growing enthusiasm for adventurous, palate-tingling treats.
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