Every October, children across the UK don their costumes, knock on doors, and chant the familiar phrase: “Trick or treat!” Before long, buckets and bags are brimming with chocolates, lollies, and other sugary treasures. But how did sweets become the centrepiece of Halloween in Britain? The answer lies in centuries of tradition, with roots much older than the Curly Wurly or packet of Haribo.
Ancient Roots: From Samhain to Soul Cakes
Halloween’s story begins with the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of harvest and the start of the darker half of the year. It was believed that spirits could cross into the mortal world on this night. Offerings of food and drink were left out to keep them happy.
In medieval Britain, this evolved into All Hallows’ Eve and the custom of souling. Children and the poor would go from door to door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. Instead of sweets, they were given small round cakes called soul cakes, spiced buns, or fruit.
Guising and Mischief
By the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and northern England, the practice of guising had taken hold. Children dressed in costume would perform songs, jokes, or tricks in return for food, coins, or nuts. Mischief and pranks were also a big part of the evening, with youngsters causing minor havoc if they weren’t rewarded. The idea of giving something nice—whether food or a penny—was a way to encourage fun while discouraging mischief.
The Rise of Sweets
It wasn’t until the 20th century that sweets began to take centre stage. For much of the early 1900s, families handed out fruit, nuts, or small homemade treats. After the Second World War, when sugar rationing finally ended in the early 1950s, sweets once again became widely available.
By the late 20th century, with the growing influence of American culture and the convenience of shop-bought confectionery, sweets had become the most popular offering for trick-or-treaters in Britain. Parents preferred individually wrapped chocolates and packets of sweets—seen as both safer and easier than baking.
And of course, Halloween wouldn’t be complete without some proper British classics: Parma Violets, Refreshers, Drumstick lollies, Love Hearts, Curly Wurlys, Fizzers, and bags of Jelly Babies all found their way into the mix alongside the chocolate bars and toffees.
Today’s Sweet Tradition
Now, Halloween in the UK is inseparable from sweets. Whether it’s mini chocolate pumpkins, handfuls of Haribo Tangfastics, or retro classics like Double Lollies and Black Jacks, children look forward to filling their buckets, while adults often sneak a taste of their childhood favourites.
A Legacy with Bite
What began as offerings for the dead, became soul cakes, then guising rewards, and finally turned into the sugar-fuelled celebrations we know today. Every time you hand over a packet of Swizzels or a fun-sized bar of Dairy Milk on Halloween night, you’re part of a tradition that has been evolving in Britain for hundreds of years.
So whether you prefer chewy, chocolatey, fizzy, or fruity, remember: behind every sweet is a history as rich as the treats themselves.