How Much Candy Does My Buffet Need?

 Here is a quick checklist to give you a better idea of how much candy to order.   Unlike flowers, a candy buffet is decorative AND functional.  

• When using ounces, we recommend 8 ounces of candy per guest. Therefore, a 5-pound bag of candy will serve approximately 10 guests.

• When using pounds, we recommend a half a pound - 8 ounces - of candy per guest.

• When using cups, a half of a cup equals 4 ounces.  We recommend 1 cup per guest.

• When planning for candy dishes, it's a good rule of thumb to allocate 2 ounces of candy per guest. You'll need one candy dish for every 10 guests. So, a 5-pound bag of candy should be enough to fill the candy dishes for approximately 40 guests. 

• For lollipops consider 1 piece per guest.

• There are approximately 400 jellybeans per one pound bag.

• 95 Hershey Kisses equal one pound.

• 1-pound BUTTERMINTS = 3 cups

• 1-pound GUMBALLS (1 inch) = 3 ½ cups

• 1 pound HERSHEY KISSES = 3 cups

• 1 pound JELLY BELLY = 2 cups

• 1-pound JOLLY RANCHER = 3 cups

• 1 pound JORDAN ALMONDS = 2 cups

• 1-pound LAFFY TAFFY = 4 cups

• 1-pound LEMONHEADS = 2 cups

• 1-pound M&Ms = 2 cups

• 1-pound MIKE AND IKES = 2 cups

• 1-pound RUNTS = 2 1/3 cups

• 1-pound SIXLETS = 3 cups

• 1-pound SKITTLES = 2 cups

• 1-pound SMARTIES = 5 cups

• 1-pound STARBURST = 2 ½ cups

• 1-pound SUPER BUBBLE GUM = 5 cups

• 1-pound TOOTSIE ROLLS = 4 cups

To create a visually stunning and cost-effective candy buffet, mix and match an assortment of large and small candies.

This strategy not only gives the impression of abundance but also saves money. Pairing a jar of vibrant gumballs with a container of smaller Jellybeans can be both aesthetically pleasing and economically savvy!

Like a Good Book...

People only remember the beginning and end of an event.  For an evening candy buffet, it's wise to order extra to guarantee that your supply lasts. You aim for the final guest to enjoy the same quantity and variety as the first.

The Size of the Scoop!

Size does matter!  Opt for smaller scoops to conserve your candy stash. A 2-ounce scoop, which is about 1/4 cup, can hold approximately 45-50 regular-sized M&M's.

Remember, people tend to take as much candy as the container and scoop allows!

#Candy Tip: If you've chosen your ideal favor bags or boxes but are unsure about how much they hold, send it to us and we can estimate how much it holds!

What to do with leftover Candy?

Donating leftover candy to local charities, shelters, or your neighborhood fire and police departments is a sweet way to spread joy.

After all, nothing says "thanks for your service" like a sugar rush!