Ready your shopping lists: We’re only a few weeks away from Passover and Easter. And perhaps in lieu of dyeing a dozen eggs this year, you’re taking a walk down the candy aisle (and looking for a little inspiration) instead.

This week, Instacart is breaking down the biggest shopping trends around two of the largest spring holidays: Passover, which lasts from April 12 to 20 this year, and Easter, celebrated on April 20. Roughly 75% of Americans plan to celebrate either holiday this year, according to survey data from market research firm The Harris Poll. Instacart is connecting those dots to determine shoppers’ favorite seasonal treats in its latest report

“Exploring the map of candy preferences by city is such a compelling way to see how tastes vary across the country during springtime holidays,” Alex Orellana, Instacart’s trends analyst, tells Food & Wine. “It’s fascinating to see how certain candies, even if not the most popular nationally, can truly shine in specific regions.”

Here’s the methodology breakdown: The delivery platform examined 2024 shopping patterns and compared them to the study’s results. (The Harris Poll survey, commissioned by Instacart, examined preferences from 2,088 adults.) It was conducted in mid-March using an online survey, the report states. 

Now, let’s dig into that data. 

This Easter treat surprisingly didn’t make the cut

Of course, chocolatey treats took the crown this year. Out of all the candy purchased between March 29 and March 31, 2024, Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs nabbed the top spot, while the brand’s classic Peanut Butter Cups came in second. 

Meanwhile, Americans love Cadbury’s staple pastel eggs — these hard-shelled chocolates were No. 3 overall. Further down on the list, Kinder Chocolate Eggs (those with a surprise toy inside) snagged the very last spot. 

Notably, beloved marshmallow Peeps — a springtime classic since their inception in the mid-20th century — didn’t make the national list. However, some ZIP codes did share their love for the classic treat, according to Instacart’s 2024 data. 

Regional preferences differ, but chocolate remains a favorite

Last year, purchases of Peeps skyrocketed in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. during Easter weekend. 

“Peeps Marshmallow Chicks are an Easter classic in Boston, where consumers put them in their carts 150% more often than the national average, while Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups — a favorite in San Francisco, where they’re purchased 274% more often — reflect the city’s love of organic and specialty foods,” Orellana says. “These local favorites provide a glimpse into how Easter baskets might look different from city to city.”

Across the rest of the country, we saw all the usual suspects: Folks in Phoenix prefer Whoppers’ Malted Milk Balls more than any other city, while New Yorkers have a soft spot for Cadbury Milk Chocolate Bars. Meanwhile, Instacart customers in Houston and Portland, Oregon apparently have a sweet tooth for Cadbury Creme Eggs.

Procrastinators, unite: Jelly beans spike in popularity the day before Easter, compared to the yearly average. Instacart reports a 16.6 times higher order share on that day, as around 35% of Americans say it’s one of their favorite holiday treats. 

Polarizing picks for holiday dinner

The holidays aren’t just about the sweets. During both Passover and Easter, observers gather for meals featuring deviled eggs, matzo ball soup, and scalloped potatoes. 

If you’ve ever attended a family gathering, you know that honesty often isn’t the best policy. (So, if you hate your mother-in-law’s glazed ham, it’s best to keep your mouth shut and fill up that plate.) Instacarts’ findings allude to this phenomenon — while shoppers are likely to order traditional Passover and Easter favorites, data points from The Harris Poll show that diners don’t always love the traditional dishes. 

Orders of honey-baked ham increased 424% in late March last year, yet 27% of survey respondents say they dislike the dish. Gefilte fish, likewise, saw a 13.2 increase in purchases — despite the fact that 44% had claimed to dislike it.

“When picturing a traditional Easter meal, there are certain foods you expect to see without question,” Instacart explains in the report. “While the table might be set with these comforting classics, they aren’t as beloved as we may have once believed.” 

Just a little food for thought this holiday season.