Bulk Candy for Your Party

 Ask anyone - children or adults - what they want to munch on at a party and the answer is bound to be candy.

Candy is a treat suitable for any occasion. Even at the fanciest party, you will delight your guests with a bowl of something sweet. Depending on your guest list, you should probably stock up on the candy and buy in bulk. After all, you never want to run short of the sweet stuff.

The following are some favorite candies that are available in bulk:

Let's face it - gummy is yummy, especially once you are aware of the many varieties of gummy candy available.

Start with a favorite, like Sour Patch candies. There is Sour Patch apple, a classic like cherry - and then there is a new twist with Sour Patch Worms, which come in a variety of flavors like cherry, orange, lemon and lime. Or for a truly different candy experience, gulp down the new Giant Gummy Cola Bottles. It's that same cola flavor, only bottled up in a gummy candy. If cherries are your favorite flavor, try the new twin cherries. If you can't pick just one flavor, try a Sour Fruit Salad, made of juicy fruits like cherries, oranges, lemons, limes and grapes. With any Sour Patch candy, your mouth will enjoy a sweet and tangy experience.

Swedish Fish are another favorite gummy candy. Go with the classic fish shape, which come in red, as well as a variety of flavors. Or try the new Aqualife Swedish Fish. It's all the same great flavors, but in a sea of new shapes like blue dolphins, golden starfish and others.

Candy has changed a lot since the days of Gummy Bears. You can still get the originals or try one of the spin-off candies, like Techno Gummy Bears, in shimmering colors, or Swirly Gummy Bears, which are a swirly blend of fresh gummy fruit and creamy marshmallow. Or stick to one flavor of Gummy Bears, like strawberry, red raspberry, peach, orange or lemon.

And if you want something besides bears, there are Gummy alligators, frogs, alphabet letters, octopuses, killer sharks, worms, snakes and even lobsters. Want something a little ghoulish? How about Gummy brains or teeth?

If you want a long-lasting candy experience, try one of the Belts of candy. The Sour Belts come in some mouth-watering combinations like strawberry-banana, apple, watermelon and plain strawberry - all with the sugary coating that gives your mouth a real wake-up call.

Buying your chocolate in bulk is another great way to go. If you like Gummy Bears and you like chocolate, you are going to love chocolate-covered Gummy Bears. They will satisfy any craving your sweet tooth can come up with. But Gummy Bears aren't the only thing covered in chocolate that are good. How about chocolate-covered pretzels or chocolate-covered raisins? Another option in the chocolate category is Clodhoppers, which come in dark and milk chocolate, as well as cookies and cream. Clodhoppers are clusters of graham crackers covered in chocolate. Nibble them on their own or dress up cupcakes or an ice cream sundae with Clodhoppers on top. Marshmallow is another treat that is great when bathed in chocolate. Try a light treat with these crispy milk chocolate-covered Marshmallow Twists. And who can pass up chocolate-covered Raspberry Jelly Rings?

Buying individually wrapped candies in bulk is smart in so many ways. The candy stays fresh, no matter where you store it.

Start with a classic candy like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. These little mini cups are just what you need when you want to stave off hunger. Or grab a handful and curl up and enjoy a movie. Or how about another classic candy, Tootsie Rolls? These bite-sized chocolate chews still come in the same wax paper wrap.

If you prefer not to chew, enjoy a hard candy like Jolly Ranchers. Who doesn't enjoy the special flavor of grape, apple, watermelon, cherry, or blue raspberry Jolly Ranchers?

Chewy Caramel Cubes are another treat. You can melt the caramels for a rich topping or just eat them straight out of the clear wrapper. Either way, you get that great melt-in-your mouth flavor.

Don't forget about all the different flavors of licorice available. There are licorice twists in Australian Red and Australian Black, and wheels and other shapes in strawberry, lemon, chocolate and classic anise. For a cute candy, try little Red Licorice Scotties.

No matter what your taste buds are craving, candy is always a great response. Whether you prefer a classic candy from your childhood or something new to the industry, you can find a candy that satisfies. But be smart about it and buy in bulk. After all, candy is something you're bound to enjoy for a lifetime.