Amid the scramble for Halloween costumes, party planning, and stocking up on candy for trick-or-treaters, a critical consumer health and safety alert has been issued. With the well-being of loved ones being the top priority, consumers are being warned to steer clear of two specific candy bars.
On October 27, Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory announced an urgent food recall for two of its popular bars following a significant production line mix-up. The issue poses a serious, life-threatening risk to individuals with specific nut allergies.
According to the recall notice, the following products were distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of major allergens:
- Peanut Butter Crush Bars (which were found to contain undeclared cashews)
- Cashew Cow Bars (which were found to contain undeclared peanuts)
This dangerous cross-contamination error was caused by a “temporary breakdown in production and packaging,” which the company states has now been fully resolved.
URGENT: Specific Lot Numbers to Check in Zingerman’s Candy Recall
While no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall, consumers must understand that nut allergies are serious and should not be taken lightly.
The affected products were confirmed to be distributed to retailers in Michigan and New York, reaching consumers through various retail stores. Anyone with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts or cashews is at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the following mislabeled products.
Recalled Product Identification Guide
Consumers are urged to check all Halloween candy immediately for these specific items. The key identifier is the Lot Number printed on the packaging.
Recalled Product Mislabeled Allergen Risk Lot Number (Key Identifier)
Packaging DescriptionZingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush (Full Size Bar) Contains Undeclared Cashews 174250 2-ounce yellow & purple box labeled
“Peanut Butter Crush”Zingerman’s Cashew Cow (Full Size Bar)
Contains Undeclared Peanuts 174250 2-ounce light blue & yellow box labeled “Cashew Cow”
CONSUMER ACTION ADVISED: What to Do If You Have the Recalled Candy
Zingerman’s Confirms Limited Scope of RecallA spokesperson for Zingerman’s emphasized the limited nature of the recall, stating, “While our range of Candy Bars is one of our most popular products, the number of bars affected was a tiny fraction of our output.”
The company confirmed the recall is isolated to a single lot number. The specific products affected are:
- 156 Peanut Butter Crush Bars (from Lot # 174250)
- 78 Cashew Cow Bars (from Lot # 174250)
“We notified all of the wholesale customers who received them, and they have been removed from sale, with many returned to us,” the spokesperson added.
Urgent Instructions for Consumers
As Zingerman’s continues the recall process, consumers who have the identified bars (bearing Lot # 174250) in their possession are urgently advised to not consume them.
- Action: Please discard the product immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Contact: For any further questions or concerns regarding this food recall, consumers are encouraged to contact Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory directly at 877-632-9264.
What’s Your State’s Favorite? The 2025 Most Popular Halloween Candy Map
With Halloween 2025 just days away, the rush for trick-or-treat supplies is on. While every household dreads giving out the “horror story” toothbrush, a new analysis from APT 2B shows that the “holy grail” candy bar changes significantly by region.
The study analyzed Google search data from the past five Octobers to determine which Halloween treats capture the most interest in each state. Here’s a breakdown of America’s regional favorites and how to stock up.
M&M’s: Most Popular in 9 States
A clear national winner, M&M’s dominate the Midwest, topping the list in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
- Stock Up: This 200-piece assorted bulk bag is ideal for satisfying the neighborhood, featuring M&M’s, Peanut M&M’s, Twix, Milky Way, and Snickers.
- Personal Stash: For the purist, this 62-ounce container of festive orange-and-black M&M’s is perfect.
Sour Patch Kids & Gummy Candies: Popular in the Northeast
The Northeast clearly prefers sweet and sour. Sour Patch Kids are the top choice in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
- Stock Up: This 200-count variety bag covers all bases, including multiple Sour Patch varieties and mini Swedish Fish.
Nerds: Most Popular in 6 States
A standout in the West, Nerds lead in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. A new top-tier variation, the Nerds Gummy Cluster (Nerds wrapped around a gummy center), has become a massive hit.
- Stock Up: This bag of Nerds Gummy Clusters Very Berry pouches is equivalent to hitting the full-size candy jackpot.
Milk Duds: Most Popular in 3 States
A Southern U.S. favorite, Milk Duds are the most popular Halloween candy in Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
- Stock Up: This Hershey Assorted Caramel Candy Pack is perfect for caramel lovers, featuring Milk Duds, Reese’s Take 5, Payday minis, and Rolos.
Crunch: Most Popular in 3 States
The Nestle Crunch bar, a classic since 1938, takes the top spot in Delaware, Iowa, and Kansas thanks to its game-changing addition of crisped rice to chocolate.
