> Things are different in most European and Asian countries where you can easily find a mind-blowing variety of candies that are truly distinct from each other.

Uhm, in the US it's pretty easy to find boutique candy stores with a very wide variety. Even in grocery stores, the candy isle has quite a bit to choose from.

Don't conflate what's presented in the checkout rack, for impulse purchases, with the wider variety of what's available.