At a traditional Jewish bar mitzvah celebration, candy is the sweet food commonly thrown toward the celebrant.
Guests may toss soft sweets after the celebrant completes a significant part of the service, especially after the Torah reading or the Haftarah. The custom expresses wishes for a sweet and happy future. In some communities, the candies are individually wrapped or soft enough to avoid causing injury.
This is a festive custom rather than a requirement of Jewish law. Its timing and form vary widely by denomination, congregation, and family. It also differs from throwing rice at some weddings: candy at a bar or bat mitzvah is specifically associated with celebrating the young person’s achievement and new religious responsibilities.