If you can’t afford a trip to a haunted house this spooky season, just swing by the supermarket candy aisle for a nasty scare. The price of sweets jumped over the last few years, soaring even faster than the average inflation rate, according to a recent report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, with higher ingredient costs as the primary villain.
October is important for candy sales, as shoppers stock up for parties, trick-or-treaters, or — let’s be honest — personal consumption.
“The biggest purchasing days are still ahead, with about 35% of Halloween seasonal sales expected this week,” a Hershey Company spokesperson told CNET.
Chocolate treats have become especially expensive, as a recent global cocoa shortage squeezed the market while candy companies were preparing shipments for Halloween.
But despite chilling prices, chocolate is still making its way into Halloween bags and buckets.
“Trick-or-treat participation intent is in line with last year,” the Hershey spokesperson said. “Confection remains a resilient category.”
Money monstrosity
Americans will likely spend over $13 billion on Halloween this year, the National Retail Federation reports. That’s almost twice the $6.9 billion people spent on the holiday 11 years ago, in 2015.
“Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind,” Allison Zeller, a National Retail Federation vice president, said in a statement.
Candy remains the favorite purchase, with 95% of Halloween shoppers planning to snag some this year, followed by decorations, costumes and greeting cards, according to the National Retail Federation. In 2026, shoppers are expected to spend over $4 billion on Halloween candy alone.
An Oct. 20 report from research group Groundwork Collaborative broke down which candy prices have risen the most this year. The Mondelez Sour Gummy Candy variety pack, which jumped 39% in price, and Hershey seasonal Peanut Butter Cups, which saw a 23% increase, are this year’s most expensive Halloween candy compared with last season.
The squeeze doesn’t stop in the candy aisle — utility bills and other essentials are climbing, too. A Consumer Reports survey from earlier this month found that one in five American families has cut back on groceries due to rising energy costs.
“If you’ve been waiting until now to get your Halloween goodies, you’re right to do so. Halloween sales hit the high street and online two or three days before Halloween as stores try to clear stock,” says James Bricknell, CNET commerce managing editor.
“If you’re all set for this year, do what I did last year and grab a bunch of costumes and decorations the day after Halloween,” he adds. “Then, you can store them ready to go for Halloween 2027.”
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