Halloween candy prices in the United States have climbed sharply over the past year, adding to household expenses as consumers prepare for Oct. 31 celebrations and reconsider how much they spend on seasonal treats.
Candy prices increased 15.3% year over year, according to an October 20 analysis by the Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation. The report found that several popular candy products recorded increases well above the overall rate of inflation. Supermarket News reported the findings on Oct. 21.
The price increases come as American households contend with elevated costs for food, fuel and other essentials. Retailers and manufacturers are facing questions about whether consumers will continue purchasing Halloween candy at their usual levels as prices rise.
Popular candy brands see price increases
The analysis identified significant price increases across products from major confectionery manufacturers, including Mondelez International, Hershey and Ferrero.
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According to the report, prices for Mondelez gummy candy packs rose 39% over the year, while Hershey’s seasonal peanut butter cups increased 23%. Ferrero’s chocolate candy packs became nearly 19% more expensive.
The findings indicate that shoppers buying candy in bulk for trick-or-treaters could face higher bills than they did during the previous Halloween season. The Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation attributed the increases partly to higher ingredient and packaging costs. The groups also questioned why retail prices remained elevated despite a decline in cocoa prices from their previous peaks.
These findings represent the organizations’ analysis and assessment of candy pricing rather than a determination that every manufacturer or product experienced the same increase.
Cocoa and ingredient costs affect prices
The cost of candy has risen over several years, with cocoa supply disruptions contributing to higher chocolate prices.
In a Sept. 8 article, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, between December 2019 and November 2024, consumer prices for candy and chewing gum increased 32%. During the same period, producer prices for confectionery materials, including cocoa products and corn sweeteners, rose 87.6%.
The BLS identified cocoa beans, sugar and corn syrup as major inputs for the U.S. confectionery industry. Supply shortages, reduced cocoa stocks and drought-related declines in sugar production contributed to pressure on production costs.
Packaging expenses have also come under pressure. The October analysis by the Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation cited aluminum tariffs and higher costs linked to geopolitical tensions among the factors affecting manufacturers. However, the extent to which individual cost increases have been passed on to consumers varies by company and product.
Higher prices weigh on Halloween spending
The rising cost of candy comes as consumers balance holiday spending against other household expenses.
According to Supermarket News, the National Retail Federation estimated that 74% of Americans planned to celebrate Halloween in 2026. A LendingTree survey cited in the report found that 40% of parents with children younger than 18 expected to take on debt to cover Halloween expenses.
Separate reporting by The Associated Press on Oct. 24 found that candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared with the same period in 2025, according to NielsenIQ. Sales had also declined 11.7% in mid-September.
The AP report said higher chocolate prices and broader affordability concerns were weighing on demand. Rising gasoline costs have added to pressure on household budgets, leaving some consumers with less money for discretionary purchases.
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Candy and chewing gum prices were up 44% over five years as of September, according to government data cited in the AP report. By comparison, prices for food consumed at home rose 22.5% over the same period.
Consumers adjust their purchases
Higher prices may encourage households to compare prices, look for discounts or purchase smaller quantities of candy for Halloween.
The AP reported that smaller bags were the only candy package size recording sales growth through mid-October, while large and extra-large bags experienced the steepest declines.
The figures suggest that consumers are adjusting their purchases as they try to maintain holiday traditions while managing higher living costs. However, sales patterns in the weeks immediately before Halloween will provide a clearer indication of whether shoppers delay purchases until closer to the holiday.
For candy manufacturers and retailers, the challenge is to maintain seasonal sales as consumers become more cautious about discretionary spending. With Halloween approaching, the combination of elevated candy prices and pressure on household budgets is shaping this year’s holiday shopping season.