Brief
Halloween candy prices rise 8.1% as consumers brace for higher spending
Despite an 8.1% rise in candy costs, most Americans intend to buy Halloween sweets this season.
By Felo News Desk · Published
U.S. consumers are facing higher candy costs this Halloween, with average prices for chewing gum and candy up 8.1% over the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NBC News reported.
What happened
Average non‑chocolate candy now costs $3.31 per item, a 1.8% increase from last year, while chocolate packages have risen 15.5% to $5.67 each. The National Retail Federation projects total Halloween spending to reach $13.5 billion, and 96% of shoppers say they will still purchase sweets.
What the reports add
PwC attributes the chocolate price jump to a “cocoa shock” caused by extreme weather in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which pushed global cocoa prices up four‑fold between January 2023 and January 2025, data from the International Monetary Fund shows. PwC’s consumer markets leader Ali Furman explained that manufacturers buy cocoa months in advance, so the recent price decline will not affect shelves until after the holiday.
NIQ’s research shows a more modest overall chocolate increase of 9.4% year‑over‑year, but Halloween‑specific chocolate is only up 1.7%. NIQ analyst Chris Costagli linked higher costs to U.S. tariffs of 10%‑12.5% imposed on 60 trade partners in July.
What was said
“Because chocolate makers buy cocoa months, sometimes up to two years ahead, shoppers are paying for that spike now,” Ali Furman told NBC News.
“Chocolate comes from elsewhere, so tariffs being added onto it have certainly increased costs that manufacturers are feeling as well,” Chris Costagli said.
Consumers echoed the tension between budget constraints and holiday traditions. Legal assistant Lakisha Reardon said she is walking to save money and paying an extra $150 on her electric bill each month. College student Abby Mynatt, who usually spends about $50 on candy, expects to spend a bit more this year but says the treat is still worth it.
Key facts
- Average candy prices have risen 8.1% over the past year. (nbcnews.com)
- Chocolate packages are up 15.5% to $5.67 each. (nbcnews.com)
- National Retail Federation forecasts $13.5 billion in Halloween spending. (nbcnews.com)
- Cocoa prices quadrupled from Jan 2023 to Jan 2025 due to weather in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. (nbcnews.com)
- U.S. tariffs of 10%‑12.5% on 60 trade partners were imposed in July 2026. (nbcnews.com)
Sources
- [1] nbcnews.com — originally reported as “To counteract a spooky economy, America prepares to spend on Halloween candy”
