Americans are facing record-high Halloween candy prices, with consumers expected to spend $4.1 billion on treats this year, a 7.7% increase over the past year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The surge, driven by rising cocoa costs and shipping expenses, has left shoppers navigating a holiday where even basic candies come with a steeper price tag.
The average 100-piece bag of Halloween candy costs $16.96 in 2026, a 3.5% rise from 2025 and 71% higher than in 2021, per FinanceBuzz. Chocolate prices, a key component of many treats, are 8% higher than last year, with companies like Mondelez and Ferrero raising gummy and chocolate pack prices by 39% and 19%, respectively. These increases stem from a lagging cocoa market, where global prices hit a record $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025 due to poor weather in West Africa and speculative trading, according to Fox News.
Rising Costs and Consumer Adjustments
Despite the price hikes, the NRF projects total Halloween spending to reach $13.5 billion in 2026, a $400 million increase from 2025. However, some sectors show signs of strain. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending October 17 compared to 2025, according to NielsenIQ, with mid-September sales declining 11.7% and erasing gains from previous years. Candy and gum prices have risen 44% over five years, outpacing the 22.5% increase for food eaten at home, per USA Today.
Consumers are adapting by purchasing smaller quantities and delaying purchases. NielsenIQ found that small candy bags were the only package sizes recording growth through mid-October, while large and extra-large bags saw steep declines. About half of shoppers began shopping in September or earlier to spread costs, according to the NRF. Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind,
said NRF Allison Zeller.
Consumer Behavior Shifts
Shoppers are increasingly comparing prices and seeking discounts. The NRF reported that 31% of consumers plan to compare prices if Halloween candy costs more than expected, while 26% will look for coupons or sales. Retailers are responding with varied package sizes and promotions, according to the National Confectioners Association. Consumers continue to make room for Halloween. What’s changing is how they participate,
said Chris Costagli of NielsenIQ.
Despite concerns, the holiday remains a key spending priority. The NRF found that 96% of shoppers plan to buy sweets, and the National Confectioners Association expressed optimism about the season. However, experts warn that rising costs for housing, gas, and groceries are squeezing budgets. We’re going to see these prices go up through 2027 and probably 2028,
said Lempert, a NRF analyst.
As the holiday approaches, the combination of higher prices and shifting consumer habits is redefining how Americans celebrate Halloween. While the economic pressures are clear, the tradition of trick-or-treating persists, albeit with a heavier financial burden for many families.
mark.thompson business editor — Financial analyst-turned-journalist. Covers global markets, fintech, and policy. Let that desk show in what you choose to lead with, compare and question; never write in the first person, never name or introduce the author, never claim credentials in the text.