For shoppers stocking up for Halloween this year, the grocery store experience has become less festive due to significant price hikes. According to the latest federal data, prices for candy, the most popular Halloween purchase, and gum have risen by 7.7% over the past year. Over a two-year period, these costs have increased by more than 18%, outpacing the average rate of food inflation during the same timeframe.
A primary driver of this inflation is chocolate. Recent seasons have seen cocoa harvests in regions like West Africa negatively impacted by drought and heavy rains, pushing global prices upward. While global cocoa production is currently rebounding, David Branch, sector manager with the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, notes that this offers little immediate relief to consumers preparing for trick-or-treaters. The chocolate candy currently on shelves was purchased in 2025, a year when cocoa prices were already elevated.
Despite these rising costs, the National Retail Federation estimates that consumer spending on Halloween will reach $13.5 billion this year. This represents a 3% annual increase and sets a new record of $115 per person, which is 55 cents higher than last year. While global cocoa prices have moderated following an earlier surplus in bean supply, Branch explains that consumer chocolate prices remain "sticky." Manufacturers face lag times in production and are contending with higher costs for other ingredients like sugar, increased fuel expenses linked to the war in Iran, and costlier imports subject to U.S. tariffs.
Small business owners are feeling the pressure acutely. Enna Grazier, owner of Enna Chocolate in New Hampshire, reports facing a 50% tariff on certain holiday packaging and ingredients intended from Canadian suppliers. She describes the situation as frustrating, forcing her to pivot plans and get creative with packaging needs rather than planning far in advance.
In response to these economic pressures, some candy makers have shifted their product strategies. Companies are increasingly offering gummy and sour candies or launching products that avoid expensive chocolate, such as KitKat's marshmallow-flavored Witch's Brew and Reese's White Ghosts coated in white creme. However, demand for chocolate has not disappeared. Data from market research firm Circana indicates that while chocolate candy sales have increased for several years running, shoppers are buying smaller quantities, meaning consumers are paying more for less product.
Sources: NPR News.