Halloween Candy Prices Surge as Chocolate Costs Remain Sticky

Candy and gum prices have climbed 7.7 % over the past year and more than 18 % over the past two years, outpacing overall food inflation, according to the latest federal data. The National Retail Federation projects total Halloween spending to reach $13.5 billion this year—a 3 % increase that translates to about $115 per person, roughly 55 cents higher than the previous year.

NPR

The primary driver is chocolate. Drought and heavy rains in West African cocoa-growing regions have reduced harvests, pushing global cocoa prices upward. Although global cocoa production is now rebounding, the lag in the supply chain means that much of the chocolate on store shelves was sourced in 2025, when cocoa prices were at historic highs.

NPR

Manufacturers also face higher costs for sugar, fuel (inflated by the war in Iran), and U.S. tariffs on imported ingredients and packaging. Enna Grazier, owner of Enna Chocolate in New Hampshire, reports a 50 % tariff on certain holiday packaging and ingredients sourced from Canada, forcing her to seek alternative suppliers.

NPR

Circana data show that while chocolate candy sales have risen for several years, shoppers are buying less chocolate candy overall, meaning they are paying more per unit. Some candy makers have responded by expanding gummy, sour, and non-chocolate product lines—examples include KitKat’s marshmallow-flavored “Witch’s Brew” and Reese’s “White Ghosts” coated in white crème.

NPR

The National Retail Federation expects the higher spending to persist despite price pressures, indicating that consumer enthusiasm for Halloween remains strong. The Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute cautions that “sticky” chocolate prices are likely to linger even as cocoa commodity prices moderate, because of production lag times.

NPR

• “I've had to look elsewhere or get creative with some of my packaging needs for this holiday season, and that's super frustrating,” — Enna Grazier — Enna Grazier

NPR