Soaring cost of Halloween treats spooks shoppers
Summary
U.S. shoppers are paying more for Halloween treats as higher candy prices and broader cost-of-living pressures squeeze household budgets. Research cited in the article found treat sales fell early in the season, though shoppers appeared to spend more as Halloween approached while favoring smaller packs.Key Facts
- Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation found popular Halloween chocolates and confectionery cost 15.3% more than in 2025.
- FinanceBuzz reported that Halloween treat prices rose 71% over the past five years.
- The article links higher confectionery prices partly to cocoa costs, which reached more than $10,700 per tonne in January 2025.
- The article reports inflation at 3.7% and diesel at $6.32 per gallon, 20 cents below a record set in September.
- NielsenIQ said Halloween treat sales were down 11.7% by mid-September and down 6.7% by mid-October.
- NielsenIQ said smaller treat packs were gaining ground while larger sizes continued to struggle.
- A shopper quoted in the article said he planned to spend $20 to $30 on Halloween treats, up from his usual $15 to $20.
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