Business · Economy · 4 hrs ago
Halloween candy prices rise as Americans plan $4.1 billion in spending
Candy prices rose 7.7% over the year through September, more than twice the overall inflation rate of 3.7%.
A separate measure found that the average 100-piece bag costs 71% more than five years ago.
Even with higher prices, Americans are expected to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy this year, as part of $13.5 billion in total Halloween spending.
The National Retail Federation says 96% of Halloween shoppers plan to buy sweets.
Rising costs for essentials are shaping household budgets, so some shoppers plan to compare prices or use coupons and sales.
Candy makers and retailers are offering different package sizes and seasonal promotions to give people options at various price points.
Candy prices rose 7.7% in the year through September, more than twice the overall inflation rate.
Americans are expected to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy this year, according to the National Retail Federation.
The NRF expects total Halloween spending to reach a record $13.5 billion, and found that 96% of Halloween shoppers plan to buy sweets.
Some shoppers plan to compare prices or look for coupons and sales as they try to manage costs.
The average cost of a 100-piece bag of Halloween candy has risen 71% in five years, the New York Times reported.
- Who
- American shoppers and candy retailers.
- What
- Candy prices are rising as Americans plan to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy.
- When
- Halloween 2026; candy prices rose 7.7% in the year through September.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Halloween confectionery sales rose 7.6%, while unit sales fell 2.5%.
Candy and chewing-gum prices rose 7.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fox News reported that Americans planned to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy.
The New York Times reported that the average cost of a 100-piece candy bag had risen 71% in five years.
- Candy price increase
- 7.7% in the year through September
- Planned candy spending
- $4.1 billion
- Expected total Halloween spending
- Record $13.5 billion
- Shoppers planning to buy sweets
- 96%
- 100-piece bag price increase
- 71% over five years
- 2025 confectionery sales
- Up 7.6%; unit sales down 2.5%
3 sources
What people are saying
Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind.
Consumers continue to make room for Halloween. What’s changing is how they participate,