Inflation, tariffs push candy prices up for Halloween

Candy prices have surged amid inflation and Trump administration tariffs, pushing up Halloween costs. Still, many households are willing to splurge on treats.

Candy and chewing gum costs are up 8.1% overall according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Chocolate has taken the hardest hit
PwC reports Halloween chocolate prices jumped 15.5% to an average of $5.67 per package, compared with nonchocolate items, which rose 1.8% to $3.31.

The sharp increase reflects a surge in cocoa prices, which quadrupled between January 2023 and January 2025 amid extreme weather in Ivory Coast and Ghana. US tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 trading partners have added to the pressure.

Households continue to spend
Overall consumer prices rose 3.4% over the past year, driven by rising energy costs like electric bills, which have spiked by $150 monthly for some households. Meanwhile, wages grew just 3%.

Despite all these financial pressures, the National Retail Federation projects seasonal spending will reach $13.5 billion, with 96% of Halloween shoppers purchasing sweets.