Forget Ghosts—It’s the Candy Aisle That’ll Haunt You This Year
Halloween may feel a little scarier for shoppers this year — not because of ghosts or goblins, but because of candy prices. Americans are finding that their favorite chocolate treats now come with a heftier price tag, thanks largely to skyrocketing cocoa costs.
According to data from Wells Fargo, Empower, and the National Confectioners Association, candy and gum prices are up about 8% in the Consumer Price Index compared to last year. Chocolate items in particular are seeing the sharpest increase.
For example, a 48-count box of full-size chocolate bars that cost around $40 last year is now selling for over $50. Even smaller bags of “fun-size” candy bars have climbed roughly $5 since 2024.
“Candy on shelves now was made from cocoa bought at record prices earlier this year,” explained David Branch of the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute. While improved weather and new harvests are helping to restore cocoa supply, it may take time before that relief reaches consumers.
The impact is being felt nationwide. An Empower survey titled Trick-or-Treat-onomics found that 57% of Americans say rising prices have affected their Halloween candy plans. Still, 94% of households say they’ll keep the tradition alive by handing out treats to trick-or-treaters.
As families across the country stock up for October 31, many are hoping prices stabilize soon — a goal that economic leaders and President Trump’s administration continue to emphasize as part of broader efforts to strengthen household affordability.
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