Candy Prices Climb Faster Than Inflation, Yet Halloween Spending Stays on Track for a Record

Trick-or-treating is getting more expensive this Halloween, as higher prices reach the candy aisle along with most other household costs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, candy prices rose 7.7% in the year through September. Overall inflation over the same period was 3.7%, so candy climbed at more than double that pace. The figure covers candy and chewing gum in general, not products sold specifically for Halloween.

Even so, higher prices have not removed sweets from holiday shopping lists. The National Retail Federation projects that Americans will spend $4.1 billion on candy this year, part of a record $13.5 billion in total Halloween spending. Its survey found that 96% of Halloween shoppers intend to buy candy.

"Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind," said Allison Zeller, the NRF's vice president of industry and consumer insights.

Shoppers are preparing to hunt for savings. The survey found that 31% plan to compare prices if costs come in higher than they expected, and 26% will look for coupons or sales. Zeller said retailers are stocking products at a range of price points so people can celebrate within their budgets.

NIQ, a consumer data firm, said rising costs for housing, transportation and daily necessities are influencing how people spend. Halloween, however, remains an occasion that consumers are willing to protect.

Last year's results point the same way. Halloween confectionery sales rose 7.6% in 2025, while unit sales fell 2.5%. That suggests shoppers spent more money but came home with fewer items. Among the confectionery categories NIQ tracked, chocolate saw the biggest average increase in unit price, at 11.5%.

"Consumers continue to make room for Halloween. What's changing is how they participate," said Chris Costagli, NIQ's vice president of food and beverage thought leadership. He said shoppers are starting earlier, spreading purchases over more trips and weighing items more carefully.

The National Confectioners Association said candy makers and retailers are offering seasonal promotions and a variety of package sizes, giving shoppers options at different price points.