This year, Halloween candy sales in the U.S. are lagging behind. The market research companies’ data indicated monthly sales declines of 6.7% from the same month a year ago. Some of the top reasons given are higher chocolate prices and everyday expenses. Spending in the last few days before kids hit the streets for candy is what retailers and candy manufacturers are watching.
Candy sales trail last year’s pace
Market research data reported by The Associated Press has sales of Halloween candy decreasing 6.7% in the five days running up to Oct. 17, compared to the same period in 2025. Though Halloween itself may be out of the way, the season has begun slower than last year as illustrated in the figure.
A sharper drop in mid-September
It was already apparent earlier in the season. That candy sales dropped 11.7% in mid-September, also from the same data. The fall brought about a loss which negated the previous year’s and the year before’s gains, leaving this season’s beginning to fall below recent seasons.
Candy prices outpace other groceries
In recent years, candy is much more costly. The costs of candy and gum are up 44% in the last five years, the food eaten at home is up 22.5% in the past 5 years, according to the AP. This has caused candy prices to increase at nearly double the rate of all foods prices.
Prices rose faster than overall inflation
The prices paid for candy and chewing gum rose 8.1% from August of a year ago, according to the consumer price index. Consumer prices as a whole were 3.4% higher for the same period. The price difference reveals that candy prices are rising at a quicker rate than the cost of living, adding pressure for those purchasing it for trick-or-treating.
Cocoa costs weigh on chocolate
One sector that has been particularly affected by the increased cost of cocoa is chocolate. Global cocoa prices hit a record high in January 2025 at $10,710/mn, due to poor weather conditions in West Africa, the world’s largest cocoa producer, accounting for approximately 70% of all cocoa beans, and due to speculation in cocoa futures trading. Later they decreased in price and increased again in the spring.
Supply concerns add to the uncertainty
There are also new concerns regarding production of cocoa in the future. The hot and dry conditions forecast during an El Niño event have further raised concerns about the crop. All this makes the cocoa market very delicate, and affects the price of the chocolate treats to be distributed at Halloween.
Household budgets feel the squeeze
Candy isn’t the only thing that has become costlier. Some consumers are finding they have less money to buy Halloween candy because of rising gas, housing and food expenses, a market research executive told the AP. If there is less money available for other expenses, seasonal spending may be one of the first items to be cut.
Discounts matter to shoppers
Survey evidence is also picking up on price conscious behaviours. When it comes to Halloween, if the price falls below the range, more than a third of consumers are planning to do some comparison shopping, according to the National Retail Federation. A little more than a quarter plan to check for coupons and sales.
Spending forecasts stay higher
Americans still are projected to spend $4.1 billion on candy this Halloween, despite other slower sales figures from the candy industry, according to the National Retail Federation. Total spending on Halloween is expected to climb to $13.5 billion, from $13.1 billion in 2025. The National Confectioners Association, however, reported that consumer enthusiasm is still reported to be high as the peak period kicks off.
