Candy Prices Rise 40% Since September 2023
Households spending on holiday treats will see costs hit 20 cents per piece as prices continue to climb.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Inflation
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Consumer prices for candy and chewing gum have risen 6.6% over the past year. Households purchasing treats for Halloween should account for a 40% price increase that has accumulated since September 2023.
Why it matters
Higher retail prices for sugary goods represent an increase in seasonal spending for families. As candy costs climb, shoppers face higher out-of-pocket expenses for bulk items during traditional holiday events.
Candy prices have surged 40% since September 2023, with a 6.6% increase observed over the last year. A typical 150-count bag now costs $19.99, meaning each individual piece costs approximately 20 cents.
The players
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The federal agency that collects and analyzes data on price changes for consumer goods.
The details
Retail prices for sugary treats are tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as part of broader consumer goods reporting. Retailers package these items in bulk bags at set price points, which directly impacts the per-piece cost for households. As prices rise, families may adjust their budgets or reduce the number of pieces provided per child during seasonal events like Halloween.
Timeline
September 2023 marked the starting point for this candy price measurement.
October 2026 captures the current Halloween weekend timeframe.
Money Landscape
The current rise in candy costs aligns with broader inflation trends seen in consumer goods tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This shift marks a significant departure from historical price stability for seasonal confectionery items.
With the per-piece cost of candy reaching 20 cents, households should review their holiday budget lines before finalizing seasonal purchases. Families may need to adjust the volume of treats provided per child to maintain their planned spending limits.
The takeaway
Rising candy prices mean that families planning for seasonal festivities should account for higher costs per individual piece. Monitor your total retail spend per bag rather than focusing solely on the count of items to keep holiday expenses predictable.
Further reading
For more information on how current price trends are affecting your household budget, visit Inflation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Elko Daily Free Press.
Live Poll
Do rising candy prices make you change how much you spend for Halloween trick-or-treaters?
