Halloween Candy Prices Rise 15% in 2026

Candy costs are up 15.3% compared to last year, forcing many households to rethink their holiday shopping habits.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Spending

Bold vector editorial illustration of a bowl filled with colorful metallic foil-wrapped candies on a wooden table. — Rising retail prices have caused Halloween candy costs to surge 15.3% this year, with overall prices up 44% since 2021. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe candy manufacturers are keeping prices high to unfairly expand their profit margins?

Candy prices have surged 15.3% over last year, contributing to a 44% increase in the cost of sweets over the past five years. Despite the holiday season, consumers have pulled back on purchasing, with Halloween candy sales falling 6.7% in the weeks leading up to October 17, 2026.

Why it matters

Higher retail prices are driven by past spikes in cocoa costs and rising expenses for plastic packaging, though manufacturers have kept prices elevated even as some ingredient costs for sugar and corn syrup have declined. This trend means households are paying more for holiday treats as companies maintain higher price points to widen profit margins.

Candy prices are up 15.3% over 2025, contributing to a broader 44% increase in candy and gum costs over the last five years. While consumers are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween overall, the rising costs have contributed to a 6.7% drop in candy sales volume through mid-October.

The players

Hershey

A major candy manufacturer that increased the price of its variety packs by 19.03% compared to 2025.

Mondelez

A multinational food company that raised prices on its gummy candy variety packs by 13.16% over 2025 levels.

The details

Retail prices for confectionery products rose as manufacturers offset record cocoa costs that reached $10,750 per metric ton in early 2025. Although cocoa prices have since moderated to roughly $5,600 per metric ton and costs for inputs like sugar and corn syrup have fallen, companies have maintained elevated prices to boost margins. Additionally, higher oil prices have increased the costs for plastic packaging, which manufacturers pass along to shoppers at the register.

Cocoa costs ranged from $2,200 to $2,550 per metric ton in 2022.
Cocoa costs peaked at $10,750 per metric ton in January 2025.
Candy and gum prices rose 44% over five years ending September 2026.
Halloween candy sales decreased 6.7% for the month ending October 17, 2026.
The article was published on October 30, 2026.

Money Landscape

Retail candy pricing remains elevated well above historical averages, showing a disconnect between falling raw ingredient costs and current shelf prices. This follows the 2025 cocoa market peak, with manufacturers currently prioritizing expanded profit margins over price reductions for households.

To manage rising confectionery costs, many households are shifting to buying full-sized bars in bulk from discount retailers to lower the per-unit price. Review your holiday budget and consult a financial professional if you need to adjust discretionary spending categories to account for increased costs.

The takeaway

Manufacturers have held prices high despite falling input costs, meaning your holiday budget may require more scrutiny than in previous years. Compare unit prices between bulk packs and smaller varieties to ensure you are finding the best value for your household spending.