Candy prices increased by 7.7% over the year through September, a rate more than double the overall inflation rate of 3.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this cost pressure, the National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend $4.1 billion on candy this year, contributing to a record $13.5 billion in total Halloween expenditures.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics figure tracks candy and chewing gum broadly rather than Halloween-specific products. Nevertheless, higher prices have not removed sweets from seasonal budgets. A National Retail Federation survey found that 96% of Halloween shoppers plan to buy candy. Allison Zeller, Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights at the NRF, stated that consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority while approaching the season with affordability in mind.
Shoppers are adopting specific strategies to manage costs. The NRF found that 31% of shoppers plan to comparison shop if prices are higher than expected, and 26% intend to look for coupons or sales. Zeller noted that retailers are offering products across a range of price points to help shoppers celebrate within their budgets.
NIQ reported that rising costs for housing, transportation, and everyday essentials are shaping spending decisions, yet Halloween remains an occasion consumers are willing to protect. This resilience was evident in 2025 sales data, where Halloween confectionery sales rose by 7.6% even as unit sales fell by 2.5%. This pattern suggests shoppers spent more per item while taking home fewer products overall.
Among the confectionery categories tracked by NIQ, chocolate recorded the largest average unit-price increase at 11.5%. Chris Costagli, NIQ’s vice president of food and beverage thought leadership, explained that while consumers continue to make room for Halloween, their participation is changing. He said shoppers are starting earlier, spreading purchases across more trips, and evaluating items more carefully.
The National Confectioners Association stated that candy makers and retailers are offering seasonal promotions and different package sizes to provide options at various price points.