U.S. Halloween Candy Sales Fall 6.7% as $4.29 Gas and Cocoa Costs Squeeze Households
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Oct 24
U.S. Halloween Candy Sales Fall 6.7% as $4.29 Gas and Cocoa Costs Squeeze Households
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Oct 24
Summary
Halloween candy purchases in the U.S. fell 6.7% in the month through Oct. 17, after an 11.7% mid-September drop erased the early-season gains seen in the prior two years.
NielsenIQ said elevated living costs are curbing demand more than sticker shock alone, with regular gasoline averaging $4.29 a gallon—nearly 40% above a year earlier—and households also facing higher housing, clothing and food bills.
Candy inflation has outpaced broader grocery inflation: candy and gum prices rose 44% over five years through September versus 22.5% for groceries overall, while a 135-piece Mars variety pack at Aldi sold for $19.87, close to the price of a 250-piece pack five years ago.
High cocoa costs remain the main pressure point after prices hit a record $10,710 a metric ton in January 2025; small bags are the only format still growing, and even cheaper non-chocolate candy—down about 3% year on year to $6.08 a pound—has not sparked a rebound.
Retail analysts say some shoppers may still be delaying purchases until closer to Halloween, but industry groups remain optimistic even as advisers expect overall candy demand to stay soft.