Halloween Candy Prices Seem Scary This Year

October 13, 2025 – Halloween candy is noticeably more expensive this year compared to 2024, driven largely by soaring cocoa and ingredient costs. The price of chocolate has more than doubled since early 2024, and the Consumer Price Index for candy and gum is up roughly 8 percent.

Retailers are passing these costs onto consumers, and shoppers may encounter “shrinkflation” — smaller bags or fewer pieces in familiar packaging at similar prices. Many manufacturers are also shifting emphasis toward less expensive non-chocolate sweets like gummies and licorice, which have smaller price bumps.

Is “fun size” is really all that ‘fun’? It’s subjective, as some people appreciate the convenience and portion control for a modest treat, while others find them disappointing because they are smaller and sometimes perceived as being of lower quality. The name itself is a marketing term, and the appeal often depends on individual preference, the specific candy, and the context of consumption.

In 2024, a 48-count box of full-size chocolate bars cost around $40, while this year similar boxes are selling for more than $50. Fun-size chocolate bags have also risen roughly $5 over last year.

To stretch Halloween budgets, many households are turning to alternatives. Bulk buys, generic or store-brand candy, and non-chocolate treats can be solid cost-saving options. Some plan to mix in more gummies, fruit chews, or novelty non-candy items. Others are shopping earlier to lock in lower prices before costs climb further.

This year, candy lovers may have to accept fewer chocolates or experiment with sweeter—but cheaper—alternatives in their Halloween hauls.