Candy Aisle Costs Rise as Cocoa and Shipping Prices Hit Halloween Shelves

Halloween candy costs more this year, driven by cocoa prices, shipping rates, and tariffs.

The cost of candy and gum rose 7.7% compared with a year ago, according to the latest federal data. Prices are up more than 18% from two years ago.

David Branch, who tracks the cocoa market for the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, said cocoa harvests were hurt by drought and heavy rains in West Africa, where most cocoa grows. He said current cocoa prices will not show up in Halloween chocolate until next year because the cocoa in candy on shelves now was purchased in 2025.

Hershey executives told investors on a call that cocoa prices are improving. At the same time, gas and diesel prices rose because of the war in Iran, raising shipping costs for supplies from abroad and for candy moved by truck across the country.

Shoppers have responded by buying less chocolate. Circana, which tracks supermarket sales, shows chocolate candy volume declining each year for several years, while dollar sales have risen. Enna Grazier, who owns a small-batch chocolate company in New Hampshire, said holiday packaging and ingredients for this season carry a 50% tariff, and she has raised prices on some sweets over the past year and a half.

A shift in flavors is also underway. More gummy and sour candy is moving through Halloween baskets, and brands like KitKat and Reese's have launched products coated in green marshmallow rather than cocoa. Producers are also watching for weather disruptions from El Niño and the effects of President Trump's tariffs on candy wrappers and packaging.

The National Retail Federation estimates shoppers will spend about $115 per person on candy, decorations, and costumes this Halloween, nearly unchanged from last year. Retailers project total Halloween sales of $13.5 billion, which would set a record.

The latest GDP data showed the economy growing at an annual rate of 3.4% from July through September. Wages have not kept pace with inflation, but employment remains steady, and Home Depot's 12-foot animatronic skeletons, priced around $300, continue to sell.

Pumpkins and hot dogs are the top-selling costume items this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Cocoa purchased in 2025 is what is in the chocolate candy now on store shelves.