Halloween Candy Prices Jump 8.1% as U.S. Holiday Spending Heads for a Record $13.5 Billion
U.S. Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.5 billion in 2026, up from $13.1 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey released on September 22. Average spending is projected at $115.14 per person, nearly flat from $114.45 last year. The survey, conducted September 1-9 among 7,889 consumers, found that 74 percent plan to celebrate.
Candy remains the most popular purchase: 96 percent of shoppers intend to buy sweets, with candy spending projected at $4.1 billion, alongside about $4.4 billion on costumes and $4.3 billion on decorations. Prices, however, keep climbing. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show candy and chewing gum prices rose 8.1 percent in the year through August, more than double the 3.4 percent rise in overall prices. FinanceBuzz calculates that Halloween candy prices have risen about 78 percent since 2020, with a 100-piece assorted bag going from about $9.19 in 2020 to about $16.39 in 2025, a surge widely attributed to years of high cocoa prices.
Shoppers are adapting. Nearly half planned to start buying in September or earlier to spread out costs; about a third said they would comparison-shop if prices looked high, and about a quarter planned to hunt for coupons or sales. Discount stores are the top destination at 39 percent, followed by specialty Halloween stores and online retailers. Allison Zeller, the NRF's vice president for industry and consumer insights, said consumers continue to treat Halloween as a priority while keeping affordability in mind.
(Compiled from the NRF survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics data, and reporting by FOX Business and Parade)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 万圣节为「不给糖就捣蛋」准备的糖果碗（资料图）。图片来源：美国空军官方发布照片，公共领域
