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Halloween candy is getting more expensive this year, but Americans aren’t letting higher prices stop them from stocking up on treats.
Prices for candy and chewing gum rose 8.1% in August from a year earlier, according to the latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than double the 3.4% increase in overall consumer prices during the same period.
Despite the higher costs, Americans are expected to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy this year, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
The survey found that 96% of Halloween shoppers plan to purchase candy, making it the holiday’s most popular shopping category.
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Assorted bags of Halloween candy and chocolate are displayed with promotional price tags, Lafayette, California, September 14, 2026. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, up from $13.1 billion in 2025, as consumers continue to prioritize the holiday despite pressure on household budgets.
“Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Allison Zeller said in a statement.
Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $115.14 per person on Halloween purchases, little changed from last year’s $114.45.
Leftover Halloween candy is organized at Saint Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox on Thursday, November 6, 2025. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Even as spending holds steady, many consumers are adjusting their shopping habits to manage higher costs.
The NRF survey found that more than a third of consumers plan to compare prices if Halloween merchandise costs more than expected, while just over a quarter intend to look for coupons or sales.
Some shoppers are also getting an earlier start to spread out their spending. Nearly half of consumers said they planned to begin Halloween shopping in September or earlier, with 23% of early shoppers saying they purchased items ahead of time to spread out their budgets.
Bags of Sour Punch Twists, Sour Patch Kids Monster Parts and Big Chewy Nerds candy displayed for Halloween in Lafayette, California, United States, September 14, 2026. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Discount stores remain the most popular shopping destination for Halloween purchases, attracting 39% of shoppers, followed by specialty Halloween stores at 32% and online retailers at 27%.
The NRF survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics from Sept. 1 through Sept. 9, polled 7,889 consumers.
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The findings underscore how Americans are continuing to make room for Halloween celebrations despite rising prices, while turning to discounts, comparison shopping and earlier purchases to help keep spending in check.
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