Americans preparing for Halloween this year may find their favorite treats come with a scarier price tag.
Candy and chewing gum prices were 7.7 percent higher in September than a year earlier, more than twice the 3.7 percent increase in overall consumer prices, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since August 2019, candy and gum prices have climbed 54 percent, compared with a 31 percent increase in overall consumer prices and a 35 percent rise in hourly pay, according to the website US Food Price Monitor, which cites BLS data.
Still, Americans are not giving up their Halloween sweets. Consumers are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion celebrating Halloween in 2026, including $4.1 billion on candy, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported. Roughly 96 percent of Halloween shoppers plan to buy candy this year, it said.
However, what exactly goes into those trick-or-treat bowls varies widely by state. CandyStore.com's 2026 analysis, based on Halloween season sales data dating from 2008 to 2025, found M&M's remain America's top Halloween candy overall.
Sour Patch Kids has climbed to No. 2 nationally, with each brand taking the top spot in 10 states, according to the analysis.
Why It Matters
This year's candy inflation is part of a much larger run-up in prices.
BLS data shows candy and chewing gum prices increased 2.3 percent in the year ending September 2020. They rose by 2 percent in 2021, 13.1 percent in 2022, 7.5 percent in 2023 and 0.3 percent in 2024. They then accelerated again, increasing 9.8 percent in the year ending September 2025 and another 7.7 percent through September of this year.
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CandyStore.com's report found 12 states had a different No. 1 Halloween candy this year compared to the company's previous 2024 ranking. Seven of those states switched from a chocolate favorite to one without. None moved in the opposite direction, it said.
"Because chocolate makers buy cocoa months—sometimes up to two years—ahead, shoppers are paying for that spike now," Ali Furman, PwC's consumer markets industry leader, told NBC News. "Cocoa prices have since fallen by about half, but lower costs take time to reach the shelf and won't show up on shelves this Halloween season."
CandyStore.com said M&M's were the top choice in 10 states: California, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
Sour Patch Kids also won 10 states: Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, South Carolina and Texas.
Elsewhere, some distinctly regional preferences emerged. Hot Tamales led in Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and Wisconsin, while candy corn took Maryland, North Dakota and Utah.
Among the more unusual single-state winners were Lemonheads in Louisiana, Nerds Gummy Clusters in Indiana, Tootsie Pops in New Jersey, Blow Pops in Ohio and Salt Water Taffy in Wyoming.
The national top five, measured by CandyStore.com's projected pounds sold among candies finishing in states' top three, are:
Nerds Gummy Clusters stood out in particular, the website said. The candy had never previously placed in any state on CandyStore.com's map but is now projected to take first place in Indiana and finish among the top three in six other states.
How Has the Price of Halloween Candy Changed in Recent Years?
Candy prices have risen particularly rapidly since 2022, according to BLS.
The annual September-to-September changes in the BLS candy and chewing gum index were:
For consumers, it's notable because falling inflation does not mean prices return to their previous levels. It means prices are increasing more slowly.
Because of this, consumers are consequently spending considerably more on candy. NRF data compiled by CandyStore.com showed planned candy spending increased from $2.6 billion in 2019 to $3.9 billion last year.
Halloween Consumer Spending Predicted To Hit Record High
These inflationary pressures may explain, at least partially, why Halloween spending is expected to hit a record high later this year.
The projected $13.5 billion figure equates to the average consumer spending $115.14 on Halloween, rising from $114.45 last year, according to the NRF.
Candy accounts for an expected $4.1 billion, with 96 percent of consumers planning to buy sweets, according to the world's largest retail trade association. Consumers are also expected to spend $4.4 billion on costumes and $4.3 billion on decorations, NRF added.
"Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind," said Allison Zeller, NRF's vice president of industry and consumer insights. "This year's results show that shoppers are being thoughtful and strategic, looking for ways to maximize value throughout the season."
That behavior is showing up in consumers' larger Halloween plans. If Halloween merchandise is more expensive than expected, 31 percent say they will comparison shop, while 26 percent plan to search for coupons or sales.
Another 34 percent say they will look for products that can be reused or repurposed.
Interestingly, 47 percent plan to use AI to support their Halloween shopping, with top reasons cited including brainstorming ideas and looking for recommendations, according to the NRF.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jenna deJong and Oliver Pritchard.