Halloween Candy Prices Surge Amid Cocoa Shortages, Impacting $13 Billion Market

Halloween spending in 2025 is expected to hit a record $13.1 billion, driven partly by rising costs of candy and costumes. The price increases are largely due to a shortage of cocoa, which has seen prices nearly double because of three consecutive years of poor harvests in West Africa, impacted by extreme weather and disease. Major chocolate brands like Nestlé, Hershey, and Mars have raised prices and are using more fillers such as nuts to maintain costs, resulting in smaller candy sizes and less chocolate content. Consumers are noticing these changes, with some treats featuring less cocoa or alternative ingredients. Additionally, various Halloween events and festivals are planned, offering festive activities from sensory-friendly trick-or-treating to fall festivals and themed celebrations. Overall, the higher prices may cause some to reconsider their Halloween spending habits, but the holiday remains widely celebrated with a mix of traditional and new festivities.