Name: Forget the tricks, Halloween treat prices are spooking Americans
Uploaded: 2025-10-26T01:52:25.047Z
Duration: 2 min 17 s
Description: Halloween is less than a week away. This year, forget the tricks– the treat prices are proving scary. Ali Bauman has more.

Halloween is less than a week away. This year, forget the tricks– the treat prices are proving scary. Ali Bauman has more.

Boston

Americans preparing for Halloween are facing significantly higher candy prices, with costs rising nearly 37% over the past five years. Factors such as inflation, tariffs, and adverse weather—particularly droughts in West Africa affecting cocoa production—have contributed to the increases. Despite these challenges, consumer spending on Halloween treats is projected to reach nearly $4 billion.

Retailers like Economy Candy in New York are attempting to keep prices stable for customers, even as their own costs rise. Some families are adjusting by buying smaller candies or less expensive options. Experts suggest that candy prices may begin to decrease in the coming months as weather conditions improve in key cocoa-growing regions.

Forget the tricks, Halloween treat prices are spooking Americans

Halloween is less than a week away this year, forget the tricks, it's the treats that are proving scary. CBS's Allie Baumann in New York reports on the rising cost of stocking the candy bowl. Mitchell Cohen knows what makes Halloween sweet. Cookies and cream fangs and ghost toast. And as customer orders ramp up, this candy man is ready. Halloween is our Super Bowl. You know, this is our busiest month of the year. He's the third generation owner of Economy Candy, the oldest candy store in New York City started by his grandfather during the Great Depression. Keeping candy affordable is in his blood. This year, the costs are scaring him. We are feeling it, but we hope that, you know, quarter to quarter things will change. We're hoping to stave off raising prices for as long as we can. Over the last five years, overall candy prices have surged nearly 37% due to inflation, tariffs and weather. Cocoa alone saw a 310% increase in price last year due to droughts in West Africa. Still, Americans are expected to spend nearly $4 billion on sweets this year. Leanne Rodd and her family from Nashville expect to spend $50 more than last year for about 400 trick-or-treaters. I'm trying to buy more, probably, I'm just trying to save, give them more, it's like the sugar came in less, save the chocolate, it's cheaper. Rebecca Rickert with Empower, a financial services company, surveyed 2,000 Americans on Halloween spending. People are still getting ready for the celebrations, but they may be pulling back in some areas like buying smaller-sized candies or changing what's in the treat bag this year. Cohen says his store is eating some of the costs. Five pounds, same price it was before the pandemic. To attract new customers and keep regulars happy. I had a customer come up and thank me for not raising prices like everybody else's, and it's great to hear and, you know, it makes you feel good. Experts predict candy prices may start to lower as soon as Valentine's Day because weather has improved in the regions that grow cacao. Ali Valman, CBS News, New York.

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