Halloween is supposed to be about costumes, trick-or-treating, pumpkins, and having fun with family and friends. But when you start looking at the price of candy, it might be enough to make you want to turn off the porch light and hide with your favorite treats! According to new research from FundedFast, candy and chewing gum prices in the United States have increased by 57% between 2016 and 2026. That means the candy we remember buying ten years ago can cost considerably more today.
And if you’re planning a Halloween party this year, you might want to check your budget before inviting everybody over!
How Much More Does Halloween Candy Cost?- Research conducted by FundedFast compared historical candy prices with current prices to see how much some of America’s favorite treats have increased over the past decade.
Here’s a look at the findings.
Butterfinger: A full-sized candy bar that cost approximately $0.78 in 2016 now costs around $1.57, an increase of 101.3%.
M&M’s: A pack of Peanut Fun Size Halloween Chocolate Candy increased from approximately $2.89 to $5.48, an increase of 89.6%.
Sour Patch Kids: A family-sized bag increased from approximately $4.70 to $8.47. The bag also shrank from 30.40 ounces to 28.80 ounces.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: A multipack increased from approximately $4.48 to $8.24, an increase of 83.9%.
Snickers: A multipack of full-sized bars increased from approximately $4.38 to $7.88, an increase of 79.9%.
Skittles: A standard bag increased from approximately $2.08 to $3.96. After accounting for the change in package size, the price per ounce increased by approximately 79.5%.
Starburst: A sharing-sized bag increased from approximately $2.48 to $4.58. After accounting for the larger package, the price per ounce increased by approximately 65.7%.
Twizzlers Twists: A bag increased from approximately $2.35 to $3.48, an increase of 48.1%.
These figures show that families may be paying significantly more for familiar Halloween favorites. And when you’re buying candy for a whole neighborhood, those increases can add up quickly!
How Much Does a Halloween Party Cost in 2026?– If you’re thinking about hosting a Halloween party this year, FundedFast also examined the cost of feeding and entertaining ten guests.
The research included homemade chili, potato chips, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, drinks, a bowl of fun-size candy, pumpkins, decorations, tableware, and Halloween costumes.
According to the study, hosting a party for ten guests could cost approximately $225 when only the host purchases a new costume.
If all ten guests purchase new costumes, the estimated total rises to approximately $540.
That’s quite a difference, especially for families already juggling groceries, household bills, school expenses, and Christmas shopping.
Greatful Thoughts: Ways to Save Money This Halloween– The good news is that celebrating Halloween doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune.
Here are a few ideas to help your family enjoy the season without letting the cost get too scary.
1. Shop your pantry first. Before buying party food, see what you already have at home. A pot of chili, homemade snacks, and a few simple drinks can go a long way.
2. Compare candy prices. Check the price per ounce instead of looking only at the package price. A bigger bag isn’t always the better deal.
3. Reuse costumes. Look through last year’s costumes, mix and match pieces, or trade with family and friends.
4. Keep decorations simple. Pumpkins, homemade paper decorations, and items you already own can help create a festive atmosphere without an expensive shopping trip.
5. Plan a smaller celebration. A family movie night, a pumpkin-carving afternoon, or a neighborhood get-together can create wonderful memories without a large party budget.
6. Set your candy budget before shopping. Decide how much you can comfortably spend and stick to it. You don’t have to buy every variety of candy to make Halloween special.
Making Halloween Memories Without Breaking the Budget
Halloween should be about enjoying time together, sharing a few laughs, and making memories that last long after the candy wrappers are gone.
Whether you’re handing out treats, taking the kids trick-or-treating, or hosting a little gathering at home, a little planning can help you enjoy the holiday without frightening your finances.
And remember, sometimes the simplest celebrations are the ones your family remembers most.
About the Research
This research was provided by FundedFast, which examined U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index data and historical and current grocery retailer prices to compare candy costs between 2016 and 2026.
For more information, visit FundedFast.com.
Greatful Moments is sharing this research to help families plan for Halloween and make informed decisions about their holiday spending.
Greatful Moments — Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
GratefulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
