A few days ago, I stood in front of the Halloween candy display at the local grocery store for quite a while. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price tag on the large bag I usually buy every year. No matter how many times I looked, it was still higher than last year.

Wondering if it was just my imagination, I did some research when I got home. I know that as I get older, it's better to verify things rather than just go by gut feeling.

The personal finance site FinanceBuzz surveys the prices of Halloween candy bags at major retailers like Walmart and Target every year. They compare over 25 different bags, excluding sale prices.

In last year's survey, the average price for a bag of 100 pieces rose from $9.19 in 2020 to $16.39 in 2025. That's a 78% increase in just five years.

During the same period, the overall inflation rate was 25%. Candy prices have risen at more than three times the rate of general inflation.

What's even more striking is the timing of the increases. From 2020 to 2022, prices rose gradually, but in 2024, they jumped by $2.45, and in 2025, by $2.34.

I wondered if that made sense, but this year, the trend hasn't stopped. According to data from the same company reported by several broadcasters earlier this month, the average price for a bag of 100 pieces this year is $16.96.

Compared to $9.91 in 2021, that's a 71% increase. The percentage is slightly different from last year's report due to the change in the base year, but the trend is the same.

A Walmart store manager mentioned that large chocolate bags can go up to $23.96. We are now in an era where a bag of candy costs over twenty dollars.

Bankrate's analysis is even more relatable. They estimate that with the same candy budget, people are buying 40% less by weight compared to 2020.

Still, people are opening their wallets. According to a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey, this year's Halloween candy spending is projected to be $4.1 billion, with 96% of respondents planning to buy candy.

The projected per-person spending for Halloween is $115.14, nearly the same as last year's $114.45. The NRF noted that consumers are mindful of price pressures while still celebrating Halloween.

The main reason for the price increase is attributed to cocoa prices. Cocoa began to soar in 2023 and is expected to peak by the end of 2024.

Hershey raised chocolate prices by double-digit percentages last fall in the U.S. Some products have reduced their sizes instead of raising prices, so the feeling that the bags are lighter is not unfounded.

This year, cocoa prices have reportedly dropped quite a bit. However, once prices on the shelves go up, they rarely come down easily.

So how can we spend less? Here are the methods I've decided on this year. They're not grand, just small changes in shopping habits.

The first is to look at the price per piece rather than just the bag price. A large bag isn't always the cheapest, and even if there's a discount tag, it can be more expensive when calculated per piece.

A shopping expert from RetailMeNot suggests aiming for under 10 cents per piece for chocolate. You can quickly do the math by looking at the unit price written in small print below the price tag.

The second is not to stick only to chocolate. According to reports, Tootsie Roll Minis are about 2-3 cents each, and Dum Dums lollipops are around 6 cents each.

In this area, the daytime temperatures can still be quite warm at the end of October. After seeing chocolate melt in the basket at the door and get smeared on kids' hands a few times, I realized that hard candy might actually be better.

The third is not to buy too early. I've experienced several times how bags can disappear at home if I buy them in advance.

According to the NRF survey, nearly half of people start shopping in September or earlier. While shopping early isn't bad, it's important to remember that it also extends the period during which you might be tempted to snack.

The fourth is to recall how many kids came last year and buy only what you need. Keeping a rough count of the number of kids at your door makes next year's shopping much easier.

Giving one piece to each child and welcoming them with a smile means they won't feel disappointed. The memory of turning on the porch light and greeting them lasts longer than the number of candies given.

The fifth is to compare discount stores and warehouse stores. The NRF survey also found that discount stores are the top choice for Halloween shopping.

However, bulk purchases at warehouse stores can become a burden if they go unused. If you were a household that had leftover candy until the New Year, a smaller bag would be more appropriate.

I enjoy this holiday as a day to walk around the neighborhood and get to know the neighbors. I don't plan to cut back on that meaning just because of rising prices.

If it were up to me, this year I would mix one bag of chocolate with a large bag of lollipops. The price per piece goes down, and they hold up better in the warm weather, so it's a win-win.

I believe in keeping the spirit of the holiday without having to empty my wallet. This year, I encourage you to take a look at those small numbers below the price tags.