Illinois Halloween Candy Prices Have Increased 71%, Study Finds

I went to Walmart to grab some Halloween candy, thinking I'd pick up a couple bags and be on my way.  I was not prepared for those prices, y'all.

One bag of fun-sized candy was $30.

THIRTY DOLLARS.  FOR ONE BAG OF HALLOWEEN CANDY.

And the worst part?  It wasn't even good candy.  I'm talking about the variety bag where you're digging around hoping to find something decent.  At that price, I better be handing out full-size candy bars to every kid on my block.

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Halloween is supposed to be fun, but buying candy is starting to feel like the most frightening part about the holiday.  Between candy, costumes and decorations, October can get expensive pretty quickly.  And if you're buying enough candy for an entire neighborhood, those costs add up fast!

Unfortunately, it's not just me being dramatic about the prices.  Halloween candy prices, apparently, have climbed significantly in recent years.  One study found that candy and chocolate prices have increased about 71% since 2021, with prices rising again next year.

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Several factors are contributing to this increase in prices:

• Rising ingredient costs
• Production costs
• Cocoa production hit by extreme weather & crop drop
• Higher sugar and milk prices

Illinois shoppers also have to consider the state's unusual sales tax rules for candy.  Certain sweets are taxed at a general merchandise rate, while candy containing flour, including products like Kit Kats and Twix, can qualify for the lower grocery tax rate.

So, if you're handing out candy this year, it might be worth comparing prices before loading up your cart!