Business
Connecticut Trick-or-Treat Alert: Candy Up 71% by Oct. 31
Hartford, CT – Connecticut families preparing for Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, could face a frightening surprise at the checkout counter as trick or treat candy prices remain significantly higher t
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-25T19:21:46.768Z
Hartford, CT – Connecticut families preparing for Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, could face a frightening surprise at the checkout counter as trick or treat candy prices remain significantly higher than five years ago. With Halloween less than a week away, rising costs may prompt some households to buy fewer bags, hand out smaller portions or reconsider their holiday spending.
According to a 2026 FinanceBuzz study, Halloween candy prices nationwide have increased 71% since 2021 , more than triple the national inflation rate of 22% over the same period.
Researchers found that a 100 piece bag of assorted Halloween candy now averages $16.96 , compared with $9.91 in 2021. That represents an additional $7.05 per bag, making it considerably more expensive to stock up for neighborhood trick or treaters.
For residents in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury and communities throughout Connecticut, those higher costs could influence Halloween shopping decisions.
A household purchasing 300 pieces of candy at the study's average price would spend approximately $50.88 in 2026 , compared with $29.73 five years ago — an increase of $21.15.
Although candy inflation has slowed, FinanceBuzz found prices rose another 3.5% between 2025 and 2026, continuing a multiyear trend of higher Halloween expenses.
Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend $13.5 billion celebrating Halloween in 2026 , including approximately $4.1 billion on candy.
Its September survey found that 31% of consumers would comparison shop if Halloween prices exceeded expectations, while 26% would look for coupons or sales.
These figures reflect nationwide trends rather than Connecticut specific purchasing data, but they highlight the financial considerations facing households ahead of Oct. 31.
Residents hoping to reduce costs can compare supermarket promotions, establish spending limits and estimate how many trick or treaters typically visit their neighborhoods.
Whether higher candy prices ultimately mean fewer treats at Connecticut doorsteps remains uncertain. However, with Halloween approaching, inflation is adding another expense to this year's celebrations.