Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said Tuesday that the scariest thing about Halloween this year was President Donald Trump‘s economy as prices sharply jump on popular candies ahead of the key holiday season.
Double-Digit Candy Price Jumps
In a post on X, the senator said prices on products from Hershey, Ferrero Rocher, Mars and Tootsie have risen between 5% and 23%, led by Hershey Seasonal Peanut Butter Cups.
“Nothing more terrifying than Trump’s economy this Halloween,” Warren said, adding that “candy prices are through the roof.”
Shoppers Plan Early and Look for Deals
The National Retail Federation (NRF) projected in September that Halloween spending would reach $13.5 billion, up from last year’s record $13.1 billion, with per-person spending projected at $115.14 versus $114.45 in 2025.
About 74% of consumers plan to celebrate, and 96% plan to buy candy, accounting for roughly $4.1 billion, according to the survey.
Higher Prices Test Candy Shoppers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has attributed rising candy costs to higher prices for key inputs including cocoa, sugar and corn syrup, with extreme weather and supply disruptions contributing to higher commodity costs
In July, The Hershey Co (NYSE:HSY) said it had raised prices on seasonal items, with some high single-digit pricing still in place in the fourth quarter, while price hikes at Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) the maker of Toblerone and Cadbury, have cost it volume, with shoppers pushing back on higher prices on the shelf.
Higher candy prices come amid a high cost of living and consumers are also facing steep gas prices at the pump ahead of next week’s midterm elections.
Price Action: On Tuesday, Hershey’s shares closed 2.21% lower at $164.51 and fell 0.57% to $163.57 in premarket trading on Wednesday.
Benzinga Edge rankings indicate Hershey’s stock has a Momentum score in the 22nd percentile and a Growth score in the 38th percentile.
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Disclaimer: This content was produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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