Ontario families may find their Halloween candy bowls a little lighter this year — not from trick-or-treaters, but from rising prices. According to a new report by food industry expert Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, the average household will pay 10 to 20 per cent more for Halloween treats in 2025 compared to last year.
That means a suburban family expecting around 60 trick-or-treaters could spend about $27 on candy this year — roughly $3 more than in 2024. The price hike spans chocolates, chips, and sweets, with even small packs now adding up to record costs.
Charlebois points to shrinkflation — smaller candy sizes for the same price — as one of the biggest drivers. “Companies can only shrinkflate so much before consumers notice,” he said. “People are now feeling shrinkflation fatigue.” The average mini treat now weighs between 9 and 12 grams.
But beyond smaller bars, Charlebois says “candy guilt” is also fueling higher household spending. “Because the treats are smaller, people feel bad and toss in extra pieces. Shrinkflation doesn’t just shrink products — it stretches generosity,” he wrote in his Halloween Treat Cost Report.
Sticker Shock at the Stores
A quick scan of prices through the Flipp app reveals big variations depending on where you shop.
- Walmart: 50 Nestlé bars for $8.97; 50 Cadbury treats for $9.86; 70 Skittles and Starburst for $12.97.
- Food Basics: 50 Nestlé bars for $9.99; 90 Cadbury treats for $11.98.
- Canadian Tire: 50 Nestlé bars for $14.99; 90 Cadbury bars for $22.99; 70 Skittles and Starburst for $15.99.
For perspective, a 50-pack of Cadbury treats cost just $7.99 in 2013, highlighting how candy prices have steadily climbed over the decade.
Cocoa, Sugar, and Supply Pressures
Cocoa prices — nearly double 2023 levels — are driving much of the increase, worsened by drought and crop disease in West Africa. Sugar costs are also up, meaning even lower-cost candies like licorice and hard sweets are no longer budget-friendly alternatives.
Some households are opting for “healthier” handouts like granola bars or even seaweed snacks, though those aren’t much cheaper, costing 40 to 55 cents each.
The Potato Trend
Adding a touch of humor to Halloween inflation, Charlebois pointed to a quirky new tradition: giving out potatoes instead of candy. A viral story from Milwaukee in 2022 saw one woman hand out 46 potatoes to delighted trick-or-treaters. “You can actually find a 10-pound bag of potatoes for $2,” Charlebois laughed, though he admitted most parents probably wouldn’t approve.
When to Buy — and Where
While deals have been scarce so far, Charlebois says waiting until the day before Halloween could save shoppers money. Pharmacies and dollar stores, he added, often offer better last-minute discounts than grocery chains — plus the bonus of loyalty points for savvy shoppers.
Looking Ahead: More Wrapping, More Costs
Next year’s candy costs could climb again due to new packaging and recycling rules taking effect in Ontario on January 1, 2026. Under the new system, producers will be responsible for residential recycling collection, likely increasing packaging costs.
“Packaging is essential for safety, but it’s also expensive,” said Charlebois. “When producers start absorbing recycling costs, Halloween candy could get even pricier in 2026.”
For now, Canadians will have to pay more to keep their neighborhood ghouls and superheroes smiling — one fun-sized chocolate bar at a time.