Halloween Candy Costs Soar, Experts Offer Tips for Teeth and Tummies
The average cost of a 100-piece bag of Halloween candy has risen by 71 percent over the past five years, while experts advise balancing treats with healthy snacks.
The average cost of a 100-piece bag of Halloween candy has seen a significant rise, increasing by 71 percent over the past five years, reported NPR News 1. This substantial jump in price is likely to impact families planning their Halloween celebrations, as candy prices also rose by 7.7% over the last year and more than 18% over the past two years 21.
As candy prices climb, so too does the importance of dental health during the holiday. According to Cleveland.com, Halloween candy can negatively affect teeth, with highly acidic candies being particularly harmful 3. To mitigate these effects, experts recommend a balanced meal before trick-or-treating, which should include protein and fiber to keep children feeling full and less likely to overindulge 4.
When it comes to choosing the best candy for both taste and health, experts suggest opting for denser treats like chocolate containing nuts or peanut butter, as they are considered healthier options 4. However, caution is advised for gummy candies and caramels, which pose choking risks for children under two years old 4.
For families with children who have food allergies or dietary restrictions, there are additional considerations. Providing non-edible treats or allergy-friendly options is recommended, and the Teal Pumpkin Project encourages households to offer alternative items to traditional candy 4. After Halloween, rather than consuming all remaining candy at once, experts advise spreading out the enjoyment over several weeks to maintain dental health 4.
Pairing candy with healthy snacks like apples or cheese sticks is another tip from the experts, helping to balance the sugar intake and provide additional nutrients 4. These simple adjustments can make a big difference in ensuring a fun and healthy Halloween for all.
What we know
- The average cost of a 100-piece bag of Halloween candy has increased by 71 percent over the past five years 2
- Candy prices increased by 7.7% over the last year 1
- Candy prices have risen by more than 18% over the past two years 1
- Halloween candy can negatively affect teeth 3
- Highly acidic candies are the most harmful to teeth 3
- A balanced meal before trick-or-treating helps avoid overindulgence 4
- Protein and fiber in meals keep kids full 4
- Chocolate containing nuts or peanut butter is considered healthier 4
- Gummy candies and caramels pose choking risks for children under two years old 4
- Non-edible treats or allergy-friendly options are recommended for children with food allergies 4
- The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes non-candy Halloween items for children with allergies 4
- Spreading out candy consumption over several weeks is recommended 4
- Pairing candy with healthy snacks like apples or cheese sticks is advised 4
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 71%, weighted across 13 claims from 4 independent outlets.
- likely The average cost of a 100-piece bag of Halloween candy has increased by 71 percent over the past five years. (72%)
- likely Candy prices increased by 7.7% over the last year. (72%)
- likely Candy prices have risen by more than 18% over the past two years. (72%)
- likely Halloween candy can negatively affect teeth. (71%)
- likely The most harmful candy to teeth is highly acidic. (71%)
- likely Experts suggest eating a balanced meal before trick-or-treating to avoid overindulgence. (71%)
- likely The balanced meal should include protein and fiber to keep kids full. (71%)
- likely Candy with density, such as chocolate containing nuts or peanut butter, is considered healthier. (71%)
- likely Gummy candies and caramels pose choking risks for children under two years old. (71%)
- likely Families with children having food allergies or restrictions should provide non-edible treats or allergy-friendly options. (71%)
- likely The Teal Pumpkin Project promotes non-candy Halloween items for children with allergies. (71%)
- likely Eating all remaining candy immediately after Halloween is discouraged; instead, it's recommended to spread consumption over several weeks. (71%)
- likely Pairing candy with healthy snacks like apples or cheese sticks is advised. (71%)
Sources
- NPR News — Candy prices got you scared stiff? What to know about the cost of Halloween this year
https://www.npr.org/2026/10/30/nx-s1-6018566/halloween-candy-prices-chocolate - NYT Business — Why Is Halloween Candy So Expensive?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/27/dining/halloween-candy-prices.html - Cleveland.com (Ohio) — Can Halloween candy really ‘rot’ your teeth? An expert weighs in
https://www.cleveland.com/food/2026/10/can-halloween-candy-really-rot-your-teeth-heres-what-an-expert-says.html - WOUB Public Media - (Ohio) — Staying healthy on Halloween doesn’t have to mean skipping the candy
https://woub.org/2026/10/28/staying-healthy-halloween-doesnt-mean-skipping-candy/