How Much Candy Is Sold on Halloween? (2014–2024)
Halloween stands out as one of the busiest and most lucrative shopping events of the year, with candy playing a central role in this festive season. Research shows that sweets consistently top the list of popular Halloween items, as consumers across the United States spend billions on them year after year.
But exactly how much money is spent on Halloween candy each year, and how does this expenditure vary per person? Here’s a closer look at Halloween candy statistics from 2014 to 2024.
Key Halloween candy sales statistics
- Total expenditure on Halloween candy in 2024: $3.5 billion
- Per-person expenditure on Halloween candy in 2024: $31.69
- Percentage of people who bought Halloween candy in 2024: 95%
How much money is spent on Halloween candy each year: total expenditure
|
Year |
Total Halloween candy expenditure |
|
2014 |
$2.2 billion |
|
2015 |
$2.1 billion |
|
2016 |
$2.5 billion |
|
2017 |
$2.7 billion |
|
2018 |
$2.6 billion |
|
2019 |
$2.6 billion |
|
2020 |
$2.4 billion |
|
2021 |
$3.0 billion |
|
2022 |
$3.1 billion |
|
2023 |
$3.6 billion |
|
2024 |
$3.5 billion |
Halloween candy sales statistics reveal consistent growth over the years, with total candy expenditures reaching $3.5 billion in 2024. As the most widely purchased Halloween product, candy has remained an essential part of Halloween celebrations. Indeed, candy has been the most-bought Halloween item among US consumers for the past two decades, with approximately 95% of Halloween celebrants purchasing candy each year.
Over the past decade, Halloween candy sales have experienced steady increases. In 2014, Americans spent a total of $2.2 billion on Halloween candy. Sales fluctuated slightly in the following years, dipping to $2.1 billion in 2015 before climbing again. By 2017, candy sales had risen to $2.7 billion, representing 22.7% increase from 2015.
The next few years saw relatively stable spending, hovering around $2.6 billion until 2020, when sales dipped slightly, to $2.4 billion, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Halloween activities. Despite the 2020 setback, Halloween candy sales rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching $3 billion. This upward trend continued, as candy expenditures reached $3.6 billion in 2023, marking the highest level of Halloween candy sales over the past decade.
Despite higher expenditures on costumes and decorations, candy remains the most popular item, with 95% of Halloween celebrants purchasing it, compared to 75% who purchased decorations and 67% who bought costumes.
How much candy is purchased each year for Halloween: per-person expenditure
|
Year |
Per-person spending on Halloween candy |
|
2014 |
$23.39 |
|
2015 |
$23.10 |
|
2016 |
$24.43 |
|
2017 |
$25.27 |
|
2018 |
$25.47 |
|
2019 |
$25.37 |
|
2020 |
$27.55 |
|
2021 |
$30.40 |
|
2022 |
$29.51 |
|
2023 |
$31.93 |
|
2024 |
$31.69 |
Halloween candy sales statistics also show that per-person spending has steadily increased over the past decade, reaching $31.69 in 2024.
Starting from $23.39 in 2014, spending rose consistently, peaking at $31.93 in 2023. Notably, per-person spending on candy did not decrease in 2020, even as total Halloween spending declined during the pandemic. With traditional activities like parties and trick-or-treating limited, consumers likely focused on smaller at-home celebrations, with candy as an affordable treat to mark the event. This consistent growth reflects a sustained interest in purchasing candy for Halloween celebrations.