Every rose has its thorn. At least that’s what they say! 🥀 Anyone else craving a binge session of Rock of Love on VH1? 🎸 We’re sweating like Bret Michaels’ forehead underneath that bandana.
You know what’s a real thorn in our side? The cost of our fave sweet treats. 🍭 Did you know that Americans are expected to spend about $3.5 billion on Halloween candy this year? These days, that’ll get you a box of Nerds and a half eaten Snickers bar. 🥴
Here’s Five Fast Facts on this year’s Halloween candy costs:
- 🫘 Chocolate Rain - Did you know there’s a global shortage of cocoa beans? Roughly 70% of the world’s cocoa supply comes from West Africa. Unfortunately, changing weather patterns have been a real Negative Nancy for cocoa bean growth. The weather issue is expected to drop cocoa production by up to 14%.
- 🍫 Cocoa Me Loco - Because there’s less cocoa to go around, companies have to pay even more for this essential candy ingredient. At the beginning of 2024, the price of a metric ton of cocoa was $4,200. Now, it’s $7,210.
- 🤏 It’s Shrinkage - Some candy companies are under fire for “shrinkflation”, or reducing the size of a product but charging the same price. According to the Guardian, Mars Wrigley cut the size of its Galaxy chocolate bar from 110 grams to 100 grams. The company also makes M&M’s, Twix, Altoids, Snickers, and 3 Musketeers.
- 💰 Spooky Savers Club - Overall, Americans are expected to spend less on this year’s Halloween than in 2023, including candy, costumes, and decorations. Between 2022 and 2023, candy and gum prices rose 7.5%. Something tells us this year it’ll creep up even more.
- 🛒 Such Sweet Nothing - Want to cut some candy cost corners? Buy sweets that contain less cocoa or none at all. Can’t part with chocolate? Opt for chocolate candy filled with other ingredients as it may be less expensive. Don’t sleep on generic brand Halloween candy either! You could save as much as 40% without the fancy names.
🔥Bottom line: Everyone thinks climate change is a hoax…until it comes for their candy bars! Seriously, can whoever’s controlling the weather aim some good crop conditions at West Africa? Mommy’s gotta feed her bonbon addiction.
How much are you spending on candy this Halloween?
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