Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending October 17 compared with the same time last year, according to NielsenIQ, The Associated Press and CNBC report. In mid-September, sales were down 11.7%, the outlets report. Chocolate sales were down 7.2%, CNBC reports.

Small bags were the only size of candy bag with growing sales, The Associated Press reports. Packs of nine ounces or less are up 24% in dollar sales, while every larger size is shrinking, CNBC reports, citing NielsenIQ.

High prices for gas and other goods are making shoppers worry about money, said Chris Costagli, a vice president at NielsenIQ, the AP reports. "I can't afford it this year because I've paid so much more for so many other things," he said, describing how some shoppers think, according to the AP.

Candy prices have risen faster than overall inflation for years. As of September, candy and gum prices were up 44% over five years, compared with 22.5% for all food eaten at home, the AP reports, citing government data. Candy and gum prices were up 7.7% in September from a year earlier, CNBC reports. High cocoa prices are the main reason, the AP says.

Wells Fargo's Agri-Food Institute estimates chocolate prices will be about 8% higher than last Halloween, CNBC reports. "The worst of the cocoa crisis has passed, but price relief hasn't reached store shelves yet," said David Branch of the institute, according to CNBC. Hershey lowered its 2026 organic sales growth forecast to 3%, the outlet reports.

Shoppers are still expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween, up from last year's record $13.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation, CNBC reports. The National Confectioners Association, a candy trade group, said it remains optimistic about Halloween sales, the AP reports.

What we know: Candy sales are down from last year, and small bags are selling best.
What we don't: Whether last-minute shoppers will close the gap by Halloween night.