WASHINGTON (CNN) — Shoppers stocking up for Halloween are finding that the biggest scare this season is not in a haunted house, but in the candy aisle. High costs are changing what families and retailers put in trick-or-treat bags this October in stores across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, candy and chewing gum prices rose 32% between December 2019 and November 2024. The cost of raw materials used to make those sweets rose even more, jumping 87.6%. A collapse in cocoa production and weather disruptions to sugar crops have kept prices high. While inflation for treats has slowed earlier this year, costs remain significant for retailers. “Everybody’s feeling the pinch today because of the inflation,” said Stew Leonard Jr., the president of Stew Leonard’s. Leonard noted that while prices are higher, shoppers still gravitate toward traditional favorites like Snickers and Milky Way bars. “It has driven chocolate prices up, but you know what? Everybody still loves these little Snicker bars, you know, and the Milky Ways and, you know, those things are just like a tradition,” Leonard said. Despite the costs, Americans remain enthusiastic about the holiday. A National Confectioners Association survey shows 81% of people plan to participate in Halloween this year. Among parents, 94% plan to celebrate with their children. Carly Schildhaus, the senior director of communications for the National Confectioners Association, said the industry is responding with more affordable options and a wider range of treats to meet consumer demand. “Americans are incredibly enthusiastic about the Halloween season. They are looking for reasons to celebrate and to incorporate chocolate and candy into their celebrations,” Schildhaus said. “The confectionery industry is known for innovation, and what that looks like is not just exciting treats, but also offering a range of options for people, whether that is a dietary need or preference, a flavor preference, a candy type preference.” ...read more read less