Halloween is here and whether you prefer tricks or treats, new analysis from Compare the Market shows that the spooky season could cost more compared to 2024.
Compare the Market analysed the regular retail prices of 12 popular Halloween treats across two major supermarkets and found that, on average, prices had climbed 10.59% year-on-year.
The analysis examined a wide range of products, including chocolates, lollies, cookies, and candy bars.
Causing the biggest fright was chocolate, with every single chocolate product in the analysis observing a price jump.
A Cadbury Dairy Milk block has jumped 33.3% between 2024 and 2025 – the most significant increase of the analysis. But the research found other chocolate price jumps, including:
- Milkybar share packs: 25% increase
- Snickers Fun Size share bag: 16.6%
- Cadbury Twirl share pack: 16.6%
- Twix chocolate bar: 13.64%
- Kinder Chocolate treat share bag: 7.1%
Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said chocolate prices were going to be a horror show this Halloween.
“There’s already been chatter about the major supermarkets flogging Dubai chocolate blocks for $20 a pop, but if you were hoping for relief elsewhere in the chocolate aisle, it’s likely just ‘witch’ful thinking,” Mr Ford said.
“Our new analysis shows that Aussies are likely going to be spooked by the price of chocolate treats this Halloween, with prices climbing by as much as a third in a single year for some brands and variations. It’s enough to send you batty!
“It’s been a perfect storm of factors contributing to higher chocolate prices in 2025. The price of cocoa has skyrocketed; we’ve seen extreme weather events impact crops; there have been supply issues; all the elements for a chocolate price hike nightmare.
“We specifically checked to see whether individual bars, blocks or share packs were exempt from the price hikes, but prices were up regardless of how the chocolate was packaged.”
However, Compare the Market’s research found that five of the 12 items analysed hadn’t seen any price increase year-on-year, so there will still be plenty of Halloween savings to sink your teeth into.
“While chocolate prices may be sucking the life from you at the supermarket, the not-so-spooky news is that many types of lollies haven’t climbed in price compared to 2024,” Mr Ford said. “The trick is to do your research and hunt down the best bargains.”
Compare the Market found that the regular retail prices of Sour Patch Kids, Darrel Lea Liquorice All Sorts, The Natural Confectionery Co. Fruity Chews and Life Savers Bananas remained stagnant between 2024 and 2025.
“Just one type of lolly share pack in the analysis – the Chupa Chups Mentos Mix of Minis – saw an increase of 10%,” Mr Ford said. “Our research looked at the regular retail price of items, but if you were able to hunt down specials and savings, you may even find that prices are cheaper compared to last year in some cases.”
Mr Ford’s Halloween tricks to help the hip pocket
Don’t let steep prices spook you: Avoid a jump scare at the supermarket by doing your research ahead of time. If you’ve got a particular type of Halloween treat in mind, see which retailer is offering the cheapest price and shop there.
If you’ve got it, ‘haunt’ it: If you’re a member of supermarket reward programs, be sure to flaunt your card when shopping. There may be more points available for certain types of sweets and treats. Don’t forget to ‘boost’ within apps before you hit the shops.
So long, suckers: Don’t stay loyal to just one supermarket. See if you can track down cheaper Halloween goodies at discount chains, department stores or other outlets. Vote with your wallet and shop where the sales are.
A sight for sore eyes: Don’t be tricked by a store’s sale signs. look at the unit price to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck – especially when it comes to Halloween treats.
Don’t ‘ghost’ the hidden perks: Check to see if there are any supermarket perks or incentives you’re entitled to through your energy provider, insurance company or telcos. Every dollar counts and you may be entitled to benefits you’re not using.
| Item | RRP Price 2024 ($) | RRP Price 2025 ($) | Price difference year-on-year | Percentage difference year-on-year |
| Sour Patch kids 190g | $5 | $5 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Darrel Lea Liquorice All Sorts 270g | $5.50 | $5.50 | $0 | 0.00% |
| The Natural Confectionery Co. Fruity Chews Lollies 350g | $5.50 | $5.50 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Life Savers Bananas 160g | $5 | $5 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Oreo Mini Original Cookie Sandwich 10 Pack | 204g | $5 | $5 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Kinder Chocolate 16 treat share bag | $7 | $7.50 | $0.50 | 7.14% |
| Chupa Chups Mentos Mix of Minis 290g 35 pack | $5 | $5.50 | $0.50 | 10.00% |
| Twix chocolate bar 50g | $2.20 | $2.50 | $0.30 | 13.64% |
| Cadbury Twirl 12 Sharepack | $6 | $7 | $1 | 16.67% |
| Snickers Fun Size 12 pack | $6 | $7 | $1 | 16.67% |
| Milkybar White Choc Share Pack 11 Pieces | $6 | $7.50 | $1.50 | 25.00% |
| Cadbury Dairy Milk Block 180g | $6 | $8 | $2 | 33.33% |
| Total | $64.2 | $71 | $6.80 | 10.59% |
Source: 2024 prices sourced from Woolworths and Coles catalogues from September and October 2024, reflective of regular retail price. 2025 prices sourced from Woolworths and Coles online stores on 23/9/2025 and reflective of regular retail price.
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
Compare the Market is a comparison service that takes the hard work out of shopping around. We make it Simples for Australians to quickly and easily compare and buy insurance, energy, and home loans products from a range of providers. Our easy-to-use comparison tool helps you look for a range of products that may suit your needs and benefit your back pocket.
