Snickers And Spiderman Costumes More Expensive This Year!

Halloween candy is getting a little scarier this year – about 13% scarier!

Those who prefer treats over tricks will be paying 13.1% more than last year, according to the most recent inflation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This is the largest yearly jump in candy prices the CPI has ever recorded. To compare,  it took nine years - from 1997 to 2006 - for candy prices to rise 13%.!

The price of candy, along with chewing gum, which is in the same category, has risen 2% since August - one of the largest monthly increases of any food in the report.

Sweet treats of all kinds are costing a lot more than last year, becasue of big increases in the prices of sugar and flour. Sugar is up over 17% since last September. Supply chain disruptions and a poor beet sugar production year, have all helped contribute to your Snickers and Red Vines going up!

Flour prices have risen even more  - 24%!  That's helped drive up the costs of cakes, cupcakes and cookies by 16% since last September. Frozen and refrigerated baked goods are up more than 20%.

Americans collectively are expected to spend about $3.1 billion on candy this season. A large assorted bag of Halloween fun size candy will easily run about $15 a bag! Up 13% , or about $2.

Oh, and Halloween costumes? Those will be more expensive than usual, as well. Why? Possibly becasue the price of clothing has jumped 5.5% since last year. And if you're crafty enough to handmake your kids costumes, you will feel the squeeze even more. Sewing machines, fabric, and all the supplies that go along with making your child's Spiderman or Elsa costume are up 11% since last September.

Here's a thought: Skip Halloween, and save it for the other big one around the corner - The World Series! Kidding (maybe). CHRISTMAS!!