Halloween Candy Expected To Generate $2.4 Billion In Sales

Halloween candy sales are expected to top $2.4 billion this year, according to the Chicago Tribune. These numbers are much bigger than those posted by treat manufacturers over the past ten years.

Susan Whiteside, spokesperson for the National Confectioners Association, explained that Halloween is the most lucrative time of the year for candy sales.

“Candy is a luxury, certainly, but it is a very affordable luxury,” Whiteside said. “Particularly when economic times are tough, the things that bring you a lot of happiness that don’t cost a lot of money tend to stay in your budget.”

Overall, candy sales are estimated to bring in nearly $32 billion this year, which is up from about $24.7 billion in 2007. While people may not have much money for too many of life’s luxuries, it would appear that enough cash has been set aside for a sugary treat or two.

With that much candy being handed out on the popular holiday, parents are a little concerned about the amount of candy their offspring will be shoving into the mouths over the next few days. While mom and dad shouldn’t allow the kids to run wild with their Halloween treats, Tulsa World explains that candy shouldn’t be avoided like the plague.

Registered dietitian Stephanie McKinney explained that it’s ultimately up to the parents to make sure their kids aren’t focusing solely on how much candy they can acquire.

“It shouldn’t be scary or frightening like Halloween is,” McKinney said. “Make the holiday about something else other than how much candy you can get in your bag.”

While a number of candy companies are hoping you’ll spend your budget on their delicious offerings, one product has remained a favorite over the years. According to The Huffington Post, candy corn is this season’s most buzzed about treat. The candy snagged nearly 35 percent of internet buzz, besting such favorites as Reese’s, M&M’s, Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, and Sweetarts.

How much Halloween candy do you plan to consume this year?