How much should you pay for Halloween candy? The stores are lined with shelves and shelves of tasty treats right now. Some are on sale, others offer in-store coupon or rewards when you buy them. But how do you know if you’re getting a good deal? Sharky has the inside info for you!
Quick Tips:
Candy prices, as with everything in an inflation, are already higher than normal. Be prepared for the BEST possible deal, not necessarily the lowest price you’ve ever seen.
- Remember that just because something is on sale, doesn’t make it a great deal.
- The amount you purchase should definitely reflect the anticipated amount of trick-or-treater traffic you plan to get at your door. If you over-buy, you can put the candy in freezer bags and throw them in the freezer for snacks, kids’ incentive treats, or even stocking stuffers. But if you under-buy…. you know the rules of TRICK-or-treat!
- Chocolate candies will generally cost more than non-chocolate varieties. If you’re on a budget, reach for the Skittles and suckers over Snickers & M&M’s.
- How much should you BUY? This fun company actually created a Halloween candy calculator so that you can plug in your info, and find out just how MUCH candy you should purchase to be ready!
- Check your rebate and coupon apps before heading out to the store. Every little bit of savings helps right now, and you may even score some for free!
- Your favorite stores will offer cash back, coupons, sales, BOGO FREE, and rewards on Halloween candy, so if you’re loyal to a store or have rewards to roll over, use them!
- If you’re a full-size candy bar kind of house (Sharky’s definitely trick-or-treating there!), watch drugstores for 2/$1 deals during the month of October. And don’t forget to use the store rewards, coupons, and your coupon apps to make them even cheaper.
Calculating Prices
Check the WEIGHT of the bag, not the number of pieces inside, since the SIZE of the pieces will vary a lot. Comparing the price per ounce will get you the best deals.
Chocolate Candy
Your goal should be $0.25 per ounce, or as close to that as possible. Take the price of the candy, and divide it by the total ounces in the bag for this total. If you find it for lower – stock up!
Non-Chocolate Candy
Stock up at $0.20 per ounce, or as close to that as possible. Take the price of the candy, and divide it by the number of ounces of bag for this total.
Price Per Piece
If you prefer to budget and calculate with price per piece of candy, remember that the sizes of each piece will vary dramatically, especially between Fun Size Bars or Kiddie Mix Bags.
- Fun Size Chocolate Candy Bars – $0.20 or under
- Mini Size (smaller than Fun Size) Chocolate Candy Bars – $0.09 or under
- Non-Chocolate Small Candies – $0.07 per piece or under
