We’ve seen a steady stream of product and food shortages in 2022, and now it seems they’ve come after trick-or-treaters. Hershey’s has warned us that a Halloween candy shortage is coming.
Sure, Halloween is still about three months away, but you’re going to want to know about which of your favorite Halloween candies are affected by the impending shortage, why they’re in short supply, and what to do about it.
But like all of the product shortages, you don’t need to panic buy or freak out. We’ve got everything you need to know so you can still have a happy Halloween.
Why is there a Halloween candy shortage?
Hershey’s announced that they’re not going to be able to meet demand for their products during the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
The reasons for the shortage are the same as most of the other shortages we follow; ingredients used in Hershey’s products have been harder to come by due to supply disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Hershey’s has been able to keep regular demand going, but they said they won’t have the ability to ramp up production to meet the increased demand during Halloween and Christmas.
Which candy items are affected by the shortage?
Well, Hershey’s is the biggest candymaker around, and the candy and chocolate shortage will affect a bunch of trick-or-treaters’ favorites, including every variety of:
- Hershey’s chocolate
- Hershey’s Kisses
- Reese’s
- Jolly Rancher
- Twizzlers
- Kit Kat
- Almond Joy
- Mounds
- PayDay
- Mr. Goodbar
- Rolo
- Heath Bar
- York Peppermint Patty
- Milk Duds
- Whoppers
- Good & Plenty
What about other candy brands? Do they have a shortage, too?
It doesn’t look like other candymakers are dealing with the same problems — or at least they haven’t publicly announced that they are.
As Hershey’s is bracing for impact, their main competitor, Mars Wrigley, is ramping up ahead of trick-or-treat season. They announced on Aug. 1, 2022, that they’re launching three new Halloween treats — Snickers Fun Size Ghoulish Green, Twix Fun Size Ghoulish Green, and M&M’s Mad Scientist Mix.
You can use Mars coupons on their most popular brands, which include:
- M&M’s
- Snickers
- Starburst
- Skittles
- Twix
- Milky Way
- LifeSavers
- 3 Musketeers
Another competitor, Ferrero, dealt with a Nutella shortage earlier in the year, but all signs show that these items will be available like normal during Halloween:
- Butterfinger
- Crunch
- Baby Ruth
- 100 Grand
- Raisinets
- Kinder
- Ferrero Rocher
How do I avoid the chocolate shortage during Halloween?
If you’re a Hershey’s brand loyalist, you’re going to have to spread out your Halloween candy shopping rather than buy in bulk in the days before Halloween.
The Hershey’s shortage hasn’t hit yet; there are still plenty of their products available on the shelves. If you get ahead of the game and browse our chocolate coupons, Hershey’s coupons, and candy coupons, you’ll be able to buy a little bit every week leading up to Halloween.
How can I do trick-or-treat without candy?
Maybe you just want to avoid the hassle of buying candy altogether (or are otherwise against handing out sugar-soaked treats). We have a list of 15 non-candy Halloween treats that include really inexpensive things like pencils, glow sticks, spider rings, and more.
Will the candy shortage affect Christmas, too?
Yes, Hershey’s says that their supply chain problems will extend into the Christmas season, too. So if you were looking forward to buying a crap ton of Reese’s Christmas Trees, you might be disappointed.
Will candy corn be available this Halloween?
Sadly, yes. They’re made by lots of different manufacturers, so even if one or two of them struggles during the Halloween season, this candy is like a virus that spreads no matter what. Apologies to those of you who love candy corn.
Tell us what you think