The LuLac Edition #5, 614, March 29th, 2026

 

PAYING MORE

FOR CANDY

Shoppers should expect the cost of some essential Easter basket items, like a big chocolate bunny, to be higher this year, despite a dip in cocoa prices over the past several months.

Approximately 90% of all Easter baskets include chocolate, according to the National Confectioners Association. Although cocoa prices have cooled somewhat in recent months, the change hasn't reached store shelves yet.

David Branch, sector manager for the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, shared insights with ABC News about the pricey Easter basket staple.

Following last year's record cocoa shortages and price spikes, Branch said "the market is finally showing early signs of stabilizing, but not enough to deliver big price breaks for Easter shoppers."

Global supply has improved so far this year, but Branch noted that West Africa, which produces about 70% of the world's cocoa, continues to struggle with weather issues, disease and aging tree stock.

While the dramatic price surges of 2024 and 2025 have cooled, "retail relief will be slow and uneven for consumers in the first half of 2026," he said.

Despite drops from those historic high cocoa prices, candy makers purchase ingredients months in advance, Branch explained, so inventory on store shelves right now is still priced for those high levels.

"Most Easter chocolates were produced when cocoa was still extremely expensive, so shoppers should expect prices similar to or slightly above Valentine's Day levels," he said.

Candy prices -- including chocolate -- are up nearly 12% year over year, and prices have spiked dramatically over the last five years, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Despite this, the National Retail Federation says it expects consumers to spend $3.5 billion on Easter candy alone this year, with shoppers dropping an expected total of $24.9 billion on the holiday overall, surpassing previous spending records.

"Candy is the leading shopping category for Easter this year, with 92% of consumers planning to purchase sweets," the NRF said in a press release Tuesday. "Other top categories include food (90%), gifts (64%), decorations (53%) and clothing (51%)."

Putting a little hop in people's steps this Easter, the price of eggs is down 42% over the last year, according to BLS data, after hitting record highs during the shortage caused by the bird flu epidemic.

THE GREAT PEEP DEBATE

Okay, peeps are those marshmallow candy creations we’ve all enjoyed since we were kids. The flavors are now more diverse with even Dr. Pepper flavored versions.

Herre’s the debate. Do people enjoy them fresh and gooey or do people like me leave them out of the wrapping and let them get crunchy on the outside.

Someone should do a poll question on that.

 

TOP EASTER CANDIES

1.  Reese’s Pieces – According to a DoorDash survey, Reese’s Pieces Easter Candy Gift Bags are the most-ordered candy across the U.S., favored for filling plastic Easter eggs and their peanut butter flavor, even though they are not pastel-colored.

2.  Peeps – The classic marshmallow chicks remain a staple, with yellow Peeps being the most popular color. Peeps consistently dominate Easter searches and are widely used in baskets and recipes.

3.  Cadbury Eggs – Cadbury’s chocolate eggs have seen a surge in popularity, with search interest increasing nearly 49% from 2022 to 2025, making them a breakout favorite for Easter.

4.  Chocolate Bunnies – Iconic chocolate bunnies, including Lindt Gold Bunny and Russell Stover Solid Bunny, are perennial favorites, often appearing in Easter baskets and seasonal displays.

5.  M&M’s Easter Candy – M&M’s Easter Bunny Cane and pastel-colored M&M’s are popular for their chocolate variety and festive packaging.

6.  Jelly Beans – With billions consumed each season, jelly beans remain a classic Easter treat, often used for egg hunts and candy mixes.

Other Notable Candies – Reese’s Peanut Butter Creme Eggs, Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Easter Eggs, and niche candies like Bean Boozled and Dove eggs also maintain steady popularity.

 

THE LOCAL BRANDS

 

Then of course there are the local brands like Michael Mootz on the Sans Souci Highway, Jon Stopoay in Plains as well as Gertrude Hawk in NEPA and Victoria’s in Edwardsville and Hazleton.

LULAC favorites are Lindt, Peeps and Victoria’s nonpareils  dark and milk.