Why is Halloween candy so expensive? Cocoa prices, tariffs and even diesel play a part.

Halloween candy including Sour Patch Kids, KitKat, Skittles and Reese's is displayed in Lafayette on Sept. 14. Chocolate candy prices have risen in recent years, putting pressure on Halloween shoppers.

For buyers, the question is the facing, the pack, and whether the SKU earns cooler or dry-grocery space.