Americans are projected to spend $22 billion on Easter this year, with $3.1 billion of that going towards candy. Despite only 63% of Americans celebrating the holiday, retailers are still expecting to see significant profits. The cost breaks down to about $177 per observant American. This increase in spending on candy comes as retail chocolate prices have risen by 11.6% in the United States due to issues with cocoa production in West Africa.
During Easter, Americans consume 91 million chocolate rabbits and 16 billion jelly beans. The world’s most expensive chocolate Easter bunny, valued at $49,000, was created by Very First To in 2016. Made of 75% Tanzania-origin chocolate, the bunny had diamond “eyes” estimated to cost $35,400. On the more affordable side are marshmallow Peeps, with over 1.5 billion consumed each year in various flavors. The extravagant bunny and the popular Peeps are a staple during Easter festivities.
Despite the significant amount being spent on candy during Easter, parents are expected to spend even more on gifts and treats, totaling $3.4 billion. An additional $3.5 billion is projected to be spent on Easter outfits, with pastels and florals being popular choices. Brunches and dinners are also a big part of the Easter spend, with tables expected to be filled with ham, lamb, potatoes, and vegetables at a cost of $7.3 billion. The White House Easter Egg Roll, a longstanding tradition costing nearly $1 million to host each year, attracts over 30,000 attendees.
WalletHub reported that more than 80,000 souvenir wooden eggs are made for the White House Easter Egg Roll, which was first held in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes. Guests gather on the White House’s South Lawn to roll the handcrafted eggs with a spoon in hopes of winning special prizes. In addition to the White House event, Americans across the country partake in various Easter celebrations, including church services, family gatherings, parades, and festivals. It is a time for indulging in delicious food, dressing up in colorful outfits, and enjoying the festivities of the holiday season.
