Americans are projected to invest $3.1 billion on Easter sweets this year. These 10 astounding statistics illustrate the expenses tied to this holiday.
- The date for Easter this year falls on Sunday, March 31.
- Apart from its religious connotations, Easter is steeped in various candy-related customs.
- As per a report by WalletHub, Americans are anticipated to splurge $3.1 billion on candy this year.
On Sunday, families worldwide will convene to commemorate Easter. In the United States, the traditions commonly include church services, Easter egg hunts, and shared meals, explaining the substantial financial outlay associated with this holiday.
WalletHub unveiled a report outlining the Easter spending forecasts for 2024, encompassing details ranging from the priciest chocolate bunny globally to the expenditure on spring attire.
Here are some of the most surprising Easter spending statistics for 2024.
The total Easter expenditure by Americans in 2024 is estimated to reach $22 billion.
From new outfits for photo sessions with the Easter bunny to gift-laden baskets and chocolates, there is a plethora of expenses linked to holiday celebrations this year.
WalletHub also highlighted that Easter stands as the most popular day for church attendance among Americans, translating to a significant day for donations as well.
This translates to an average of $177 spent per individual among celebrants.
Although this figure marks a decline from the projected \(192 per person in 2023 by WalletHub, it reflects a slight increase from the 2022 estimate of \)170 per person for Easter spending.
WalletHub anticipates a $3.5 billion outlay on clothing.
In addition to attire donned during various festivities like New York City’s Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, many families will purchase new clothes for celebrating the holiday or capturing seasonal photographs.
Popular color choices often include pastels, florals, white, and other vibrant hues.
A staggering $7.3 billion is projected to be spent solely on food.
From brunches featuring an assortment of pastries to elaborate dinners comprising ham, potatoes, and vegetables, food forms a pivotal component of Easter celebrations for families.
Americans are expected to allocate $3.1 billion on candy, ranging from jelly beans to chocolate bunnies.
WalletHub disclosed that over half of parents will assemble Easter baskets for their children this year, including those whose children no longer reside at home. Popular items include chocolate eggs and bunnies, jelly beans, candy-coated eggs, and marshmallow treats.
Business Insider reported in 2023 that Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs were the favored Easter candy in 30 states in 2022.
According to WalletHub, the US witnesses the annual sale of 91 million chocolate bunnies, with Americans consuming a staggering 16 billion jelly beans on Easter.
An additional $3.4 billion is earmarked for Easter gifts.
Besides candy, it is customary for American children to receive small toys or other presents during Easter.
The organization of the annual Easter Egg Roll by the White House Historical Association incurs a cost of $750,000.
The White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that commenced in 1878 during President Rutherford B. Hayes’ tenure, has been canceled only thrice since its inception (once due to inclement weather and twice owing to the COVID-19 pandemic).
The event draws over 30,000 attendees annually, including the president, first lady, and notable guests. WalletHub reports the involvement of 1,200 volunteers in the event’s execution.
Furthermore, more than 80,000 commemorative wooden eggs are crafted for the occasion each year.
The world’s priciest chocolate Easter bunny commanded a price tag of $49,000.
In 2016, Forbes spotlighted the company Very First To as the creator of this extravagant bunny.
Crafted from 75% Tanzanian-origin chocolate, the hyper-realistic bunny, measuring 1-foot 3-inches, was meticulously fashioned by a master chocolatier in a labor-intensive process. Notably, the bunny features diamond “eyes” valued at over $35,400.
Americans shell out approximately $45 million on eggs for Easter.
WalletHub’s data reveals that 180 million eggs are purchased annually for Easter. As of February 2024, the average cost of a dozen eggs stood at $3.
This expenditure translates to an estimated $45 million allocated for Easter eggs.
WalletHub also notes the annual sale of over 16 million egg-dyeing kits, with 49% of parents intending to engage in egg decoration this year.
During the Easter holiday, over 1.5 billion Marshmallow Peeps are consumed.
Manufactured by Just Born Quality Confections in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Peeps contribute to 70% of the company’s yearly revenue, as reported by Business Insider in 2022.
In April 2023, BI cautioned the public about the presence of red dye No. 3, a substance linked to cancer and hyperactivity in children, in certain Peeps variants. Just Born assured compliance with FDA regulations at the time, emphasizing that their packaging and online resources aid consumers in making informed choices.
In October 2023, the Los Angeles Times disclosed that two Peeps colors, lavender and pink, would contain red dye No. 3 during the 2024 Easter season. Just Born pledged to eliminate this ingredient from its products in response to a California law prohibiting specific food chemicals, effective from 2027.
This year, consumers can choose from a selection of eighteen Peeps flavors.