Sweet treats, bitter costs: Cocoa prices surge for Lincoln chocolatiers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Halloween is right around the corner, and chocolate shops across Lincoln are feeling the bittersweet impact of rising costs.

From global cocoa shortages to new tariffs in 2025, some small businesses in Lincoln said the price of keeping things sweet is higher than ever.

From caramels and truffles to hand-dipped chocolates, sweets from The Chocolate Season help keep Lincoln sweet every holiday.

But this year, shop owners like Erika Jensen said the cost of making magic has gone up — fast.

“Just as soon as we thought we were recovering from those huge, huge, huge increases, of course, we get the tariffs, and that’s just how the game has been played the past couple of years,” Jensen said.

Jensen said there was a nearly 200% price increase from January 2024 to January 2025.

“The industry, especially food businesses, is very tight,” Jensen said. “So a lot of smaller shops are closing because they literally can’t just float the store for as long as it might take for prices to go back down.”

Despite higher costs, customers still filled their bags — saying chocolate is one indulgence worth the price.

“So, if you’re choosing between us and a franchise — or your favorite downtown coffee shop and a franchise — please choose local because they really need it,” Jensen said.

And for Jensen, that’s what makes it all worth it.

“We want to be your favorite place because you feel like you trust us in every experience, and make it worth it,” she said.