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Industry Reports

Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition

This Packaged Facts report analyzes the dynamics of the current landscape of the chocolate candy market.

Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition cover

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Report Overview

The Cocoa Crunch: Turning Climate Chaos into Chocolatey Opportunities

A favorite indulgence is under siege! Challenges including climate change, rising costs, and evolving consumer demands are reshaping the chocolate industry, which needs to take advantage of ripe opportunities for growth. How can confectioners innovate to survive and thrive? This report unveils the strategic pivots needed to navigate the chocolate crisis, from leveraging unexpected ingredients to capitalizing on the enduring power of holiday and seasonal sales.

Key trends covered in Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition:

  • The challenge of widespread semaglutide medication use
  • Price hikes and climate change are challenging chocolate marketers and producers
  • Product innovations to lower production costs
  • Growing incorporation of fruits, nuts, and other fillings, as well as alternative, chocolate-like ingredients
  • Executive Summary
    • Chocolate Prices Surging
    • Opportunities for Growth and Product Innovations
    • Everyday and Holiday Chocolate Eating Occasions
    • Priorities When Buying Chocolate
    • Scope
  • Recent Historical Trends
    • Highlights
    • Rising Prices: From Supply Chain Crunches to Inflation
      • Table | Consumer Concerns about Rising Food Prices, 2021 – 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Rising Prices Impact Consumer Behavior
      • Increasing Chocolate Prices
      • Cutting Back on Household Expenses
        • Table | Consumers Cutting Back on Household Expenses in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Types of Household Expenses Cut Back on in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Consumer Spending on "Extras", 2023 – 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Private Labels Are More Desirable as Prices Rise
      • The Vast Majority of Consumers Have Noticed the Rising Cost of Food, and Many Are Changing Their Pur
      • Consumers Find Price More Important for Food Purchase Decisions in 2024
    • Snacking and Healthy Eating Habits
      • Snacking Trends Are Important to Chocolate
      • Trends in 2022
      • Changes to Snacking Habits in 2023
        • Table | Current Snacking Activity Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels, 2023 (percent of consumers)
      • Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits
    • Online Grocery Shopping and Convenience Food Options
      • The COVID-19 Pandemic Was the Jumpstart the Online Grocery Market Needed
      • Impact on the Chocolate Market
      • Activity in 2023 and 2024
        • Table | Consumer Use of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 3 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who hav
        • Table | Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Habits Now Compared to 12 Months Ago, 2024 (percent of consumers
        • Table | Consumer Expected Changes to the Frequency of Food Ordering Habits in the Next 12 Months, 2024 (perc
    • Work Habits
      • Food Trends in the Context of Changes to Work
      • Changes to Work Patterns Continued in 2022
      • Working from Home in 2023
        • Table | Ability to Work from Home and Frequency of Remote Work, 2023 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Consumer Rating of Experiences Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of
        • Table | Consumer Opinions on Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of employed c
      • Work Habits in 2024
        • Table | Where Time Is Spent during a Typical Work Week, 2024 (percent of employed consumers)
      • Typical Work Arrangements
    • Personal Feelings of Wellbeing
      • Reporting Negative Mental States in 2023
      • Continuing Mental and Physical Health Effects in 2024
        • Table | Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to "Normal" or Preferred Level, 2024 (perc
      • Stress Levels and Impact on Food/Beverage Consumption
  • Overview and Market Trends
    • Highlights
    • Sustainability and Environmental Trends of Chocolate Production
      • Deforestation and Human Rights Concerns
      • Chocolate Marketers Working Toward Improving the Cocoa Supply Chain
      • Sustainable Farming Techniques
      • Fair Trade Chocolate as a More Ethical Product
      • Climate Change Impacts on Cocoa Production
      • The Potential for Chocolate Alternatives in the Wake of Environmental and Social Sustainability Conc
    • Food Allergies, Intolerances/Sensitivities, and Other Dietary Restrictions
      • Food Allergies and Intolerances Among Consumers
      • Prevalence in 2024
      • Rising Rates of Reported Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance over Time
        • Table | Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance, 2017-2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Plant-Based and Plant-Forward Trends
      • Definitions
      • Plant-Based Dairy Products
      • Plant-Based Eating and Sustainability Are Buzzwords Important to the General Public
      • Nearly One-Fourth of Consumers Claim to Primarily Follow a Flexitarian Diet in 2024
    • Following Specific Eating Patterns/Diets
      • Special Eating Restrictions and Preferences Followed
        • Table | Special Eating Restrictions and Diets Followed, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Younger Consumers and Those with Higher Incomes Are More Likely to Follow a Special Diet
      • Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics
        • Table | Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Clean Label Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Motivations for Following Specific Eating Patterns
    • Mindful and Intuitive Eating
      • Definition
      • Motivations for Practicing Mindful Eating
      • Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Mindful and Intuitive Eating Patterns
      • Relationship with Food
    • Home Baking Trends
      • Baking for Indulgence, Nostalgia, or Comfort
      • Convenience Foods and Semi-Homemade Foods
      • Branding Can Increase Appeal of Baking Products
    • Snacking Trends
      • Frequency of Snacking
        • Table | Frequency of Snacking Habits on a Typical Weekday, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Frequency of Snacking More Than Once a Day or Eating Breakfast, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Snacking Demographics
        • Table | Always or Usually Eating Breakfast or Snacking More Than Once a Day by Demographic, 2024 (percent of
      • Reasons for Snacking
        • Table | Reasons for Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Preferred Types of Snacks
        • Table | Preferred Types of Snacks, 2023 (percent of consumers)
      • "Snackification" of Meals
      • Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits
    • Nutrients Sought by Consumers
      • Consumers Continue to Seek Out Protein Sources
      • Sources Used to Consume Nutrients
      • Health Benefits Sought
      • Actions Taken to Avoid or Limit Saturated Fat
      • Sugars, Sweeteners, and Artificial Ingredients
        • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sugars and Avoidance of Ingredients, 2024 (percent of consume
  • Sales, Shipments, and Consumer Use of Chocolate
    • Highlights
    • Scope
    • Shipments of Snack Foods and Chocolate Confections
      • Table | Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion dollars)
      • Table | Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion 2017 dollars)
    • Chocolate Retail Sales
      • Category Dollar Sales
        • Table | Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2019-2024 (million dollars)
        • Table | Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2024, 2025P-2029P (million dollars)
      • Opportunities for Growth
      • Luxury, Premium, and Everyday Chocolate
    • Most Consumers Have Purchased Chocolate in the Last Six Months
    • Boxed Chocolate Brands
      • Table | Purchases of Boxed Chocolate Brands in the Last Six Months, 2019-2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Brands of Other Chocolate Formats
      • Table | Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, A-G, 2020-2024 (percent of co
      • Table | Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, H-L, 2020-2024 (percent of co
      • Table | Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, M-O, 2020-2024 (percent of co
      • Table | Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, P-S, 2020-2024 (percent of co
      • Table | Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, T-Y, 2020-2024 (percent of co
    • Chocolate Consumption Frequency
      • Table | Frequency of Chocolate Consumption by Flavor/Type, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Purposes of Chocolate Use
      • Table | Purposes of Chocolate Consumption by Type, 2024 (percent of consumers who use each chocolate type)
  • Retail and Marketing Trends and Opportunities
    • Highlights
    • Food Gifting Trends
      • Food Gifts Purchased for Others
        • Table | Food Gift Types Purchased for others in the Last 12 Months, 2014-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Food Gifts Purchased for Self
        • Table | Food Gift Types Purchased for Self in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Personal Food Gifts
        • Table | Personal Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a
      • Work-Related Food Gifts
        • Table | Work-Related Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who receiv
      • Frequent Chocolate Consumption by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts
        • Table | Frequent Chocolate Consumption Activity by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts, 2024 (percent of con
      • Personalization and Customization Is Important in the Chocolate Food Gifting Space
    • Indulgence vs. Health
      • Clean Label and "Better-for-You" Trends
      • There Is No Single Universal Definition of "Clean Label"
      • Different Levels of Processing
      • Clean Label Chocolate Products
      • Companies Are Investing in Big Data to Satisfy Consumer Desires for Transparency
      • Consumers Think Small and Medium Businesses Have More Credibility
      • Unrefined Sugar
      • Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added, Low Sugar Products, and Alternative Sweeteners
      • Low-Carb/High Protein, Keto, and Paleo Diets May Influence the Choice to Consume Chocolate
      • Addition of Nuts, Fruit, Seeds, Fillings, and Other Ingredients for Increased Nutrition
      • Vegan/Plant-Based Chocolate Appeals to Those Looking to Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
      • Organic Products
    • Unique Flavors and Flavor Combinations
      • Flavor Innovation with New Cocoa Beans
      • Limited Edition and Seasonal Flavors
      • Social Media Trends Driving New Flavor Development
      • Small Businesses Often Produce the Most Unique Chocolate Flavors
      • Capturing Flavor Trends While Reducing Costs
    • Candy Adjacencies
    • Targeting LGBT Consumers, a Growing Demographic
    • Families with Children Are Important Consumers of Chocolate
    • Major Holidays
      • Table | Extension of Holiday Celebrations Compared to Pre-Pandemic Behavior, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers
      • Winter Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
        • Table | Planned Winter Holiday Gift Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
      • Valentine's Day
        • Table | Planned Valentine's Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2017-2024
      • Mother's Day
        • Table | Planned Mother's Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
      • Easter
        • Table | Planned Easter Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
      • Halloween
        • Table | Planned Halloween Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
    • Weddings & Anniversaries
      • The Percentage of Consumers Who Are Married Has Fallen, But More People Are Now Living With Domestic
        • Table | Marriage Statistics, 2014-2024
      • Same-Sex Marriages
    • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Online Marketing
      • New Companies and Products with Niche Appeal May Choose Online/DTC Channels
      • Private Labels
      • Subscription Boxes
    • In-Store Purchasing Trends
      • Retail Stores Rely More On Impulse Purchases of Chocolate
      • Holiday Promotions Are Key
      • Private Label Chocolates Are a Driver of Store Traffic and Retailer Loyalty
    • Brand Positioning of Top Chocolate Marketers
      • Lindt & Sprüngli Group
      • Godiva (pladis)
      • Hershey
      • Mars Wrigley
      • Ferrero
  • Consumer Demographics
    • Highlights
    • Chocolate Purchases Highest Among Younger and Middle Age Consumers
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consum
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Generation, 2024 (percent of consume
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Women Are More Likely than Men to Purchase Chocolate
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Chocolate Purchases Vary Somewhat Across Different Household Income Brackets, But Are High Among All
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (perc
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Married/Partnered Consumers and Presence of Children in the Household
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Marriage Status and Children under 1
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Partnership Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent o
    • LGBT Consumers Are Somewhat More Likely to Buy Chocolate
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by LGBT Affiliation, 2024 (percent of c
    • Those Living in the Midwest Region Are Most Likely to Buy Chocolate
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumer
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Rural, Suburban, and Urban Consumers Differ Somewhat in Chocolate Consumption
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Population Density of Residence Area
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Rural, Suburban, and Urban Environment, 2024 (percent of
    • Chocolate Purchases Are High Among All Racial/Ethnic Groups
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of con
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Differences in Chocolate Purchases Based on Educational Attainment
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percen
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Frequent Consumers of Chocolate Are More Likely to Follow Non- Omnivore Diets/Eating Philosophies
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumer
    • Use of Online Grocery Shopping Websites
      • Table | Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Use of Online Grocery Delivery Servi
      • Table | Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Use of Online Grocery Websites in the Last 30 Days, 2024
  • Consumer Psychographics
    • Highlights
    • Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries
      • Table | Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table | Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries (Continued), 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics
      • Table | Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Priorities Placed on Chocolate
      • Table | Priorities Placed on Chocolate Characteristics, 2024 (percent of frequent chocolate consumers and bo
    • Willingness to Pay More for Premium Food Characteristics
      • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Premium Foods, 2024 (percent of c
    • Willingness to Pay More for Different Chocolate Features
      • Table | Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Most Consumers Think Dark Chocolate Is Healthy and that Chocolate Can Be Consumed As Part of a Healt
      • Table | Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Concerns about Chocolate Prices
      • Table | Agreement on Statements about Chocolate Prices, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Organic Food Purchases
      • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Organic Food Purchases, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Food Processing and Clean Ingredients and Labels
      • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Clean Ingredients, Food Processing, and Labels, 2024 (percent
    • Snacking Behavior
      • Table | Statements about Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree)
    • Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning Habits
      • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Grocery Shopping and Eating Habits, 2024 (percent of consumer
    • Cooking Skills
      • Table | Consumer Confidence with Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table | Consumer Rating of Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Consumer Attitudes on Food and Health
      • Attitudes about Carbs, Proteins, and Whole/Unprocessed Foods
        • Table | Statements about Sweeteners, Calories, and Sugar, 2024 (percent of consumers who strongly agree)
      • Preferences for Indulgent Foods
        • Table | Indulgent Food Preferences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024
      • Cooking Attitudes
        • Table | Cooking Attitudes among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent
      • Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress
        • Table | Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree complet
      • Nutrition and Health Attitudes
        • Table | Nutrition and Health Attitudes among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (
      • Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food
        • Table | Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last
      • Openness to New Food Experiences
        • Table | Attitudes on Openness to New Food Experiences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the L
  • Packaging Trends
    • Highlights
    • The Balance Between Effective and Low-Cost Packaging
    • Recyclable/Environmentally Friendly Packaging Is More Important Than Ever
    • Opportunities for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging
    • Truth in Advertising Extends to Packaging
    • Functional Packaging Can Be Framed as Sustainability
    • Creative Packaging Provides Gift Recipients with a Memorable Experience
    • Protective Packaging Is Important For Product Integrity
    • Retail-Ready Packaging Makes Chocolate Promotions Stand Out and Promotes Stocking Efficiency in Stor
    • Sustainability Trends: Consumer Insights
      • What Consumers Think about Sustainability Issues and Sustainable Lifestyles
        • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sustainability, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Importance of Practices When Living a Sustainable Lifestyle, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Recycling and Composting Services
        • Table | Consumer Access to Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Consumer Usage Frequency of Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers who report
      • Thoughts on Packaging and Waste
        • Table | Consumer Agreement on Statements about Recycling and Packaging Materials, 2024 (percent of consumers
        • Table | Packaging Types Considered Most Eco-Friendly, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table | Importance of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Consumers Think that Environmental Responsibility Is Personal
        • Table | Environmental Attitudes among Chocolate Buyers and Users in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of cons
What are the current challenges for chocolate marketers?

Price hikes and climate change are significant challenges for chocolate marketers.

What is the current market size for chocolate candy in the US?

This report examines the $33.7 billion US chocolate candy market, which is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 1.8% through 2029.

Where are there growth opportunities in the chocolate candy market?

Chocolate alternatives are cropping up that are made with alternative ingredients such as carob or cultured cocoa made in a lab.

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