by Cara Rasch
April 2, 2025
The US chocolate market is facing price increases and shifting demand, but consumers are still eager to indulge, according to new research from Packaged Facts.
CLEVELAND, OH — April 2, 2025 — According to Packaged Facts’ new report Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, the chocolate market is facing a perfect storm of challenges and opportunities. From soaring prices to shifting consumer habits, the industry is undergoing a significant transformation.
Chocolate is quickly getting pricier as the cost of cocoa beans is skyrocketing. Climate change is wreaking havoc on cocoa crops, with droughts and floods reducing yields. This supply shortage, coupled with rising global demand, is pushing prices upward. Additionally, increased costs of sugar, milk, packaging, and labor are leading manufacturers to pass these expenses onto consumers.
Despite these price challenges, consumers are still willing to indulge. Packaged Facts’ November 2024 survey indicates that most consumers eat chocolate at least a few times per month. Nearly one-third of consumers eat milk chocolate at least once per week, while 27% of consumers eat dark chocolate at least once per week.
There are also many opportunities for chocolate amidst price increases. For instance, incorporation of fruit, nuts, or fillings can be used to make chocolate candies with less chocolate content to have more control over pricing while capturing flavor trends.
The challenges in the chocolate market also present a golden opportunity for chocolate alternatives. Products that prioritize environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and health benefits are poised to capture a significant market share. Chocolate-like treats made with alternative ingredients such as carob, fava beans, or sunflower seeds may provide lower carbon footprints, reduced sugar content, or innovative, allergen-friendly ingredients. Additionally, startups developing cultured cocoa ingredients in a lab are promising a future of continued chocolate indulgence without the severe environmental impact.
Packaged Facts’ new report analyzes the dynamics of the current landscape of the chocolate candy market. Additionally, this report examines the potential for chocolate alternatives. The reasons for and implications of shifts in consumer perception and behavior are analyzed in the context of future market opportunities.
Historical market size for the chocolate market is provided from 2019 through 2024. Forecasts for the chocolate retail market segmented by type (box/bag/bar, gift box, holiday/seasonal, novelty, snack size, and sugar free) are provided from 2025 through 2029.
This report also provides chocolate and snack food shipments in real and inflation-adjusted dollars from 2019 through 2024, 2025, and 2029.
Major competitors in the chocolate market and development of ingredients and new products are examined. Retail and packaging trends — both in general and in the chocolate market — are also analyzed.
The report has dozens of tables showcasing numerical survey data on consumer demographics and psychographics and numerous marketing photographs. This report goes in-depth on historical trends that have affected the food and beverage market.
For more information, see the Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities report page.
Packaged Facts is a consumer research arm of The Freedonia Group. Packaged Facts publishes market intelligence on a wide range of market topics, including consumer demographics and shopper insights, the food and beverage market, consumer financial products and services, consumer goods and retailing, and pet products and services. Packaged Facts also offers a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased at our company website.
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