Stay ahead of the curve and secure future growth for your business with Mintel’s US Chocolate Confectionery Market Report. Get a 360° view of the US chocolate confectionery market including market size, share and forecasted growth to help you align your business strategy with the needs of your audience.
Key Issues Covered in this Report
- Chocolate purchases and purchase details
- Frequency of chocolate consumption and new product trial
- Chocolate purchase factors and new product trial motivators
- Engagement or interest with different chocolate product concepts
- Chocolate consumption occasions
- Attitudes and behaviors toward chocolate
Chocolate Confectionery Market Outlook
Chocolate is part of the weekly lineup for half of chocolate consumers, suggesting that chocolate hits the permissible indulgence sweet spot for many. Perhaps some of this is tied to chocolate’s strong role as the go-to comfort food for around half of chocolate consumers, too. The uncertainty of the last few years may have further solidified this category’s role as solution for solace. Now, though, a different type of uncertainty remains tied to surging ingredient costs and supply chain challenges.
Chocolate Confectionery Market Trends
With inflation likely to persist in impacting chocolate prices, the importance of value and accessibility will persist. Private label has proven its ability to deliver on value and quality, which is resonating particularly with younger generations and contributing to year over year category growth that outpaced the market overall.
Balancing quality and value while delivering modernized options that meet the interests of frequent category explorers will be an ongoing opportunity for the chocolate market. Brands can continue to reach consumers with options that make exploration more accessible like snack size formats, portionable products, single serve options. There’s also space to take existing products on more explorative routes with pairing inspiration.
Purchase the full report for a complete overview of the US chocolate market, including consumer insights and comprehensive analysis from Mintel’s industry experts. Readers of this report may also be interested in Mintel’s A Year of Innovation in Chocolate Confectionery.
Report Scope
This report covers chocolate confectionery products, including those in bar, bag, and box form, and those sold year-round or seasonally for holidays. Primarily this includes chocolate that is sold in grocery outlets, such as supermarkets (conventional and natural), mass merchandisers, drug stores, and convenience stores. However, the report also covers chocolate confectionery that is sold in specialty chocolate shops operated by Godiva, Lindt, and Ghirardelli.
Meet The Expert
This report is written by Kelsey Olsen, Food & Drink Analyst. Kelsey joined Mintel in 2022 as a US Food and Drink Analyst. Kelsey uses her expertise to identify changing consumer behavior, industry trends, and innovation across packaged food and drink categories. Kelsey has a B.A. in Nutrition with a concentration in Food Studies and Business from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota.
Chocolate puts the routine in indulgence, with the category’s strong ties to comfort food and its portionable nature.
Kelsey Olsen
Food & Drink Analyst
Collapse All
-
Executive Summary
- What you need to know
- What consumers want and why
- Market size & forecast
- Market predictions
- Opportunities
-
Market Dynamics
- Market context
- Market drivers
- A spotlight on skyrocketing cocoa prices
- Graph 1: global price of cocoa, US Dollars per metric ton, monthly, not seasonally adjusted, 2000-24
- Climate challenges and supply chain struggles highlight complexity and importance of change
- Potential implications of rising cocoa prices
- The rise of seasonal chocolate prices may necessitate smaller scale special chocolate occasions
- Graph 2: price in US dollars of seasonal chocolate confectionery product launches, 2019-23
- Graph 3: price in US dollars of non-seasonal chocolate confectionery product launches, 2019-23
- Market size and forecast
- Nevertheless inflation persists, but steadier growth on the horizon
- Retail sales and forecast of chocolate confectionery
- Market segmentation
- Lingering inflation boosts larger segments, while smaller segments struggle
- Graph 4: total retail sales of chocolate confection, by segment, at current prices, 2019-24
- Retail sales of chocolate confectionery, by segment
- Market share/brand share
- Store brands balance quality and value in chocolate
- Ferrero’s first chocolate facility in North America meets company’s growing market share
- Sales of chocolate confectionery, by company
- Strength in well known box/bag/bar <3.5 oz brands, but its not a story across the board
- Box/bag/bar <3.5 oz company and brand sales
- Larger size may be challenging the accessibility of box/bag/bars > 3.5oz
- Box/bag/bar >3.5 oz company and brand sales
- Large players lead snack size, yet growth points to ample space for variety of players
- Snack size company and brand sales
- Gift boxes were a mixed bag in brand performance, with a roadblocks to growth
- Gift box company and brand sales
- The Hershey Company sees reason to celebrate in seasonal chocolate segment
- Seasonal company and brand sales
- Sugar free segment sales: not so sweet
- Spotlight on consumer perceptions of Zero Sugar Chocolate
- Sugar free company and brand sales
-
Consumer Insights
- Consumer fast facts
- Chocolate purchases
- The epitome of a little treat: portionable chocolate products lead purchases
- Graph 5: chocolate purchases, 2024
- Near universal engagement translates to top categories, yet highlights emerging spaces, too
- Graph 6: chocolate candy purchases, by generation, 2024
- Put the ‘self’ in self care treat with flexible size options
- Graph 7: chocolate candy purchases, by household size, 2024
- Get creative with value positioning beyond price points
- Graph 8: chocolate candy purchases, by financial situation, 2024
- Trended chocolate purchase details
- Hitting the accessible premiumization sweet spot
- Graph 9: trended types of chocolate purchased, 2022-24
- A new chocolate age or just a matter of life stage? …
- Graph 10: types of chocolate candy purchased, by generation, 2024
- Connecting at special occasions can foster year round trust
- Graph 11: types of chocolate candy purchased, by financial situation, 2024
- Frequency of chocolate consumption
- Chocolate: the Swiss army knife of treats
- Capturing an audience will look different for generations and genders
- Graph 12: frequency of chocolate consumption, by gender and generation, 2024
- BFY establishes (and perhaps justifies) stronger chocolate routines
- Graph 13: frequency of chocolate consumption, by type of chocolate purchased, 2024
- Chocolate purchase factors
- Reassure satisfaction in an evolving chocolate market
- Graph 14: chocolate purchase factors, 2024
- Adapt brand messaging for multigenerational chocolate consumers
- Graph 15: chocolate purchase factors, by generation, 2024
- Keep chocolate type at the front and center
- Graph 16: chocolate purchase factors, by types of chocolate purchased, 2024
- Frequency of chocolate product trial
- Indulge in the joy of emotion-driven exploration
- It’s a wide open road for young frequent chocolate explorers
- Graph 17: frequency of new chocolate product trial, by generation, 2024
- Specialty diet chocolate consumers can redefine touchpoints
- Graph 18: frequency of new chocolate product trial, by type of chocolate purchased, 2024
- Chocolate new product trial motivators
- Chocolate trial: a story of spontaneity
- Graph 19: new chocolate product trial motivators, 2024
- Expectations for excitement reach beyond LTOs and seasonal flavors for Gen Z
- Graph 20: new chocolate product trial motivators, by generation, 2024
- Like a kid (or a parent) in a candy shop
- Graph 21: new chocolate product trial motivators, by parental status, 2024
- Engagement or interest with chocolate concepts
- Continue to cultivate chocolate curiosity
- Graph 22: engagement or interest in chocolate products, 2024
- Tone down the indulgence to up engagement with women
- Graph 23: engagement or interest in chocolate products, NET – any current purchase, by gender, 2024
- Think outside the chocolate box to garner Gen Z and Millennial brand loyalty
- Graph 24: engagement or interest in chocolate products, NET – Any current purchase, by generation, 2024
- Consumption occasions by chocolate types
- The world is chocolate’s oyster, regardless of format
- Graph 25: occasions by specific chocolate type, 2024
- Emerging chocolate occasions can maintain generationally inclusive positioning
- Graph 26: chocolate occasions – NET – Any chocolate consumption, by generation, 2024
- A self-care treat with gaps in self-treating occasions
- Graph 27: chocolate occasions – NET – Any chocolate consumption, by household size, 2024
- Attitudes and behaviors
- Flexible, convenient comfort sets chocolate apart
- Graph 28: chocolate attitudes and behaviors, 2024
- Keep up with evolving demands for comfort foods
- Graph 29: chocolate attitudes and behaviors, by generation, 2024
- Break up the monotony of the work day
- Graph 30: chocolate attitudes and behaviors, by work from home status, 2024
-
Innovation and Marketing Trends
- Launch activity and innovation
- Will chocolate innovation resiliency persist?
- Graph 31: GNPD product launches in the chocolate confectionery category, 2019-23
- Enhance the special feel of chocolate outside of traditional special occasions
- A chocolate for every season, even in the in-between
- Format and texture pair up for the power of suggestion
- Plant based is one piece of the ethics of chocolate
- Graph 32: trended chocolate confectionery GNPD products with select ethical and plant based claims, 2019-23
- Plant based chocolate becomes more mainstream by way of oat milk
- Chocolate fillings break out of their shell
- Taking the cocoa out of chocolate
- Savory moves beyond salted
- Flavorscape AI: chocolate confectionery
- Marketing and advertising
- Drink up!
- Get ahead with supply chain transparency
- Opportunities
- Snacking can pave more pathways
- Chocolate’s inherent comfort provides a solid foundation for further differentiation within the indulgence space
- Portionable translates to permissible, sharable and inclusive
-
Appendix
- Market definition
- Market size methodology
- Consumer research methodology
- Generations
- Abbreviations and terms
- Forecast methodology
- Forecast fan chart methodology
- Total retail sales and forecast of chocolate confectionery, at inflation-adjusted prices
- Total retail sales forecast of chocolate confectionery, at current prices, 2024-29
- Total retail sales and forecast of box/bag/bar chocolate <3.5 oz, at current prices,
- Total retail sales and forecast of box/bag/bar chocolate >3.5 oz, at current prices
- Total retail sales and forecast of snack-sized chocolate, at current prices
- Total retail sales and forecast of gift-box chocolates, at current prices
- Total retail sales and forecast of seasonal chocolates, at current prices
- Total retail sales and forecast of sugar-free chocolates, at current prices
Market Intelligence Made Easier With Mintel
The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:
- Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
- Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
- Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
- Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.
What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?
Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.
The Four Pillars of Our Research
We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:
- Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
- Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
- Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.
Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.
$ 4,995 (Excl.Tax)
-
Download today with instant access
Pay via credit card or invoice (net 30 payment terms)
-
Multiple formats provided
We send a PDF, Powerpoint and Excel Databook straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform
-
Interactive databook included
Focus on the data that matters most to you with a customisable databook avaliable on our platform
-
Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports
Discount automatically applied in basket
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn moreTrusted by global industry leaders
At Jackman, we believe that powerful strategies are based on human insight. Mintel’s leading-edge reports and insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors are an important input as we develop and execute strategy.
Alana Gavin, VP Research and Insights, Jackman
One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to get smart on a business or category real quick.
We are talking to clients who live and breathe their category every day and the expectation is that we will be able to get caught up very quickly, and bring the thinking that can help them.
We need to do that often in a matter of days, so it’s not a small ask. Mintel gives us a very articulate view of category conditions and does so at the speed we need it.
Jeff White, Business Development Director, Deutsch
Mintel is really good for getting a handle on a particular category quickly. If we are working on a new business pitch in an area we don’t have much experience in, it’s a brilliant way to get up to speed with what’s going on, what’s changing and what the key trends are in any category.
It’s very rare now that anyone will plough through a 200-page report – that’s why the summaries are really useful. We know they are backed up by a lot of detail, so if you need to go into something in more depth you know the information will be all there for you.
Pauline Robson, Managing Partner, Mediacom
Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.
When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.
The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.
Ben Zeidler, Director - Research and Analytics, Tenth Wave
We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.
Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.
Zac Steele, E-Commerce Trading Development Manager, Waitrose & Partners
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn more
