United States Candy Market was valued at USD 15.67 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 20.07 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.26%.

In 2023, the age group of the 35 to 44 year-olds was the largest age group in the United States confectionery market. Approximately 23 percent of confectionery consumers fell into this group. The age group of the 25 to 34 year-olds followed closely behind at 22.5 percent.

U.S. Candy Market size was valued at USD 15.35 billion in 2019 and is poised to grow from USD 15.94 billion in 2023 to USD 20.72 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.82% in the forecast period (2024-2031).

The volume is forecast to experience significant growth in all segments in 2030. As part of the positive trend, the volume achieves the maximum value across all four different segments by the end of the comparison period. Notably, the segment Preserved Pastry Goods & Cakes stands out with the highest value of 3.48 billion kilograms. Find further statistics on other topics such as a comparison of the revenue in Indonesia and a comparison of the average revenue per capita in Malaysia.The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

The North America Confectionery Market report segments the industry into Confections (Chocolate, Gums, Snack Bar, Sugar Confectionery), Distribution Channel (Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others), and Country (Canada, Mexico, United States, Rest of North America). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

The United States confectionery market is projected to continue its upward consumption trend over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for candies, sweets, and nonchocolate confectionery. Market performance is expected to expand with a CAGR of +0.3% in volume and +0.4% in value terms from 2024 to 2035, reaching 3.4M tons and $13.8B respectively by the end of 2035.

With a share of almost **** percent in 2022, Ferrero led the U.S. confectionery market. The company was closely followed by top competitor Hershey, which held a share of about ** percent that year. Popular candy types Among the various types of products in the confectionery sector, chocolate usually generates the highest sales numbers. In 2021, Western Europe accounted for the highest market share of chocolate confectionery worldwide. That region of the world houses many of the countries with the highest consumption of chocolate per capita in the world. Non-chocolate Besides chocolate, the U.S. confectionery industry also produces non-chocolate candy. In 2020, this specific segment generated almost **** billion U.S. dollars’ worth of sales in the United States. The segment includes various types of candy, such as licorice, specialty nuts, and breath fresheners. Chewy candy, such as jellybeans or taffy, was the leading non-chocolate candy category: chewy candy generated about *** billion U.S. dollars’ worth of sales in 2021.

Candy producers have struggled to maintain consistent growth, contending with shifting consumer preferences, heightened competition and volatile economic conditions. Since candy provides little nutritional value, it is considered a discretionary good. When economic conditions are poor or uncertain, consumers reduce candy purchases. At the height of the pandemic, candy sales tanked as shoppers were no longer making impulse purchases in-store, which drive sales. Candy producers have contended with a climb in cost fatigue as persistent inflation strains consumer finances, limiting their ability to splurge on discretionary products. As a result, candy producers have endured extremely low growth, expanding at a CAGR of 0.5% over the past five years to reach an estimated $11.7 billion in 2025, despite an expected 0.3% drop in revenue in 2025. Substitute items threaten candy producers, including chocolate products, ice cream and other sweet snack varieties. The largest candy producers also produce some of these substitute products to shield themselves from shifting consumer demand. However, the average candy producer specializes in one or few varieties and is less capable of adapting. Niche candy varieties represent a key entrance point for new producers but typically command slim returns, as inputs are costly and small operations rely on physical workers rather than automated technologies. Volatile sugar prices have caused profit to weaken over the past five years. The world price of sugar reached 38.4 cents per pound in 2025, up from 27.0 cents in 2020. Through the end of 2030, product innovation, social media and volatile cocoa prices will support demand for candy. Candy producers will increasingly rely on the power of social media marketing to reach a vast audience and introduce new products. Cocoa prices are estimated to remain elevated, causing large companies to increasingly focus on growing non-chocolate candy niches, like Gen Z's preference for gummy candy. Looming food dye bans will also impact recipes, elevating research and development costs and aligning with growing consumer demand for healthier candy offerings. Over the next five years, revenue will heighten at a CAGR of 0.5%, reaching an estimated $12.0 billion in 2030.

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Candy Market Size 2024-2028

The candy market is estimated to increase by USD 57.1 billion and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.36% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing marketing activities and packaging innovations in confectionery. These strategies are effectively engaging consumers and driving sales. However, trends in the market are not without challenges. Growing health concerns related to diabetes and obesity are leading to a shift towards healthier candy options. Manufacturers are responding by introducing sugar-free, low-calorie, and organic candy products. Additionally, there is a rising demand for functional candies with added vitamins and minerals. These trends are shaping the market, offering opportunities for innovation and growth while addressing consumer health concerns. The candy market is evolving with a growing demand for healthier candies, including organic, premium, and vegan options. Sugar substitutes are becoming popular, catering to consumers seeking candy for special diets. Seasonal candy offerings are expanding, and e-commerce candy sales are surging, with candy subscription boxes gaining traction. Consumers are increasingly drawn to sustainably sourced candy, reflecting a broader shift towards more responsible and health-conscious candy choices.

What will be the size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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What is the Fastest-Growing Segment in the Market?

The market share of the non-chocolate segment will be significant during the forecast period. Due to rising health consciousness and the demand for non/low-sugar chocolates/confectionery items, non-chocolate variant has gained commercial traction in recent years. The main reason for the rise in demand for non-chocolate confectionery among the general public is an increase in the number of people experiencing a rush of sugar after eating chocolates with high sugar content.

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The non-chocolate segment was valued at USD 126.60 billion in 2018 and continued to grow until 2022. People of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic levels enjoy non-chocolate candy. This adaptability opens up a wide range of opportunities for non-chocolate product makers to reach a larger audience. The rising population of emerging countries has resulted in a higher demand for non-chocolate candies, which is fueled by increased customer purchasing behavior. This, in turn, will lead to the growth of the non-chocolate segment of the market during the forecast period.

Which are the Key Regions for the Market?

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APAC is estimated to contribute 57% to the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The global market is expected to have a steady growth rate during the forecast period. The increase in population and rising urbanization across APAC have led to an increase in demand for various food products, such as confectioneries and candy. The market in countries such as India, China, Japan, and Thailand is expected to witness significant growth owing to the increase in demand from customers. Among APAC countries, an increase in health concerns among people in Japan has led to an increase in the consumption of chocolate-based candies that are made from cocoa, which has a balance of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and iron that help prevent cancer, obesity, and other health problems. During the forecast period, such factors are likely to fuel the growth of the market.

Market Dynamics

The market is a vibrant and exciting industry that encompasses a wide range of confectionery products, with a significant focus on candies. This market includes various categories such as Chocolate candy, Nonchocolate candy, Sugarfree candies, Dark chocolate, Organic food products, Vegan products, GMOfree products, and Kosher food colors. Sweeteners like Sugar and alternative options are also essential components of the market. The market caters to diverse consumer preferences, with Cleanlabeled products gaining popularity among children and youth. Chocolate candies, including Chocolate candy bars, are a major segment, while Nonchocolate candies, such as Hardboiled candies, Pastilles, Gums, Jellies and chews, Toffees, Caramels and nougat, also hold a substantial share. The market is expected to grow, driven by increasing demand for innovative and healthier candy options. Sugar, Sugar confectionery, Chewing gum, and Sugar candy are key ingredients in the production of these delightful treats.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis

This statistic depicts the sales of the U.S. confectionery market from 2020 to 2022 with a forecast to 2024, by segment. In 2022, chocolate confectionery generated ***** billion U.S. dollars worth of sales in the United States. Total U.S. confectionery sales amounted to about **** billion U.S. dollars.

Discover the latest trends in the United States candy and confectionery market, with projections showing a steady increase in consumption over the next decade. By 2035, the market volume is expected to reach 3.4M tons, valued at $13.8B.

The United States confectionery market reached approximately USD 38.60 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.00% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 62.88 Billion by 2034.

Between January 2016 and May 2021, both H-E-B Select Ingredients Creamy Creations and Signature Select launched 37 chocolate dessert and ice cream products in the United States. This was the highest product count among all brands. In third place was Häagen-Dazs with 30 launched products.

The North America Sugar Confectionery Market report segments the industry into Confectionery Variant (Hard Candy, Lollipops, Mints, Pastilles, Gummies, and Jellies, Toffees and Nougats, Others), Distribution Channel (Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others), and Country (Canada, Mexico, United States, Rest of North America). Five-year historical trends and forecasts are included.

Market Size statistics on the Candy Production industry in the US

The Candy Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Chocolate Candy, Non-Chocolate Candy, and More), Ingredient Type (Sugar-Based Candies, Sugar-Free Candies), Category (Mass, Premium), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, and More), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Confectionery wholesalers have found themselves at a crossroads over the past five years, as shifting consumer habits, supply chain disruptions and persistent cost pressures reshape long-standing norms. Once buoyed by the nation's enduring love for sugar-laden indulgence, distributors now face sluggish revenue growth against a backdrop of rising health consciousness and renewed regulatory scrutiny. While legacy brands and staple products continue to dominate, wholesalers have scrambled to diversify their portfolios, ramping up “better-for-you” selections, plant-based options and viral nonchocolate innovations to satisfy evolving tastes and keep retailer interest high. Despite these efforts, the wholesale landscape has grown more unforgiving. Revenue has been climbing at a CAGR of 1.5% over the past five years, but is expected to slow to just 0.4% growth in 2025, totalling $83.5 billion. One of the period's most defining trends has been the acceleration of input costs and operational headwinds, especially for independent and mid-sized distributors. Prices for sugar, cocoa, fuel and packaging have at times reached historic highs, while major brands either absorb costs through vertically integrated supply chains or use e-commerce platforms to bypass traditional wholesalers altogether. As larger distributors lean on AI-driven inventory tools and automated fulfillment, smaller wholesalers face a tough choice: target niche and local segments or invest in expensive technology in the hope of survival. E-commerce’s expansion has only heightened competition, with direct-to-consumer models and private-label growth putting further downward pressure on traditional distributors' profit. The industry’s future is colored by both formidable challenges and opportunities for those able to adapt. Revenue is forecast to remain essentially flat through 2030, weakening at a CAGR of less than 0.1% to total $83.3 billion. As climate change drives up cocoa costs, new sugar and packaging regulations will likely raise compliance burdens and direct supply chain models—led by giants like Mars, Hershey and McLane Co.—will further consolidate market power. These leading wholesalers will continue to strengthen their grip by leveraging technology and scaling innovation, while smaller distributors may retreat to hyper-specialized channels or seek acquisition as a lifeline. Success for all will hinge on agility: the ability to rapidly adopt AI, embrace sustainable practices, diversify sourcing contracts and respond nimbly to shifting consumer expectations, especially in the face of health and environmental winds that show no sign of abating.

In 2018 in the United States, chocolate candy captured the biggest share of the confectionery market (** percent). Non-chocolate candy and gum had ** percent and *** percent market shares, respectively.

U.S. Confectionery Market size was valued at USD 36.8 billion in 2021 and is poised to grow from USD 38.2 billion in 2022 to USD 55.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

Sales of Convenience Confectionery products in the United States are estimated at USD 17.1 billion in 2025, with projections indicating a rise to USD 21.9 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of approximately 2.5% over the forecast period. This growth reflects both a stabilizing consumer base and steady per capita consumption across diverse demographic segments.