The confectionery industry in the United States is a significant segment of the food market, sustained by everyday consumption and major cultural traditions. This sector encompasses a wide array of products, including chocolate, sugar-based confectionery like gummies and hard candies, and the gum and mint category. Americans maintain a steady demand for these sweet treats, which are frequently woven into celebrations, holidays, and personal moments of indulgence. The market’s consistent growth reflects its established position as an affordable luxury for consumers across the country.
Total U.S. Confectionery Market Value
The total annual sales for the U.S. confectionery market reached $54.2 billion in 2024. This figure represents the aggregate value across all distribution channels, reflecting the widespread appeal of candy, chocolate, gum, and mints. Dollar sales growth has been consistent, even as unit volumes have slightly declined in some segments due to rising prices.
Projections indicate that this market will continue its upward trajectory, expected to surpass $70 billion within the next five years. This forecast highlights long-term confidence in the industry, driven by product innovation and sustained consumer interest. Nearly 98% of all U.S. households purchase confectionery products at least once annually.
Market Segmentation by Product Category
The overall market value is divided into two primary segments, with chocolate maintaining slight dominance. The chocolate confectionery category accounted for $28.1 billion in 2024, representing approximately 51.9% of the total market share. This segment includes mass-market chocolate bars, specialty dark chocolate, and premium truffles.
The remaining portion of the market is captured by non-chocolate confections and the smaller gum and mints category. Non-chocolate confectionery generated $21.7 billion in sales, securing a 40.0% share of the total market value in 2024. This segment has demonstrated significant momentum, with dollar sales growth in measured channels outpacing chocolate at a 4.9% increase.
Chocolate Confectionery
The chocolate segment is driven by everyday indulgence and the demand for higher-end options. Premium chocolate products, such as those with single-origin cocoa, attract consumers willing to spend more for quality and flavor complexity. However, the majority of sales still rely on popular, widely distributed mass-market brands. Dollar sales in the chocolate category rose 0.4% in 2024, despite a 3.3% decline in unit volume, suggesting price increases were the primary factor in dollar growth.
Non-Chocolate Confectionery
The non-chocolate segment is a diverse collection that includes hard candies, chewy confections, licorice, and gummy products. This category has been a notable source of market expansion, with sales growing by nearly $5 billion since 2019, an increase of almost 70%. Innovation in texture and flavor is a hallmark of this segment. Novelty non-chocolate products, such as those featuring creative packaging, are experiencing strong growth. The gum and mints subcategory, the smallest at $4.4 billion in 2024, contributes significantly to the non-chocolate total.
Sales Distribution Across Retail Channels
Confectionery sales are highly dependent on ubiquitous availability, with distribution concentrated across multiple retail formats. Traditional supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the largest channel for purchases, accounting for approximately 38% of total sales. These large-format stores benefit from the “stock-up” nature of grocery shopping.
Convenience stores represent another substantial segment, capitalizing on impulse purchases and accessible locations. Mass merchandisers, including large retailers like Walmart and Target, also capture a large portion of sales, leveraging their scale and competitive pricing. E-commerce is the fastest-growing channel, though it still holds a smaller share of the overall market. This online channel is projected to continue its rapid expansion, driven by consumer demand for convenience and the ability to discover niche and specialty brands.
Key Drivers Shaping Future Market Growth
The future expansion of the confectionery market is being shaped by several distinct consumer trends. A significant driver is the increasing demand for products aligned with health and wellness goals, prompting manufacturers to introduce new formulations. This includes a growing selection of low-sugar and sugar-free candies, as well as plant-based and vegan options that cater to specific dietary preferences.
Premiumization is another strong current, where consumers seek higher-quality, often artisanal, products with unique ingredients and sophisticated flavor profiles. This desire for elevated indulgence allows brands to command higher price points and focus on specialty packaging.
The market is also heavily influenced by seasonal consumption, with the four major holidays—Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the winter holidays—accounting for 62% of all confectionery sales in 2024. These calendar moments drive predictable sales spikes that underpin the industry’s annual performance.
Average Annual Consumer Spending on Candy
To understand the scale of the total market, it is helpful to look at individual consumer expenditures. The average U.S. household spent $164 on candy and chewing gum in 2023. Separately, data suggests that the average consumer spends approximately $260 on candy annually.
The consumption habits are equally illustrative, with the average American consuming approximately 3.8 pounds of chocolate candy per year. While confectionery is an occasional treat, the cumulative spending and consumption across the population translates to a multi-billion dollar industry. This steady consumer engagement validates the market’s stability and its cultural role as an accessible form of comfort and celebration.