Orlando — People drove a report $55 billion in confectionery gross sales in 2025, based on the 2026 State of Treating report launched right now by NCA. Chocolate, sweet, gum, and mints reveal sturdy endurance with U.S. shoppers, with gross sales anticipated to climb one other $7.3 billion over the following 5 years to succeed in $62.2 billion throughout all retailers by 2030, based on the report’s findings.
In 2025, 99.8% p.c of households bought confectionery merchandise at the least as soon as, NCA notes, including that whereas shoppers are rigorously weighing their meals purchases, their regular engagement with the confectionery class indicators the significant position chocolate and sweet play in enhancing on a regular basis moments and particular celebrations.
“People right now are making their buy selections with better intention, and chocolate and sweet proceed to earn their place within the basket. The confectionery trade persistently delivers merchandise that customers know and love whereas introducing new improvements that form how folks select to take pleasure in and share treats. Regardless of the event, confectionery brings folks collectively,” says John Downs, NCA president & CEO.
Different key takeaways from the report embody:
- A Seasonal Staple: Engagement with seasonal treats has returned to pre-pandemic ranges. The large 4 sweet seasons — Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the winter holidays — accounted for 63 p.c of all confectionery gross sales in 2025, however shoppers are additionally gifting chocolate and sweet for different events, together with Mom’s Day, Father’s Day, and the Fourth of July.
- Generational Development: Throughout all retailers, chocolate represented 51.7 p.c of confectionery gross sales, however non-chocolate sweet continues to realize floor, rising from one-third of market share in 2015 to 40.9% p.c in 2025. Boomers desire conventional milk and darkish chocolate, whereas Gen Z and Millennials over-index for gummi, chewy, and freeze-dried candies.
- Previous Is New: One-third of shoppers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are very inquisitive about precise re-releases of nostalgic or retro sweet. Youthful generations are additionally extra more likely to discover confectionery improvements and go for sudden new flavors, taste combos, and texture experiences. TikTok is a prime vacation spot for discovery.
- Pleasure In Treating: There may be widespread settlement amongst shoppers that chocolate and sweet convey pleasure, and that bodily well being and emotional well-being are interconnected. Greater than eight in 10 shoppers consider it’s effective to often have a bit of chocolate or sweet. Individuals within the U.S. take pleasure in chocolate and sweet two to 3 occasions per week, averaging simply 40 energy and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day.
The 2026 State of Treating report explores confectionery purchasing and treating developments and is the definitive supply for confectionery class efficiency knowledge. For a Chew-Sized Style of the report, go to CandyUSA.com/2026BiteSized.
