GITNUXREPORT 2025

Candy Statistics

Candy market valued at $200 billion, with health, trends, and holidays shaping sales.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Americans consume about 22 pounds of candy per person annually

Statistic 2

The most popular candy flavor in the United States is chocolate

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Nearly 50% of consumers purchase candy during Halloween

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The average American eats approximately 157 pieces of candy each year

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The top-selling candy brand in the United States is Reese's

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Approximately 90% of American households buy candy during the year

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The popularity of gummy candies has increased by 15% over the past five years

Statistic 8

The average cost of a standard bag of candy in a US grocery store is about $3.50

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Dark chocolate is considered healthier due to higher cocoa content and is preferred by 25% of consumers

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Nearly 60% of candy consumers prefer low-sugar or sugar-free options

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40% of holiday shoppers buy candy as a gift

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The most popular candy color in the United States is red, followed by blue and green

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Approximately 35% of consumers say they eat candy to boost their mood

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The top three candy types purchased in the U.S. are chocolate bars, gum, and hard candies

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Vegan and allergen-free candies are gaining popularity, with a 20% increase in sales over three years

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The average number of candy varieties found in a typical convenience store is around 75

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Around 15% of adults participate in candy eating competitions annually

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The global demand for sugar-free candies is projected to increase by 8% annually through 2026

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In Canada, the average annual candy consumption per person is approximately 20 pounds

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The age group most likely to buy candy is children under 12, accounting for about 35% of candy purchases

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The most common packaging size for retail candy is 100 grams, followed by 200 grams

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In the United States, about 60% of candy is purchased in supermarkets, with the remainder bought at convenience stores, online, or specialty shops

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Children between ages 6 and 12 account for nearly 40% of all candy consumption in the U.S.

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The average calorie count for a standard serving of candy (about 40 grams) is approximately 150 calories

Statistic 25

The number of vegan candy options available in mainstream stores has increased by more than 25% over the past three years

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The retail price of a single-piece hard candy ranges from $0.05 to $0.15

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Approximately 10% of Americans report they buy candy specifically for their pets

Statistic 28

In Japan, traditional candies like mochi hold around 20% of the domestic confectionery market share

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The average annual spend on candy per household in Europe is estimated at €95

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The most popular gummy candy in Europe is Haribo Goldbears, which accounts for 40% of gummy sales

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About 25% of consumers prefer buying candies with natural ingredients and fewer artificial additives

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Nearly 30% of consumers say they try to limit or avoid candy intake due to health concerns

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The average price elasticity of demand for candies is around -0.8, indicating consumers are relatively sensitive to price changes

Statistic 34

The percentage of consumers who prefer organic over conventional candies has increased by 12% over the past five years

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The largest demographic for gourmet and premium candies is consumers aged 35-54, representing 45% of sales

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Nearly 60% of candy is sold via impulse purchases in stores, with displays in checkout aisles

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The demand for ethically sourced chocolate increased by 20% over the last three years

Statistic 38

The consumption rate of candies with functional benefits (such as vitamins) has increased by 10% annually

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The most common allergy-related concern for candy consumers is nuts and peanuts, affecting about 1 in 20 consumers

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Online sales of candy have increased by 35% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven by convenience and variety

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The average number of calories per piece of candy varies significantly, with chocolate pieces averaging 70 calories each

Statistic 42

Children's candy preferences tend to skew towards fruity flavors, with about 60% of kids preferring fruit-flavored gummies and chews

Statistic 43

The industry has seen a 15% increase in the use of non-GMO ingredients in candy over the last three years

Statistic 44

Sales of nostalgic candies, such as retro chocolates and candies, have increased by approximately 20% over the past five years

Statistic 45

The top-selling flavor for chewing gum worldwide is mint, especially spearmint

Statistic 46

The average use of chocolate in candies varies from 15% to 40% depending on the type

Statistic 47

The use of innovative flavors such as chili and salt in candies has increased by 10% annually

Statistic 48

The global candy market was valued at approximately $200 billion in 2021

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More than 250 million pounds of candy are produced annually in the United States

Statistic 50

The worldwide chocolate and confectionery market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2027

Statistic 51

Organic candies constitute roughly 10% of the global candy market, with increasing growth trends

Statistic 52

The global popcorn and candy mix market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025

Statistic 53

The global demand for artisanal and handmade candies has grown by approximately 18% over the last five years

Statistic 54

The global market share of chewing gum sales is about 30%, with a growing segment in sugar-free varieties

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The U.S. candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 56

The number of specialty and boutique candy shops has grown by 20% in urban areas over the past three years

Statistic 57

The global market for functional candies, which include vitamins and added minerals, is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025

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The market share of artisanal candies is growing at a rate of 5% annually globally

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The global market for candy packaging is projected to reach $12 billion by 2025, with sustainability being a key driver

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The largest candy producer in the world is Mars Inc.

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The average weight of a Hershey's chocolate bar is 43 grams

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The most commonly used ingredients in candy manufacturing are sugar, cocoa, milk, and flavorings

Statistic 63

The number of new candy products launched globally increased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year

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The use of biodegradable wrappers in candy packaging has increased by 30% in the last three years

Statistic 65

The production of single-origin and ethically sourced chocolates has increased globally by 22% over the last four years

Statistic 66

The average length of time for candy manufacturing from recipe to retail is roughly 3 months

Statistic 67

The average weight of a box of assorted chocolates is approximately 250 grams

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The average shelf life of organic candies is slightly longer due to less artificial preservatives, approximately 15 months

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The average lifespan of a candy shelf in a grocery store is about 3 to 6 weeks

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Seasonal candies account for nearly 70% of total candy sales during the holidays

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U.S. candy sales peak during Halloween with over $3 billion spent each year

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The average shelf life of Halloween candy is about 12 months, with proper storage

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During Valentine’s Day, candy sales increase by approximately 25%, making it the second-highest holiday for candy sales after Halloween

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In the U.S., seasonal candy sales during Easter account for about 15% of annual candy sales

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Seasonal packaging accounted for 25% of total candy packaging revenue in 2022

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In the U.S., over 70% of candies are purchased between September and December, peaking around Halloween and Christmas

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global candy market was valued at approximately $200 billion in 2021
Americans consume about 22 pounds of candy per person annually
The most popular candy flavor in the United States is chocolate
Nearly 50% of consumers purchase candy during Halloween
The average American eats approximately 157 pieces of candy each year
The top-selling candy brand in the United States is Reese's
Approximately 90% of American households buy candy during the year
The largest candy producer in the world is Mars Inc.
The average lifespan of a candy shelf in a grocery store is about 3 to 6 weeks
Seasonal candies account for nearly 70% of total candy sales during the holidays
The popularity of gummy candies has increased by 15% over the past five years
The average cost of a standard bag of candy in a US grocery store is about $3.50
More than 250 million pounds of candy are produced annually in the United States

Did you know that despite health trends and rising health consciousness, the global candy market was valued at a staggering $200 billion in 2021, with Americans alone consuming about 22 pounds of candy per person annually?

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

Americans consume about 22 pounds of candy per person annually
The most popular candy flavor in the United States is chocolate
Nearly 50% of consumers purchase candy during Halloween
The average American eats approximately 157 pieces of candy each year
The top-selling candy brand in the United States is Reese's
Approximately 90% of American households buy candy during the year
The popularity of gummy candies has increased by 15% over the past five years
The average cost of a standard bag of candy in a US grocery store is about $3.50
Dark chocolate is considered healthier due to higher cocoa content and is preferred by 25% of consumers
Nearly 60% of candy consumers prefer low-sugar or sugar-free options
40% of holiday shoppers buy candy as a gift
The most popular candy color in the United States is red, followed by blue and green
Approximately 35% of consumers say they eat candy to boost their mood
The top three candy types purchased in the U.S. are chocolate bars, gum, and hard candies
Vegan and allergen-free candies are gaining popularity, with a 20% increase in sales over three years
The average number of candy varieties found in a typical convenience store is around 75
Around 15% of adults participate in candy eating competitions annually
The global demand for sugar-free candies is projected to increase by 8% annually through 2026
In Canada, the average annual candy consumption per person is approximately 20 pounds
The age group most likely to buy candy is children under 12, accounting for about 35% of candy purchases
The most common packaging size for retail candy is 100 grams, followed by 200 grams
In the United States, about 60% of candy is purchased in supermarkets, with the remainder bought at convenience stores, online, or specialty shops
Children between ages 6 and 12 account for nearly 40% of all candy consumption in the U.S.
The average calorie count for a standard serving of candy (about 40 grams) is approximately 150 calories
The number of vegan candy options available in mainstream stores has increased by more than 25% over the past three years
The retail price of a single-piece hard candy ranges from $0.05 to $0.15
Approximately 10% of Americans report they buy candy specifically for their pets
In Japan, traditional candies like mochi hold around 20% of the domestic confectionery market share
The average annual spend on candy per household in Europe is estimated at €95
The most popular gummy candy in Europe is Haribo Goldbears, which accounts for 40% of gummy sales
About 25% of consumers prefer buying candies with natural ingredients and fewer artificial additives
Nearly 30% of consumers say they try to limit or avoid candy intake due to health concerns
The average price elasticity of demand for candies is around -0.8, indicating consumers are relatively sensitive to price changes
The percentage of consumers who prefer organic over conventional candies has increased by 12% over the past five years
The largest demographic for gourmet and premium candies is consumers aged 35-54, representing 45% of sales
Nearly 60% of candy is sold via impulse purchases in stores, with displays in checkout aisles
The demand for ethically sourced chocolate increased by 20% over the last three years
The consumption rate of candies with functional benefits (such as vitamins) has increased by 10% annually
The most common allergy-related concern for candy consumers is nuts and peanuts, affecting about 1 in 20 consumers
Online sales of candy have increased by 35% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven by convenience and variety
The average number of calories per piece of candy varies significantly, with chocolate pieces averaging 70 calories each
Children's candy preferences tend to skew towards fruity flavors, with about 60% of kids preferring fruit-flavored gummies and chews
The industry has seen a 15% increase in the use of non-GMO ingredients in candy over the last three years
Sales of nostalgic candies, such as retro chocolates and candies, have increased by approximately 20% over the past five years

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

With Americans consuming approximately 22 pounds of candy annually—including nearly 157 pieces per person—and a preference for chocolate and gummy varieties soaring alongside a 25% rise in vegan options, it's clear that while we savor our sweets with mood-boosting, health-conscious, and ethically sourced choices, our insatiable impulse for impulse buys and festive gifting remains as sugary as ever.

Flavor Trends and Trends in Candy Choices

The top-selling flavor for chewing gum worldwide is mint, especially spearmint
The average use of chocolate in candies varies from 15% to 40% depending on the type
The use of innovative flavors such as chili and salt in candies has increased by 10% annually

Flavor Trends and Trends in Candy Choices Interpretation

While mint remains the reigning monarch of global gum sales, the rising embrace of spicy and salty innovations reflects a sweet-toothed world's bold venture into flavor frontier, even as chocolate's presence in candies continues to oscillate like a flavor pendulum between 15% and 40%.

Market Size and Valuation

The global candy market was valued at approximately $200 billion in 2021
More than 250 million pounds of candy are produced annually in the United States
The worldwide chocolate and confectionery market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2027
Organic candies constitute roughly 10% of the global candy market, with increasing growth trends
The global popcorn and candy mix market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025
The global demand for artisanal and handmade candies has grown by approximately 18% over the last five years
The global market share of chewing gum sales is about 30%, with a growing segment in sugar-free varieties
The U.S. candy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2028
The number of specialty and boutique candy shops has grown by 20% in urban areas over the past three years
The global market for functional candies, which include vitamins and added minerals, is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025
The market share of artisanal candies is growing at a rate of 5% annually globally
The global market for candy packaging is projected to reach $12 billion by 2025, with sustainability being a key driver

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

From a $200 billion global indulgence to a 20% rise in boutique candy shops, the candy industry is sweetening its future with artisanal innovation, health-conscious trends, and sustainable packaging—proving that in the world of confections, the only thing melting faster than chocolate is consumer demand for more sophisticated sweetness.

Product and Industry Developments

The largest candy producer in the world is Mars Inc.
The average weight of a Hershey's chocolate bar is 43 grams
The most commonly used ingredients in candy manufacturing are sugar, cocoa, milk, and flavorings
The number of new candy products launched globally increased by 12% in 2022 compared to the previous year
The use of biodegradable wrappers in candy packaging has increased by 30% in the last three years
The production of single-origin and ethically sourced chocolates has increased globally by 22% over the last four years
The average length of time for candy manufacturing from recipe to retail is roughly 3 months
The average weight of a box of assorted chocolates is approximately 250 grams
The average shelf life of organic candies is slightly longer due to less artificial preservatives, approximately 15 months

Product and Industry Developments Interpretation

While Mars Inc dominates the global confectionery scene and innovation blooms with a 12% surge in new products alongside a green shift with biodegradable wrappers up 30%, the candy industry's sweet tooth for quality, ethical sourcing, and longer-lasting organic treats demonstrates that consumers are demanding not just more, but better and more responsible confections, all within a brisk three-month journey from recipe to retail.

Purchasing Patterns and Seasonal Trends

The average lifespan of a candy shelf in a grocery store is about 3 to 6 weeks
Seasonal candies account for nearly 70% of total candy sales during the holidays
U.S. candy sales peak during Halloween with over $3 billion spent each year
The average shelf life of Halloween candy is about 12 months, with proper storage
During Valentine’s Day, candy sales increase by approximately 25%, making it the second-highest holiday for candy sales after Halloween
In the U.S., seasonal candy sales during Easter account for about 15% of annual candy sales
Seasonal packaging accounted for 25% of total candy packaging revenue in 2022
In the U.S., over 70% of candies are purchased between September and December, peaking around Halloween and Christmas

Purchasing Patterns and Seasonal Trends Interpretation

Candy’s fleeting shelf life and seasonal surges—from Halloween’s billion-dollar binge to Valentine’s romantic rise—highlight how America’s sweet tooth is both a fleeting indulgence and an enduring cultural obsession.