GITNUXREPORT 2025

Chocolate Consumption Statistics

Global chocolate market valued at $130 billion with rising premium and organic demand.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 75% of the chocolate purchased is by women

Statistic 2

In the US, around 64% of consumers prefer milk chocolate over dark or white varieties

Statistic 3

The average chocolate gift expenditure during Valentine’s Day in the US is approximately $100 per person

Statistic 4

About 55% of chocolate consumers in China prefer dark chocolate, showing a shift toward healthier options

Statistic 5

The highest-rated chocolate bar in customer satisfaction surveys is often a branded milk chocolate bar, such as Hershey's or Cadbury

Statistic 6

Dark chocolate is preferred by health-conscious consumers, with surveys indicating over 70% of consumers choose dark chocolate for health reasons.

Statistic 7

The global chocolate market was valued at approximately $130 billion in 2021

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The average annual chocolate consumption per person worldwide was around 4.4 pounds in 2019

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The United States consumed approximately 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate in 2020

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Dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants than fruits like blueberries or acai berries

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The global demand for premium and organic chocolates has increased by over 20% annually over the past five years

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Belgium ranks second globally in chocolate consumption per capita, at about 17 pounds per year

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The average adult consumes about 4.5 pounds of chocolate per year in the USA

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The global organic chocolate market is expected to reach $2 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of over 8%

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In 2020, the pandemic caused a 3% decline in global chocolate consumption, but the market rebounded quickly afterward

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The average number of chocolate bars consumed per person annually in the UK is around 41, making it one of the highest in Europe

Statistic 17

The sales of vegan chocolate products have increased by over 50% in the last three years, indicating a growing trend towards plant-based options

Statistic 18

Switzerland’s chocolates account for roughly 25% of global exports, making it a major player in the industry

Statistic 19

Ultraviolet flavored chocolates are a niche but growing segment with a 12% annual growth rate

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In 2019, Bean-to-Bar chocolate making increased globally, with over 300 artisanal brands worldwide

Statistic 21

Millennials constitute approximately 37% of the global chocolate market share, reflecting their significant consumption patterns

Statistic 22

The invention of the chocolate chip cookie in 1938 helped boost chocolate sales in the United States significantly

Statistic 23

In India, chocolate consumption is increasing rapidly, with a 15% annual growth rate over the last five years

Statistic 24

The average purchase size in a grocery store for chocolate products is approximately $5 per visit in the US

Statistic 25

Seasonal sales of chocolate account for about 40% of annual chocolate sales in the US, primarily driven by holidays like Halloween, Easter, and Christmas

Statistic 26

The consumption of sugar-free chocolates has increased by over 8% annually in recent years, driven by health-conscious consumers

Statistic 27

About 65% of chocolate is sold in supermarkets, with the remaining sold in convenience stores, specialty shops, and online

Statistic 28

The global vegan chocolate market is expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 12%

Statistic 29

During the holiday season, over 50% of households in the US buy chocolates as gifts, amounting to billions of dollars in sales

Statistic 30

The popularity of artisanal and craft chocolates has surged, with over 150 new brands emerging globally each year

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The average calorie content per 100 grams of milk chocolate is about 535 calories, making it a calorie-dense treat

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In Latin America, chocolate consumption has increased by 10% over the past five years, driven by rising disposable incomes

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The global chocolate gifting market is projected to reach $27 billion by 2025, reflecting its popularity as a gift item

Statistic 34

Around 35% of online grocery shoppers in the US purchased chocolates during the last year, showing strong e-commerce growth

Statistic 35

The percentage of consumers who prefer artisanal chocolates over mass-produced has increased to 48% in the last decade, indicating a trend towards premium products

Statistic 36

In the UK, sales of luxury chocolates have increased by 15% annually over the past three years, driven by premiumization trends

Statistic 37

Children under 12 consume an average of 12 grams of chocolate daily, with parents increasingly concerned about sugar content

Statistic 38

The trend of personalized chocolate products is growing, with over 20% annual growth, as consumers seek customized gifts

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The budget for marketing chocolate products globally was estimated at over $5 billion in 2023, highlighting the industry’s spending power

Statistic 40

Single-origin chocolates are gaining popularity among connoisseurs, comprising about 30% of the gourmet chocolate market

Statistic 41

In France, around 85% of households enjoy some form of chocolate weekly, making it a staple treat

Statistic 42

The global market share of functional chocolates, which contain added health benefits like probiotics, is expected to grow by 12% annually through 2027

Statistic 43

The percentage of households purchasing fair-trade chocolates increased by 25% over the past five years, indicating consumer demand for ethical products

Statistic 44

The popularity of chocolate-flavored beverages, such as hot chocolate and chocolate milk, accounts for about 60% of total chocolate consumption in the beverage segment

Statistic 45

The organic chocolate segment grew by over 25% in 2022, outpacing conventional chocolate growth

Statistic 46

The majority of chocolate consumed in Europe is in the form of confectioneries, which comprise over 70% of total consumption

Statistic 47

The most common flavor combinations in chocolate products include sea salt, caramel, and nuts, accounting for over 60% of premium chocolate sales

Statistic 48

Millennials and Gen Z together account for over 50% of new chocolate product launches, indicating their influence on product innovation

Statistic 49

Over 85% of the world’s chocolate is produced in West Africa, primarily Ivory Coast and Ghana

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The world production of cocoa beans reached approximately 4.8 million tonnes in 2022, crucial for chocolate manufacturing

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In 2020, the average price of a premium chocolate bar was $3.50 in the US, reflecting its premium positioning

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Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption, at about 19.8 pounds annually

Statistic 53

In 2022, the top three chocolate-consuming countries were Switzerland, Germany, and Ireland, respectively

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Key Highlights

The global chocolate market was valued at approximately $130 billion in 2021
The average annual chocolate consumption per person worldwide was around 4.4 pounds in 2019
Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption, at about 19.8 pounds annually
The United States consumed approximately 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate in 2020
Dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants than fruits like blueberries or acai berries
The global demand for premium and organic chocolates has increased by over 20% annually over the past five years
Approximately 75% of the chocolate purchased is by women
Belgium ranks second globally in chocolate consumption per capita, at about 17 pounds per year
The average adult consumes about 4.5 pounds of chocolate per year in the USA
Over 85% of the world’s chocolate is produced in West Africa, primarily Ivory Coast and Ghana
In the US, around 64% of consumers prefer milk chocolate over dark or white varieties
The global organic chocolate market is expected to reach $2 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of over 8%
In 2020, the pandemic caused a 3% decline in global chocolate consumption, but the market rebounded quickly afterward

Indulge your senses and satisfy your sweet tooth as we explore the fascinating world of chocolate, from a $130 billion global market to health-conscious trends shaping its future.

Market Segmentation and Consumer Behavior

Approximately 75% of the chocolate purchased is by women
In the US, around 64% of consumers prefer milk chocolate over dark or white varieties
The average chocolate gift expenditure during Valentine’s Day in the US is approximately $100 per person
About 55% of chocolate consumers in China prefer dark chocolate, showing a shift toward healthier options
The highest-rated chocolate bar in customer satisfaction surveys is often a branded milk chocolate bar, such as Hershey's or Cadbury
Dark chocolate is preferred by health-conscious consumers, with surveys indicating over 70% of consumers choose dark chocolate for health reasons.

Market Segmentation and Consumer Behavior Interpretation

While women dominate the chocolate aisle and milk bars win hearts with their nostalgia, the growing preference for dark chocolate among health-conscious and Chinese consumers reveals that even in indulgence, health may be the new luxury.

Market Size and Consumption Trends

The global chocolate market was valued at approximately $130 billion in 2021
The average annual chocolate consumption per person worldwide was around 4.4 pounds in 2019
The United States consumed approximately 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate in 2020
Dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants than fruits like blueberries or acai berries
The global demand for premium and organic chocolates has increased by over 20% annually over the past five years
Belgium ranks second globally in chocolate consumption per capita, at about 17 pounds per year
The average adult consumes about 4.5 pounds of chocolate per year in the USA
The global organic chocolate market is expected to reach $2 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of over 8%
In 2020, the pandemic caused a 3% decline in global chocolate consumption, but the market rebounded quickly afterward
The average number of chocolate bars consumed per person annually in the UK is around 41, making it one of the highest in Europe
The sales of vegan chocolate products have increased by over 50% in the last three years, indicating a growing trend towards plant-based options
Switzerland’s chocolates account for roughly 25% of global exports, making it a major player in the industry
Ultraviolet flavored chocolates are a niche but growing segment with a 12% annual growth rate
In 2019, Bean-to-Bar chocolate making increased globally, with over 300 artisanal brands worldwide
Millennials constitute approximately 37% of the global chocolate market share, reflecting their significant consumption patterns
The invention of the chocolate chip cookie in 1938 helped boost chocolate sales in the United States significantly
In India, chocolate consumption is increasing rapidly, with a 15% annual growth rate over the last five years
The average purchase size in a grocery store for chocolate products is approximately $5 per visit in the US
Seasonal sales of chocolate account for about 40% of annual chocolate sales in the US, primarily driven by holidays like Halloween, Easter, and Christmas
The consumption of sugar-free chocolates has increased by over 8% annually in recent years, driven by health-conscious consumers
About 65% of chocolate is sold in supermarkets, with the remaining sold in convenience stores, specialty shops, and online
The global vegan chocolate market is expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 12%
During the holiday season, over 50% of households in the US buy chocolates as gifts, amounting to billions of dollars in sales
The popularity of artisanal and craft chocolates has surged, with over 150 new brands emerging globally each year
The average calorie content per 100 grams of milk chocolate is about 535 calories, making it a calorie-dense treat
In Latin America, chocolate consumption has increased by 10% over the past five years, driven by rising disposable incomes
The global chocolate gifting market is projected to reach $27 billion by 2025, reflecting its popularity as a gift item
Around 35% of online grocery shoppers in the US purchased chocolates during the last year, showing strong e-commerce growth
The percentage of consumers who prefer artisanal chocolates over mass-produced has increased to 48% in the last decade, indicating a trend towards premium products
In the UK, sales of luxury chocolates have increased by 15% annually over the past three years, driven by premiumization trends
Children under 12 consume an average of 12 grams of chocolate daily, with parents increasingly concerned about sugar content
The trend of personalized chocolate products is growing, with over 20% annual growth, as consumers seek customized gifts
The budget for marketing chocolate products globally was estimated at over $5 billion in 2023, highlighting the industry’s spending power
Single-origin chocolates are gaining popularity among connoisseurs, comprising about 30% of the gourmet chocolate market
In France, around 85% of households enjoy some form of chocolate weekly, making it a staple treat
The global market share of functional chocolates, which contain added health benefits like probiotics, is expected to grow by 12% annually through 2027
The percentage of households purchasing fair-trade chocolates increased by 25% over the past five years, indicating consumer demand for ethical products
The popularity of chocolate-flavored beverages, such as hot chocolate and chocolate milk, accounts for about 60% of total chocolate consumption in the beverage segment
The organic chocolate segment grew by over 25% in 2022, outpacing conventional chocolate growth

Market Size and Consumption Trends Interpretation

With the global chocolate market valued at $130 billion and rising consumer demand for premium, organic, vegan, and ethically sourced varieties, it's clear that whether for indulgence, health benefits, or ethical assurance, humanity's love affair with chocolate is as strong—and as complex—as ever.

Product Types, Flavors, and Innovations

The majority of chocolate consumed in Europe is in the form of confectioneries, which comprise over 70% of total consumption
The most common flavor combinations in chocolate products include sea salt, caramel, and nuts, accounting for over 60% of premium chocolate sales
Millennials and Gen Z together account for over 50% of new chocolate product launches, indicating their influence on product innovation

Product Types, Flavors, and Innovations Interpretation

The sweet dominance of confectionery in Europe, flavored with sea salt, caramel, and nuts, coupled with Millennials and Gen Z's penchant for innovation, reveals that while traditional indulgence reigns, the future of chocolate is being reshaped by youthful palates craving new and trendy taste experiences.

Production, Pricing, and Economic Factors

Over 85% of the world’s chocolate is produced in West Africa, primarily Ivory Coast and Ghana
The world production of cocoa beans reached approximately 4.8 million tonnes in 2022, crucial for chocolate manufacturing
In 2020, the average price of a premium chocolate bar was $3.50 in the US, reflecting its premium positioning

Production, Pricing, and Economic Factors Interpretation

With over 85% of the world's cocoa beans originating from West Africa's Ivory Coast and Ghana, and a 2022 global harvest of 4.8 million tonnes fueling our $3.50, premium chocolate bars—it's clear that the sweet origins of luxury are as concentrated as the indulgence itself.

Regional and Demographic Preferences

Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption, at about 19.8 pounds annually
In 2022, the top three chocolate-consuming countries were Switzerland, Germany, and Ireland, respectively

Regional and Demographic Preferences Interpretation

Switzerland’s sweet obsession, leading the world at nearly 20 pounds per person each year, underscores its cultural dedication to both chocolate and the art of indulgence—proving that in these countries, chocolate isn’t just a treat, it’s a national language.