US Confectionery Sales Climb to USD55bn in 2025

Americans drove a record USD55bn in confectionery sales in 2025, according to the 2026 State of Treating report released by the National Confectioners Association. Chocolate, candy, gum, and mints demonstrate strong staying power with U.S. consumers, with sales expected to climb another USD7.3bn over the next five years to reach USD62.2bn across all outlets by 2030.

In 2025, 99.8% of households purchased confectionery products at least once. While consumers are carefully weighing their food purchases, their steady engagement with the confectionery category signals the meaningful role that chocolate and candy play in enhancing everyday moments and special celebrations.

The 2026 State of Treating report offers insights to help manufacturers and retailers take the confectionery category to the next level. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Seasonal staple: Engagement with seasonal treats has returned to pre-pandemic levels. The big four candy seasons (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the winter holidays) accounted for 63% of all confectionery sales in 2025, but consumers are also gifting chocolate and candy for other occasions, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the Fourth of July.

• Generational growth: Across all outlets, chocolate represented 51.7% of confectionery sales, but non-chocolate candy continues to gain ground, growing from one-third of market share in 2015 to 40.9% in 2025. Boomers prefer traditional milk and dark chocolate, while Gen Z and Millennials over-index for gummy, chewy, and freeze-dried candies.

• Old is new: One-third of consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are very interested in exact re-releases of nostalgic or retro candy. Younger generations are also more likely to explore confectionery innovations and opt for unexpected new flavors, flavor combinations, and texture experiences. TikTok is a top destination for discovery.

• Joy in treating: There is widespread agreement among consumers that chocolate and candy bring joy, and that physical health and emotional well-being are interconnected. More than eight in 10 consumers believe it is fine to occasionally have a piece of chocolate or candy. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times per week, averaging just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day.