The United States candy market is expected to be valued at USD 25.02 billion in 2025. It is on the verge of reaching USD 32.27 billion valuation by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The leaning of consumers towards sugar-free products and similar product offerings by candy manufacturers can drive the market growth significantly. The consumption of protein-rich candies by athletes and fitness enthusiasts is a prime example.
The launch of innovative candy products, attractive packaging, and social media campaigns to attract customers are shaping the market growth trajectory. Candies imbued with novel textures and flavors are launched annually by manufacturers to capture customer top-of-mind recall.
However, evolving customer preferences and rising ingredient prices like cocoa can challenge the market growth.
The launch of innovative candy products, attractive packaging, and social media campaigns to attract customers are shaping the market growth trajectory. Candies imbued with novel textures and flavors are launched annually by manufacturers to capture customer top-of-mind recall.
However, evolving customer preferences and rising ingredient prices like cocoa can challenge the market growth.
Key Market Insights
The United States candy market is expected to soar owing to the comeback of classic candies and immersive candy experiences created for customers.
- By product type, the non-chocolate candy segment is expected to gain 35.8% market share in 2025. The availability of fruity flavors and alternative offerings, such as sour gummies and milk-free candies, can drive the segment growth. The mitigation of obesity and gum diseases caused by chocolate candies can push their popularity among candy consumers.
- By distribution channel, the convenience store segment is expected to account for a significant market share in 2025. It can continue to be the stop for candy shoppers due to childhood nostalgia, as well as catering to customers with sugarless candies. The ability of local convenience stores to pander to repeat customers by storing candies with non-mainstream flavors and TikTok trends can increase foot traffic and drive sales.
The full report is now available for purchase:
https://www.coherentmi.com/industry-reports/united-states-candy-marketUnited States candy market Report Coverage
Report Coverage
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Details
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Market Revenue in 2025
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USD 25.02 billion
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Estimated Value by 2032
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USD 32.27 billion
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Growth Rate
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3.7%
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Historical Data
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2020–2024
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Forecast Period
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2025–2032
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Forecast Units
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Value (USD billion)
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Report Coverage
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Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
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Segments Covered
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By Product Type and Distribution Channel
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Growth Drivers
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Opportunities
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Trends
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Restraints & Challenges
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Market Dynamics
Innovative candies are in vogue owing to their virality on TikTok. This is illustrated by the craze of freeze-dried candies by consumers and the massive demand for crunchier candies. The initiative by candy manufacturers in updating their freeze-drying methods to create sensorial experiences for customers can drive the United States candy market growth. For instance, the Hershey Company launched Jolly Ranchers in the freeze-dried variation on March 12, 2025.
Novel product launches by candy manufacturers to expand the soft and hard candy product line have led to genuine interest among customers. For instance, Haribo GmbH & Co. KG, a multinational confectionery company, launched three new products, Goldbears, Twin Snakes, and Starmix, on April 27, 2025, replete with tropical flavors.
Market Opportunity:
Clean Product Labeling to Encourage Health-Conscious Customers
Clean product labeling provides a transparent list of ingredients, prompting the consumer to make healthier candy eating choices. The addition of new textures and flavors can entice health-conscious consumers to indulge in sweet treats.
For instance, Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd., a Japan-based confectionery manufacturer, launched a rice-based soft candy in May 06, 2025, to enhance the appeal of rice as a flavor beyond staple diets. This can enhance consumer awareness of the candy and help the brand gain traction on popular media channels.
Market Challenge: Perspective of Candies Being Unhealthy
Candies have been reported to cause cavities and be a major cause of obesity and diabetes among customers. The shift by candy manufacturers in offering healthy substitutes for sugar and chocolate in candy offerings and innovating their product lineup can attract customers. The inclusion of portion-sized packages and clean labeling are likely to convince customers to splurge.
Analyst’s View
- The United States candy market is majorly driven by the indulgence of candies as snacks by consumers.
- The launch of sugar-free and low-sugar candies can attract massive crowds of health-conscious customers.
- Candy subscription boxes with mystery flavors can entice candy lovers to sign up for annual deliveries.
- The functional candy trend is creating promising growth prospects for dominant players in the confectionery sector.
Recent Developments
Mondelez International, Inc. launched the SOUR PATCH KIDS Strawberry-Watermelon Glow Ups in March 05, 2025, coinciding with their official partnership with Inter Miami CF, an American professional soccer club.
Competitor Insights
- Perfetti Van Melle Group B.V.
- Mondelez International, Inc.
- Spangler Candy Company
- Mars, Incorporated
- August Storck KG
- Ferrero
- See's Candy Shops, Inc.
- The Hershey Company
- Jelly Belly Candy Company
Market Segmentation
- Product Type
- Chocolate Candy
- Non Chocolate Candy
- Distribution Channel
- Convenience Stores
- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
- Specialist Retailers
- Online Retailers
- Others