Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition

Table of Content

CHAPTER 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Chocolate Prices Surging
• Opportunities for Growth and Product Innovations
• Everyday and Holiday Chocolate Eating Occasions
• Priorities When Buying Chocolate
• Scope

CHAPTER 2: RECENT HISTORICAL TRENDS

• HIGHLIGHTS
• RISING PRICES: FROM SUPPLY CHAIN CRUNCHES TO INFLATION
• Table 2-1. Consumer Concerns about Rising Food Prices, 2021 - 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Rising Prices Impact Consumer Behavior
• Increasing Chocolate Prices
• Cutting Back on Household Expenses
• Table 2-2. Consumers Cutting Back on Household Expenses in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
• Table 2-3. Types of Household Expenses Cut Back on in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
• Table 2-4. Consumer Spending on "Extras", 2023 - 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Private Labels Are More Desirable as Prices Rise
• Figure 2-1. Chocolate under a New Walmart Private Label Brand
• Figure 2-2. In 2024, Sales of Private Label Items Are Mostly Increasing as Sales from National Brands Decline
• Figure 2-3. Private Label CPG Dollar Share, Unit Sales Growth, and Store Foot Traffic Changes
• The Vast Majority of Consumers Have Noticed the Rising Cost of Food, and Many Are Changing Their Purchasing Decisions
• Figure 2-4. Noticing the Rising Cost of Food and Beverages over the Past Year, 2024
• Figure 2-5. Impact of Rising Costs on Food/Beverage Purchasing, 2024
• Consumers Find Price More Important for Food Purchase Decisions in
• Figure 2-6. Purchase Drivers for Food and Beverage Purchase Decisions, 2024
• Figure 2-7. Purchase Drivers for Food and Beverage Purchase Decisions by Household Income Bracket, 2024
• SNACKING AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS
• Snacking Trends Are Important to Chocolate
• March 2 ii 025 (C) Packaged Facts
• Trends in
• Figure 2-8. Coronavirus Habits in Snacking, Eating Frequency, and Eating "Comfort" Foods, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
• Figure 2-9. Coronavirus Habits in Eating Fresh Produce and Processed Foods, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
• Changes to Snacking Habits in
• Table 2-5. Current Snacking Activity Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels, 2023 (percent of consumers)
• Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits
• ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING AND CONVENIENCE FOOD OPTIONS
• The COVID-19 Pandemic Was the Jumpstart the Online Grocery Market Needed
• Impact on the Chocolate Market
• Activity in 2023 and
• Frequency of Grocery Shopping in 2023: In-Person vs. Online
• Figure 2-10. Frequency of Buying Groceries In-Person and Online, 2023
• Use of Grocery Carryout and Delivery Methods in the Last 12 Months
• Table 2-6. Consumer Use of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Frequency of Grocery Pickup and Delivery Habits in the Last 3 Months
• Table 2-7. Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 3 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who have used each method in the last 12 months)
• Frequency of Grocery Pickup and Delivery Habits Now Compared to 12 Months Ago
• Table 2-8. Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Habits Now Compared to 12 Months Ago, 2024 (percent of consumers who have used each method in the last 12 months)
• Expected Changes to Grocery Pickup and Delivery Habits in the Next 12 Months
• Table 2-9. Consumer Expected Changes to the Frequency of Food Ordering Habits in the Next 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• WORK HABITS
• Food Trends in the Context of Changes to Work
• Changes to Work Patterns Continued in
• Figure 2-11. Coronavirus Changes to Work Patterns, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
• Working from Home in
• Work from Home Ability and Frequency
• Table 2-10. Ability to Work from Home and Frequency of Remote Work, 2023 (percent of consumers)
• Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home
• Table 2-11. Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers)
• Table 2-12. Consumer Rating of Experiences Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers who have ever had each experience)
• Table 2-13. Consumer Opinions on Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of employed consumers)
• Work Habits in
• Typical Work Weeks
• Table 2-14. Where Time Is Spent during a Typical Work Week, 2024 (percent of employed consumers)
• March 2025 (C) Packaged Facts iii
• Typical Work Arrangements
• Figure 2-12. Typical Work Arrangements (Fully Remote, Hybrid, and Traditional), 2024 (percent of employed consumers)
• PERSONAL FEELINGS OF WELLBEING
• Reporting Negative Mental States in
• Figure 2-13. Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to "Normal" or Preferred Level, 2023 (percent of consumers)
• Continuing Mental and Physical Health Effects in
• Table 2-15. Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to "Normal" or Preferred Level, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Stress Levels and Impact on Food/Beverage Consumption
• Figure 2-14. Stress Levels in the Last Six Months and Impact on Healthfulness of Food/Beverage Consumption, 2024
• Figure 2-15. Sources of Stress for Consumers Who Were Very or Somewhat Stressed in the Last Six Months, 2024
• Figure 2-16. Top Sources of Stress in the Last Six Months by Generation, 2024
• Figure 2-17. Happiness, Stress, and Health Status by Household Income Bracket, 2024
• Figure 2-18. Impact of Food Consumption on Mental or Emotional Well-Being, 2024

CHAPTER 3: OVERVIEW AND MARKET TRENDS

• HIGHLIGHTS
• SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS OF CHOCOLATE PRODUCTION
• Deforestation and Human Rights Concerns
• Chocolate Marketers Working Toward Improving the Cocoa Supply Chain
• Figure 3-1. Map Showing Deforestation in the Past Decade at the Ivory Coast
• Sustainable Farming Techniques
• Figure 3-2. New Sustainable Chocolate Brand
• Fair Trade Chocolate as a More Ethical Product
• Figure 3-3. Fair Trade Cocoa Claims to Make a Difference by Changing the Industry for the Better
• Climate Change Impacts on Cocoa Production
• The Potential for Chocolate Alternatives in the Wake of Environmental and Social Sustainability Concerns
• FOOD ALLERGIES, INTOLERANCES/SENSITIVITIES, AND OTHER DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
• Food Allergies and Intolerances Among Consumers
• Prevalence in
• Figure 3-4. Prevalence of Food Allergies, Gluten Intolerance, and Lactose Intolerance, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Rising Rates of Reported Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance over Time
• Table 3-1. Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance, 2017-2024 (percent of consumers)
• PLANT-BASED AND PLANT-FORWARD TRENDS
• Definitions
• Vegan
• March 2 iv 025 (C) Packaged Facts
• Vegetarian
• Pescatarian
• Flexitarian
• Omnivore
• Plant-Based Dairy Products
• Plant-Based Eating and Sustainability Are Buzzwords Important to the General Public
• Figure 3-5. Magazine Covers Reflect the Issues of Importance to General Consumers
• Nearly One-Fourth of Consumers Claim to Primarily Follow a Flexitarian Diet in
• Figure 3-6. Diets/Eating Philosophies Primarily Followed by Consumers, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• FOLLOWING SPECIFIC EATING PATTERNS/DIETS
• Special Eating Restrictions and Preferences Followed
• Table 3-2. Special Eating Restrictions and Diets Followed, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Figure 3-7. Following Specific Eating Patterns or Diets in the Past Year, 2024
• Younger Consumers and Those with Higher Incomes Are More Likely to Follow a Special Diet
• Figure 3-8. Following Specific Eating Patterns or Diets in the Past Year by Demographic, 2024
• Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics
• Table 3-3. Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 3-4. Clean Label Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Motivations for Following Specific Eating Patterns
• Figure 3-9. Motivations for Following Specific Eating Patterns or Diets in the Past Year, 2024
• MINDFUL AND INTUITIVE EATING
• Definition
• Motivations for Practicing Mindful Eating
• Figure 3-10. Motivations for Following Mindful Eating Practices in the Past Year, 2024
• Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Mindful and Intuitive Eating Patterns
• Figure 3-11. Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Eating, 2024
• Relationship with Food
• Figure 3-12. Consumer Rating of Relationship with Food, 2024
• HOME BAKING TRENDS
• Baking for Indulgence, Nostalgia, or Comfort
• Convenience Foods and Semi-Homemade Foods
• Branding Can Increase Appeal of Baking Products
• Figure 3-12. Cross-Branded Baking Mixes Combine the Fun and Flavor of Two Household Names
• Figure 3-13. Triple Chocolate Brownies Feature Branded Chocolate as an Ingredient
• SNACKING TRENDS
• Frequency of Snacking
• Table 3-5. Frequency of Snacking Habits on a Typical Weekday, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 3-6. Frequency of Snacking More Than Once a Day or Eating Breakfast, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Figure 3-14. Frequency of Snacking and Approaches Toward Snack/Portion Size, 2024
• Snacking Demographics
• March 2025 (C) Packaged Facts v
• Table 3-7. Always or Usually Eating Breakfast or Snacking More Than Once a Day by Demographic, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Reasons for Snacking
• Table 3-8. Reasons for Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Figure 3-15. Top Motivations for Snacking, 2024
• Preferred Types of Snacks
• Table 3-9. Preferred Types of Snacks, 2023 (percent of consumers)
• Figure 3-16. Evening and Late Nigh Snack Choices, 2024
• "Snackification" of Meals
• Figure 3-17. Replacing Traditional Meals by Snacking or Eating Smaller Meals, 2024
• Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits
• NUTRIENTS SOUGHT BY CONSUMERS
• Consumers Continue to Seek Out Protein Sources
• Figure 3-18. Nutrients Consumers Seek to Consume, 2024
• Sources Used to Consume Nutrients
• Figure 3-19. Sources Consumers Use to Consume Nutrients, 2024
• Health Benefits Sought
• Figure 3-20. Top Health Benefits Sought from Food, Beverages, and Nutrients, 2024
• Figure 3-21. Top Health Benefits Sought from Food, Beverages, and Nutrients by Generation, 2024
• Actions Taken to Avoid or Limit Saturated Fat
• Figure 3-22. Actions Taken to Avoid or Limit Saturated Fat, 2024
• Figure 3-23. Top Foods Avoided or Limited to Reduce Saturated Fat, 2024
• Sugars, Sweeteners, and Artificial Ingredients
• Sweetener Use Is Challenging to Appeal to Various Consumer Desires for Sweetness, Health, and Natural Foods
• Table 3-10. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sugars and Avoidance of Ingredients, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Figure 3-24. Prevalence of Avoiding or Limiting Sugars, 2024
• Figure 3-25. Types of Sugars Avoided or Limited, 2024
• Figure 3-26. Reasons for Limiting/Avoiding and Not Limiting/Avoiding Sugars, 2024
• Figure 3-27. Preferred Sweeteners and Sugars, 2024
• Figure 3-28. Reasons for Preferred Sweeteners and Sugars, 2024

CHAPTER 4: SALES, SHIPMENTS, AND CONSUMER USE OF CHOCOLATE

• HIGHLIGHTS
• SCOPE
• SHIPMENTS OF SNACK FOODS AND CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONS
• Table 4-1. Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion dollars)
• Table 4-2. Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion 2017 dollars)
• CHOCOLATE RETAIL SALES
• Category Dollar Sales
• Table 4-3. Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2019-2024 (million dollars)
• March 2 vi 025 (C) Packaged Facts
• Table 4-4. Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2024, 2025P-2029P (million dollars)
• Figure 4-1. Chocolate Candy Category Sales, 2024 (percent)
• Figure 4-2. Seasonal Chocolate Candy Sales, 2024 (percent)
• Opportunities for Growth
• Luxury, Premium, and Everyday Chocolate
• MOST CONSUMERS HAVE PURCHASED CHOCOLATE IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS
• Figure 4-3. Consumer Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• BOXED CHOCOLATE BRANDS
• Table 4-5. Purchases of Boxed Chocolate Brands in the Last Six Months, 2019-2024 (percent of consumers)
• BRANDS OF OTHER CHOCOLATE FORMATS
• Table 4-6. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, A-G, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 4-7. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, H-L, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 4-8. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, M-O, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 4-9. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, P-S, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 4-10. Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, T-Y, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• CHOCOLATE CONSUMPTION FREQUENCY
• Table 4-11. Frequency of Chocolate Consumption by Flavor/Type, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• PURPOSES OF CHOCOLATE USE
• Table 4-12. Purposes of Chocolate Consumption by Type, 2024 (percent of consumers who use each chocolate type)

CHAPTER 5: RETAIL AND MARKETING TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• HIGHLIGHTS
• FOOD GIFTING TRENDS
• Food Gifts Purchased for Others
• Table 5-1. Food Gift Types Purchased for others in the Last 12 Months, 2014-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Food Gifts Purchased for Self
• Table 5-2. Food Gift Types Purchased for Self in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Personal Food Gifts
• Table 5-3. Personal Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a personal food gift)
• Work-Related Food Gifts
• Table 5-4. Work-Related Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a business food gift)
• March 2025 (C) Packaged Facts vii
• Frequent Chocolate Consumption by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts
• Table 5-5. Frequent Chocolate Consumption Activity by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts, 2024 (percent of consumers vs. percent of consumers who use chocolate at least often)
• Personalization and Customization Is Important in the Chocolate Food Gifting Space
• Figure 5-1. Addition of Chocolatey Treats Can Upgrade a Food Gift
• Figure 5-2. Build-A-Box of Chocolates with Custom Gift Box Selections
• Figure 5-3. Making Candy Food Gifts More Personal with Photos of Your Relationships
• Figure 5-4. Make Your Gift More Personal By Allowing the Recipient to Pick It
• INDULGENCE VS. HEALTH
• Clean Label and "Better-for-You" Trends
• There Is No Single Universal Definition of "Clean Label"
• Different Levels of Processing
• 1: Unprocessed and Minimally Processed Foods
• 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients
• 3: Processed Foods
• 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)
• Clean Label Chocolate Products
• Figure 5-5. Organic Chocolate Without Artificial Colors or Flavors
• Companies Are Investing in Big Data to Satisfy Consumer Desires for Transparency
• Consumers Think Small and Medium Businesses Have More Credibility
• Figure 5-6. Clean Label Chocolate Brand Features Organic, Paleo, Non-GMO, and Vegan Labels and Emphasizes Absence of Undesirable Ingredients
• Unrefined Sugar
• Figure 5-7. Dark Chocolate with Unrefined Cane Sugar Has a Story to Tell About Its Premium and Simple Ingredients
• Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added, Low Sugar Products, and Alternative Sweeteners
• Figure 5-8. Chocolate Made with No Sugar Added Emphasizes Natural Ingredients and Product Claims
• Figure 5-9. Great-Tasting Sugar-Free Boxed Chocolates Made With Natural Stevia Leaf Extract
• Figure 5-10. Zero Sugar Reformulated Popular Chocolate Candies
• Figure 5-11. New Alternative Sweetener Used to Make Chocolate with Limited Sugar Content
• Low-Carb/High Protein, Keto, and Paleo Diets May Influence the Choice to Consume Chocolate
• Figure 5-12. Clean Label Chocolate with Paleo Label Is Simple and Contains the Same Amount of Fat and Carbs
• Addition of Nuts, Fruit, Seeds, Fillings, and Other Ingredients for Increased Nutrition
• Figure 5-13. Chocolate Features Nuts, Fruit, and Added Hemp Protein for More Balanced Nutrition
• Figure 5-14. Dark Chocolate Treats with Ingredients That Are "Good-for-You"
• Vegan/Plant-Based Chocolate Appeals to Those Looking to Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
• Figure 5-15. New Mass-Market Plant-Based Chocolates Announced in 2023
• Figure 5-16. Vegan Chocolate Is Usually Premium and Carries Other Labels Such as Organic and Fair Trade
• March 2 viii 025 (C) Packaged Facts
• Organic Products
• Figure 5-17. Organic Chocolate Line from Premium Chocolate Company Specializing in Fair Trade Chocolate
• Figure 5-18. Organic Chocolate Is Beginning to Hit the Mass-Market with Top Brands
• UNIQUE FLAVORS AND FLAVOR COMBINATIONS
• Flavor Innovation with New Cocoa Beans
• Figure 5-19. "Totally New Flavor Experience" Compared to Fine Wines
• Figure 5-20. Adding Fruit Filling to Chocolate for Unique Flavors and Colors
• Limited Edition and Seasonal Flavors
• Figure 5-21. Seasonal Chocolate Flavors Available for a Limited Time
• Social Media Trends Driving New Flavor Development
• Figure 5-22. New Chocolate Bar Developed in Response to Viral Social Media Trend
• Small Businesses Often Produce the Most Unique Chocolate Flavors
• Figure 5-23. Artisan, Handcrafted Truffles with Elegant Designs and Flavors
• Capturing Flavor Trends While Reducing Costs
• CANDY ADJACENCIES
• TARGETING LGBT CONSUMERS, A GROWING DEMOGRAPHIC
• Figure 5-24. Pride-Themed Chocolates Available Online
• Figure 5-25. DIY Rainbow Chocolate Ideas on Pinterest
• FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT CONSUMERS OF CHOCOLATE
• Figure 5-26. Treats with Toys Increase Appeal of Chocolate with Children and Families
• Figure 5-27. Snack Bars for Kids Contain Chocolate and a Full Serving of Fruits and Vegetables
• MAJOR HOLIDAYS
• Table 5-6. Extension of Holiday Celebrations Compared to Pre-Pandemic Behavior, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
• Winter Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
• Table 5-7. Planned Winter Holiday Gift Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
• Figure 5-28. Christmas Food Gifts Play up Luxury Look, Focus Less on Holiday Imagery
• Valentine's Day
• Table 5-8. Planned Valentine's Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2017-2024
• Non-Traditional Celebrations
• Figure 5-29. See's Promotes Chocolate Exchanges for Galentine's Day
• Mother's Day
• Table 5-9. Planned Mother's Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
• Figure 5-30. Chocolate Gift Assortments for Mother's Day Feature Spring Colors and Flowers to Show Appreciation for Mom
• Easter
• Table 5-10. Planned Easter Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
• Figure 5-31. Easter Candies Often Feature Pastel Colors, Flowers, and an Easter Bunny or Easter Eggs
• Halloween
• Table 5-11. Planned Halloween Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
• Figure 5-32. Halloween Candy Gift Set With Decorative Box
• March 2025 (C) Packaged Facts ix
• WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES
• The Percentage of Consumers Who Are Married Has Fallen, But More People Are Now Living With Domestic Partners
• Table 5-12. Marriage Statistics, 2014-2024
• Same-Sex Marriages
• Figure 5-33. Personalized Chocolates for Same-Sex Wedding
• DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER (DTC) AND ONLINE MARKETING
• New Companies and Products with Niche Appeal May Choose Online/DTC Channels
• Figure 5-34. New Chocolate Brand Available Exclusively via E-Commerce Emphasizes Full Traceability of Ingredients
• Private Labels
• Figure 5-35. Private Label Premium Chocolates Exclusive to DTC Retailer
• Subscription Boxes
• Figure 5-36. Chocolate Subscription Box Ships Monthly as the "Ultimate Gift" for Chocolate Lovers
• IN-STORE PURCHASING TRENDS
• Figure 5-37. Target Offers Order Pickup, Same-Day Delivery, and Shipping for Chocolate and Other Grocery Items
• Retail Stores Rely More On Impulse Purchases of Chocolate
• Figure 5-38. End Caps Featuring Valentine's Day Chocolates
• Holiday Promotions Are Key
• Figure 5-39. Valentine's Day Promotions in Mobile App Advertisements and in Seasonal Aisle In-Store
• Private Label Chocolates Are a Driver of Store Traffic and Retailer Loyalty
• Figure 5-40. Private Label Chocolate Brands Advertised Alongside National Brands for Seasonal Promotion
• BRAND POSITIONING OF TOP CHOCOLATE MARKETERS
• Lindt & Spruungli Group
• Ghirardelli
• Figure 5-41. Classic Chocolates Are Luxurious and Indulgent, and Themed Gift Sets Nod to San Francisco Roots
• Lindt
• Figure 5-42. The Lindt Difference
• Figure 5-43. LINDOR Marketing for Principal Chocolate Truffles
• Figure 5-44. New Limited Edition Chocolate Flavor
• Russell Stover
• Figure 5-45. New Every Day Chocolate Products
• Godiva (pladis)
• Figure 5-46. Godiva Promotes Its Retail Locations for Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts
• Hershey
• Figure 5-47. Plant-Based Chocolate Launch Uses Oats Instead of Dairy Milk
• Mars Wrigley
• Figure 5-48. Mars Wrigley Aims to Bring Even More Smiles to the World with Celebratory Candy
• Figure 5-49. Twix Challenges Consumers to Guess Which Twix Side is which on Instagram
• March 2 x 025 (C) Packaged Facts
• Figure 5-50. Dove Chocolate Instagram Advertises with Premium Wrappers, Holiday Decorations, and Indulgent Recipes
• Ferrero
• Figure 5-51. Decadent Ferrero Rocher Pralines Have a Premium Image for Food Gifting and Special Celebrations
• Figure 5-52. "Everyone's Crunch-ing" Marketing Shows Everyday Appeal for Crispy Chocolate Bars

CHAPTER 6: CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS

• HIGHLIGHTS
• CHOCOLATE PURCHASES HIGHEST AMONG YOUNGER AND MIDDLE AGE CONSUMERS
• Table 6-1. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-2. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Generation, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-3. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY THAN MEN TO PURCHASE CHOCOLATE
• Table 6-4. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-5. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• CHOCOLATE PURCHASES VARY SOMEWHAT ACROSS DIFFERENT HOUSEHOLD INCOME BRACKETS, BUT ARE HIGH AMONG ALL GROUPS
• Table 6-6. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-7. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• MARRIED/PARTNERED CONSUMERS AND PRESENCE OF CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD
• Table 6-8. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Marriage Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-9. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Partnership Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• LGBT CONSUMERS ARE SOMEWHAT MORE LIKELY TO BUY CHOCOLATE
• Table 6-10. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by LGBT Affiliation, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• THOSE LIVING IN THE MIDWEST REGION ARE MOST LIKELY TO BUY CHOCOLATE
• Table 6-11. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-12. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• RURAL, SUBURBAN, AND URBAN CONSUMERS DIFFER SOMEWHAT IN CHOCOLATE CONSUMPTION
• Table 6-13. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Population Density of Residence Area, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-14. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Rural, Suburban, and Urban Environment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• March 2025 (C) Packaged Facts xi
• CHOCOLATE PURCHASES ARE HIGH AMONG ALL RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS
• Table 6-15. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-16. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• DIFFERENCES IN CHOCOLATE PURCHASES BASED ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
• Table 6-17. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-18. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• FREQUENT CONSUMERS OF CHOCOLATE ARE MORE LIKELY TO FOLLOW NON-OMNIVORE DIETS/EATING PHILOSOPHIES
• Table 6-19. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-20. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• USE OF ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING WEBSITES
• Table 6-21. Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Use of Online Grocery Delivery Services in the Last 30 Days, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 6-22. Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Use of Online Grocery Websites in the Last 30 Days, 2024 (percent of consumers)

CHAPTER 7: CONSUMER PSYCHOGRAPHICS

• HIGHLIGHTS
• PRIORITIES WHEN CHOOSING WHERE TO SHOP FOR GROCERIES
• Table 7-1. Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 7-2. Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries (Continued), 2024 (percent of consumers)
• PRIORITIES PLACED ON FOOD CHARACTERISTICS
• Table 7-3. Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• PRIORITIES PLACED ON CHOCOLATE
• Table 7-4. Priorities Placed on Chocolate Characteristics, 2024 (percent of frequent chocolate consumers and boxed chocolate/candy buyers in the last 12 months)
• WILLINGNESS TO PAY MORE FOR PREMIUM FOOD CHARACTERISTICS
• Table 7-5. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Premium Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• WILLINGNESS TO PAY MORE FOR DIFFERENT CHOCOLATE FEATURES
• Table 7-6. Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• MOST CONSUMERS THINK DARK CHOCOLATE IS HEALTHY AND THAT CHOCOLATE CAN BE CONSUMED AS PART OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
• Table 7-7. Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• March 2 xii 025 (C) Packaged Facts
• CONCERNS ABOUT CHOCOLATE PRICES
• Table 7-8. Agreement on Statements about Chocolate Prices, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• ORGANIC FOOD PURCHASES
• Table 7-9. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Organic Food Purchases, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• FOOD PROCESSING AND CLEAN INGREDIENTS AND LABELS
• Table 7-10. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Clean Ingredients, Food Processing, and Labels, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• SNACKING BEHAVIOR
• Table 7-11. Statements about Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree)
• GROCERY SHOPPING AND MEAL PLANNING HABITS
• Table 7-12. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Grocery Shopping and Eating Habits, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• COOKING SKILLS
• Table 7-13. Consumer Confidence with Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 7-14. Consumer Rating of Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• CONSUMER ATTITUDES ON FOOD AND HEALTH
• Attitudes about Carbs, Proteins, and Whole/Unprocessed Foods
• Table 7-15. Statements about Sweeteners, Calories, and Sugar, 2024 (percent of consumers who strongly agree)
• Preferences for Indulgent Foods
• Table 7-16. Indulgent Food Preferences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
• Cooking Attitudes
• Table 7-17. Cooking Attitudes among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
• Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress
• Table 7-18. Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
• Nutrition and Health Attitudes
• Table 7-19. Nutrition and Health Attitudes among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
• Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food
• Table 7-20. Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
• Openness to New Food Experiences
• Table 7-21. Attitudes on Openness to New Food Experiences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)

CHAPTER 8: PACKAGING TRENDS

• HIGHLIGHTS
• THE BALANCE BETWEEN EFFECTIVE AND LOW-COST PACKAGING
• March 2025 (C) Packaged Facts xiii
• RECYCLABLE/ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING
• Figure 8-1. Compostable Chocolate Truffle Wrappers
• TRUTH IN ADVERTISING EXTENDS TO PACKAGING
• Figure 8-2. Differences Between Chocolate Candy and What Is Shown on Product Packaging
• FUNCTIONAL PACKAGING CAN BE FRAMED AS SUSTAINABILITY
• Figure 8-3. Candy Packaging Functions as a Holiday Decoration to Be Used Again and Again
• CREATIVE PACKAGING PROVIDES GIFT RECIPIENTS WITH A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
• Figure 8-4. Stacked Folding Cartons Create a New Object for Holiday Food Gifting
• Figure 8-5. Creative Gift Tin Spins and Plays Music
• PROTECTIVE PACKAGING IS IMPORTANT FOR PRODUCT INTEGRITY
• Figure 8-6. Void Fill Used As an Attractive and Elegant Enhancement to a Chocolate Food Gift
• RETAIL-READY PACKAGING MAKES CHOCOLATE PROMOTIONS STAND OUT AND PROMOTES STOCKING EFFICIENCY IN STORES
• Figure 8-7. Retail-Ready Packaging Promotes Shelf Organization and Promotion of Food Gift Brands In-Store
• SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS: CONSUMER INSIGHTS
• What Consumers Think about Sustainability Issues and Sustainable Lifestyles
• Table 8-1. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sustainability, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 8-2. Importance of Practices When Living a Sustainable Lifestyle, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Recycling and Composting Services
• Table 8-3. Consumer Access to Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 8-4. Consumer Usage Frequency of Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers who report using each service)
• Thoughts on Packaging and Waste
• Table 8-5. Consumer Agreement on Statements about Recycling and Packaging Materials, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 8-6. Packaging Types Considered Most Eco-Friendly, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Table 8-7. Importance of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers)
• Consumers Think that Environmental Responsibility Is Personal
• Table 8-8. Environmental Attitudes among Chocolate Buyers and Users in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who completely agree)