In the third quarter of 2022, M&M's was the most popular candy brand in the United States (U.S.). About 79 percent of respondents had a positive opinion of the brand. In second place was Godiva, with 67 percent.
The market for candy in the U.S.
The Hershey company has the highest share in the confectionery market in the U.S., with almost 24 percent. Mars, Incorporated is Hershey’s biggest competitor in that market. With a market share of just under 23 percent, Mars closely follows in second place. Chewy candy is the type of candy with the highest sales, generating more than 4.2 billion U.S. dollars in annual sales. Novelty and breath fresheners follow as the second and third most popular types of candy, with sales of approximately 967 million and 554 million U.S. dollars, respectively.
Candy purchases during Halloween in the U.S.
The weekly retail sales of candy in the U.S. show large fluctuations throughout the months between July and February. Around Halloween, sales rise rapidly and reach levels that are more than twice as much as in July. Nonetheless, after the holiday, sales fall just as quickly. Within just a week, sales reach levels comparable to the pre-holiday levels. The leading Halloween candy among children is the Peanut Butter Cup from Reese's. Slightly over three-quarters of survey children chose Reese's Peanut Butter Cup when asked to pick one candy over others. During the 2022 Halloween season, U.S. consumer spending on Halloween candy was worth about 3.1 billion U.S. dollars. This was more than during the previous year and more than the pre-pandemic level of spending. After a downward trend between 2017 and 2020, sales in 2022 have risen for the second year in a row.
FAQs
Most popular candy brands in the U.S. Q3 2022
What is the #1 selling candy in the US? ›
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the No. 1 selling candy brand in the United States, consisting of white fudge, milk, or dark chocolate cups filled with peanut butter. They were invented by H.B. Reese after he founded the H. B. Reese Candy Company in 1923.
What is the #1 candy company? ›
1. Mars Wrigley Confectionery, div. of Mars Inc.
What is America's #1 candy bar? ›
Snickers is the top-selling candy bar in the United States and is produced by Mars, Inc. This classic chocolate bar is made with nougat, caramel, and peanuts, and it has been a favourite among Americans since its introduction in 1930.
What is America's least favorite candy? ›
According to the study, American's hate to receive candy corn the most on Halloween. However, it's not that sticky treat that's the most dangerous to eat on Halloween.
What is the oldest US candy brand? ›
SALEM, Mass. —
While historic Salem, Massachusetts, is known for its witches, the coastal city is also home the nation's oldest candy company in the United States. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie has been in business since 1806, which is 17 years after Masschusetts became a state.
What three companies dominate America's candy industry? ›
Or so it seems. I counted over 40 different brands of candy but it turns out almost all of them are produced by one of three companies: Hershey, Mars, and Nestle, with a specialty product or two by Ferrara and Palmer's Company.
Who is bigger Hershey's or Mars? ›
With a U.S. market share of about 23.6 percent in 2021, Hershey was the leading confectionery company in the United States, beating out Mars with almost one percent.
Who is Hershey's biggest competitor? ›
Top Hershey's Competitors & Similar Companies
- Mars.
- Cadbury.
- Nestle.
- Ferrero Rocher.
- Toblerone.
- Ghirardelli.
- Lindt.
- Nutella.
In Texas, the most popular is Sour Patch Kids, followed by Reese's Cups and Starburst.
Twix is also the eighth-most popular snack size candy. Twix — named for “twin sticks” — is the second-most expensive candy among the most popular chocolate candies. Kit Kat is the fifth-most popular chocolate candy in the under 3.5 oz category, and the eight-most popular in the larger than 3.5 oz category.
What is the most popular candy in 2024? ›
One surefire prediction for the balance of 2024 is that the perennial favorites will remain at the top of consumers' want lists. They include such famous names as Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, M&Ms, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Starburst and Hershey's Kisses.
Which US state eats the most candy? ›
With the highest combined search value (1,508), Utah is the most candy-loving state.
What was the first candy sold in the US? ›
After they donated a barrel of sugar, Burkinshaw said she began making her Gibraltars — believed to be the first candy commercially sold in the country. In 1830, confectioner George Pepper bought the business.
