Candy making has deep roots in American history dating back to the colonial period. Some of the earliest candy recipes originated from European immigrants who brought their candy traditions with them. Traditional candy recipes from Britain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands were adapted to ingredients available in North America. Early American colonists produced homemade candies, often using maple syrup or sorghum as a sweetener before cane sugar was widely available. In the 1800s, candy shops in large cities began commercial production of sweets. Famous US candy brands emerged in the later 19th century as machinery allowed for mass production. Brands like Brach's, Cracker Jack, and Tootsie Roll got their start during this time period and are still going strong today. Candy was also becoming more affordable and accessible for the average American consumer.
Chocolate Dominates
Chocolate is by far the biggest selling candy category in the United States Candy today. Chocolate candy accounted for over $21 billion in retail sales in 2019, making up about one-third of the total US candy . Leading chocolate brands include M&M's, Reese's, Snickers, and Hershey's. The iconic Hershey's company established chocolate production and sales practices that are still used worldwide. Other major chocolate candy producers today include Mars Wrigley Confectionery, Mondelez International, and Ferrero USA. While dark and specialty chocolates have seen growing demand in recent decades, milk chocolate remains the most popular type of chocolate consumed by Americans.
Popular Sugar Candy Varieties
After chocolate, the next most popular US candy categories are sugar candies like hard candies, gum & breath mints, and jelly beans & gummy candies. Well-known American brands in these segments include Jelly Belly, Trident, Life Savers, and Skittles. Starburst, AirHeads, and Laffy Taffy are some of the top-selling chewy or gummy candies. Hard candies have a long tradition in America and include classics like sour balls, lollipops, and rock candy. Menthol and cinnamon candies are also quite popular, led by brands like Halls and Cinnamon Imperials. Large companies such as Mars Wrigley and Mondelez continue to drive sales in the sugar candy aisles through investments in new product lines.
The Rise Of Premium And Seasonal Candy
While mass- standard brands still dominate candy sales, in recent decades there has been notable growth of premium and specialty candy producers. Chocolate brands like Ghirardelli, Godiva, and Lindt have expanded significantly by ing premium chocolate to increasingly sophisticated American palates. Artisanal candy shops have also proliferated, sourcing unique ingredients and producing small batches of made-by-hand creations. Seasonal candies linked to holidays have become big business too. For Halloween, candy sales reach $2.6 billion annually, with leading products being chocolate bars, hard candies, and gummy treats. Major brands like Hershey's have created entire seasonal candy lineups to cash in on the demand spikes around Valentine's Day, Easter, and Christmas.
Regional Candy Specialties
Certain US states or regions have developed candy traditions unique to their area as well. Pennsylvania Dutch Candy Kitchen is famous for its molasses kisses and coffee creams, tracing back to Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants. New England is known for maple candies like maple sugar candy and maple creams often enjoyed during foliage season. Saltwater taffy originated in Atlantic City and is strongly associated with the Jersey Shore. Candy shops along historic Route 66 sell orange-flavored taffy and brittle tied to citrus farming areas along the highway's path. Regional candy stores ship specialty items nationwide but also offer a taste of authentic local flavors for visitors. These specialty candy niches help strengthen regional identities while broadening interest in unique American confection traditions.
Candy Sales In The Digital Age
While supers, drugstores, and big box retailers remain the primary retail channels for United States Candy candies, e-commerce is gaining ground rapidly. Top candy producers maintain robust websites with consumer-friendly features like recipes, nutritional info, and a full online store. Digital sales allow customers nationwide to purchase hard-to-find seasonal or regional items or complete gift baskets and subscription programs. Popular third-party online retailers like Amazon and CandyClub also carry a wide selection of national, craft, and import brands. Social media has fueled interest in foodie subcultures focused on candy. Brands engage fans on Instagram and YouTube with behind-the-scenes videos, limited-edition notifications, and influencer collaborations. Newer startups have brought automation and efficiency to online candy sales as well. All these digital innovations ensure that America's candy traditions remain vibrant fixtures of popular culture well into the 21st century.
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Author Bio:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital ing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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