America’s Undying, Slightly Obsessive Love Affair With Chocolate
Jul 7, 2026, 7:44 AM | Updated: 9:13 am
Let’s be real — America doesn’t just like chocolate. America is in a full-on, committed, no-apologies relationship with it. And today, July 7, the whole world is right there with us.
World Chocolate Day, celebrated every July 7, is a global observance dedicated to one of the world’s most loved and indulgent treats. So grab a bar (or three), settle in, and let’s talk about just how deep this national — and now international — chocolate obsession really goes.
Why July 7, Though?
Fair question. World Chocolate Day has been observed since 2009, and July 7 was chosen because it’s thought to be the anniversary of chocolate’s introduction to Europe in 1550. Before that, chocolate had been drunk, worshipped, and used as currency in Mesoamerica for thousands of years. The Olmec, one of the earliest civilizations in Mesoamerica, are thought to have been the first to turn the cocoa plant into a drink, using it in rituals and as medicine.
The Aztecs loved their newly discovered liquid chocolate so much that they believed the god of wisdom literally bestowed it upon them, and cocoa seeds even acted as a form of currency. Honestly, that’s not a bad monetary system.
Many present-day chocolate companies began operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with Cadbury beginning in 1868, Nestlé in 1875, Milton Hershey starting to sell the Hershey bar in 1895 — making chocolate affordable for the average person — and the first Mars bars made in 1932. The rest, as they say, is delicious history.
America Is No. 1, Baby
The United States remains one of the biggest players when it comes to chocolate consumption, trade, and overall market presence, and the U.S. market revenue of chocolate confectionery is only expected to increase. The U.S. chocolate confectionery market was estimated to be worth $24 billion in 2025. That’s billion with a B.
Three of the five biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world are American. Take that, Belgium.
While around 90% of Americans like chocolate, approximately 75% of U.S. adults consume it at least once a week. Three times a week. No judgment here — we’re right there with you.
We’ll Give Up Almost Anything for It
Think you love chocolate? A new survey by Lily’s Sweets put that love to the test — and Americans delivered. When asked what they’d sacrifice for a chance to win a year’s supply of chocolate, the results were… illuminating.
- 51% of people said they’d give up their favorite alcoholic beverage for a week. Goodbye, happy hour.
- 48% of women said they’d ditch their makeup for a week. Foundation? Who needs it when you have chocolate.
- 48% of people said they’d dump social media for a week. No scrolling, no posting, no problem.
- And a bold 28% said they’d give up lovemaking for an entire month.
At that point, it’s not a sweet tooth — it’s a lifestyle.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Chocolate accounted for $21.4 billion in confectionery sales — a new high — with 65% of consumers turning to chocolate as an affordable treat. Despite increased food costs and economic uncertainty, Americans are leaving room in their budgets to treat themselves and others to chocolate.
A whopping 94% of consumers sometimes purchase chocolate just for themselves to enjoy, and 72% feel chocolate belongs in a happy, balanced lifestyle. In fact, 21% are consuming more chocolate than last year. Balanced is a strong word, but sure, we’ll allow it.
Consumers continue to seek out and enjoy chocolate throughout the year — especially around the big four seasons: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the winter holidays — which account for 65% of total chocolate sales. Basically, any holiday is a chocolate holiday if you try hard enough.
What Kind Are We Eating?
Milk chocolate remains Americans’ preferred chocolate at 40%, followed by dark chocolate at 28% and white chocolate at 7%, while 26% of consumers would be happy with any variety. Translation: most of us just want chocolate — no questions asked.
About 47% of consumers prefer their chocolate with ingredients such as caramel, peanut butter, almonds, and peanuts. Because apparently plain chocolate is just too simple for this country. We need the works.
The Top 10 Chocolate Bars in America
According to a survey by Menu Price, these are the bars Americans keep reaching for:
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Milky Way |
| 2 | Hershey’s |
| 2 | Twix |
| 4 | Kit Kat |
| 5 | Snickers |
| 6 | Reese’s |
| 7 | Skittles ( Does have a chocolate option but really?) |
| 8 | Bounty |
| 9 | Butterfinger |
| 10 | 3 Musketeers |
In 2025, Hershey’s was consumed by over 50% of American adults in the past year, while more than 40% tried M&M’s, Reese’s, Snickers, and KitKat. Founded by Milton Hershey in 1894, the Hershey Company has become one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate in North America — and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Where Is This All Headed?
Up. Way up. The U.S. chocolate market is expected to rise with a CAGR of 3.79% during 2025-2033 and reach $49.26 billion in 2033. Growth is being driven by increased demand for premium chocolates, healthier chocolate, and rising usage of chocolates as gifts and treats.
More than 90% of Americans plan to gift chocolate for Christmas, and Halloween is the most popular time of year to buy chocolate, with Nov. 1 being the biggest single day for chocolate sales in the U.S. The day after Halloween. Because we’re buying it all back at 50% off. Respect.
How to Celebrate Today
Every July 7, World Chocolate Day invites people to celebrate not only the delicious flavors of chocolate but also the farmers, artisans, chocolatiers, and traditions that make every piece possible. Whether you go full gourmet or rip open a candy bar in a gas station parking lot — no shame, truly — chocolate earns its global day of honor.
Happy World Chocolate Day. Go eat something.
