Sugar Free Chocolate Market Trends

Global Sugar-free Chocolate Market Overview

Sugar-free Chocolate Market Size was valued at USD 1.3 Billion in 2022. The sugar-free chocolate industry is projected to grow from USD 1.37 Billion in 2024 to USD 2.086 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Consumers are gravitating towards meals that provide enjoyment without the need for sugar due to changing lifestyles and in response to various nutritional guidelines. Thus, these market drivers have helped to fuel the growth of the market of sugar-free chocolate worldwide.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Sugar-free Chocolate Market Trends

• Rising adoption for healthy food products will boost the market growth

As consumers adopt healthier diets, per capita income rises, and preferences change, an increasing appetite for nutrient-dense foods increases. Due to rising trends in healthy snacking, sugar-free chocolates are getting increasingly popular, which could boost sales. Businesses focus on producing goods that meet customer demands. Furthermore, adding the product to muffins, puddings, cakes, and other baked items is anticipated to benefit sugar-free chocolate. These components are likely what drive the sugar-free chocolate industry CAGR.

Furthermore, in response to the rising obesity rates worldwide, people have started consuming more low-sugar or sugar-free items, like sugar-free chocolates. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity can all be caused by eating too many sugars and carbohydrates. As a result, customers are focusing more on eating foods without added sugar, causing the market for sugar-free chocolate to grow globally.

However, consumers increasingly opt for low-calorie, certified, and plant-based products even when they want to indulge. This is a result of evolving eating patterns. Chocolate manufacturers are responding to consumers' growing need for indulgence by providing cutting-edge chocolates that are both tasty and nourishing. Sugar-free, vegan, organic, and non-GMO verified chocolate has been added to the product ranges of renowned brands, including the Hershey Company and Nestle S.A. Thus, driving the market of sugar-free chocolate revenue.

Segment Insights

Sugar-free Chocolate Main Ingredients Insights

The sugar-free chocolate market segmentation, based on main ingredients includes cocoa beans, sugar substitute, cocoa butter, fat & oil, cocoa liquor and others. The cocoa beans segment dominated the market due to its inclusion in dark chocolates, a popular choice among customers.

Sugar-free Chocolate Category Insights

The sugar-free chocolate market segmentation, based on category includes 100% sugar free, and no added sugar. The 100% sugar free segment dominated the market because it is low in fat and artificial sweeteners are used to sweeten it in place of sugar.

Sugar-free Chocolate Type Insights

The sugar-free chocolate market segmentation, based on type includes dark, milk and white. The dark segment dominated the market because dark chocolate contains more nutrients than other kinds, it is healthier. Dark chocolate's higher concentrations of cocoa butter and powder have also been demonstrated to enhance mental performance and work as powerful antidepressants since they can increase serotonin levels.

Sugar-free Chocolate Distribution channel Insights

The sugar-free chocolate market segmentation, based on distribution channel, includes store based and non-store based. The store-based category generated the most income. The mass merchandiser stores have made it possible for customers to select from various products and pricing points. In addition, they facilitate the convenience of shopping for goods under one roof and provide product-specific shelves, product information boards, a variety of offers, bundling schemes, and bundling discounts.

Figure 1: Sugar-free Chocolate Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Sugar-free Chocolate Regional Insights

By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American sugar-free chocolate market area will dominate this market because people are consuming more low-fat and sugar-free goods. Due to the growing popularity of healthy between-meal snacks, the rise in the working population has also impacted the consumption of sugar-free chocolate.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: SUGAR-FREE CHOCOLATE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe sugar-free chocolate market accounts for the second-largest market share because it is one of the biggest markets for manufacturing and processing chocolate. Germany and Switzerland are two of the nations that consume the most sugar-free chocolate. This is mostly caused by the rise in demand for organic and sustainably produced cocoa goods and dark chocolate. Further, the German sugar-free chocolate held the largest market share, and the UK sugar-free chocolate industry was the fastest growing market in the European region

The Asia-Pacific Sugar-free chocolate Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. Rapid urbanization and consumer willingness to pay higher prices for such products have fueled the market's expansion. The availability of labor has boosted the demand for sugar-free chocolate, and as a result, many businesses are setting up production facilities in potential countries like China and India. Moreover, China’s market of sugar-free chocolate held the largest market share, and the Indian sugar-free chocolate industry was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sugar-free Chocolate Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the sugar-free chocolate market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, sugar-free chocolate industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the sugar-free chocolate industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the sugar-free chocolate industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to market. Major players in the sugar-free chocolate market attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations include Hershey (U.S.), Godiva Chocolatier (U.S.), Lindt & Sprüngli (France), Russell Stover (U.S.), Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (U.S.), Thin (U.S.), and Guilin (Belgium).

The Hershey Company is a chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery manufacturer and distributor. Chocolate; sugar confectionery; gum and mint refreshment products; pantry items such as beverages; baking materials, toppings, and snack items such as bars, spreads, and snack pieces and mixes are among its main offerings. It sells its products under Hershey's, Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Reese's, and Ice Breakers. Grocery stores, dollar stores, concessionaires, drug stores, department stores, wholesale clubs, wholesale distributors, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, and vending firms are among the company's primary customers.

Lindt & Sprungli AG (Lindt) produces, sells, and markets chocolate-related goods. The business's product line includes milk and dark chocolates, pralines, tablets, truffles and cookies. Lindt's brands to promote its goods are Lindt, Ghirardelli, Hofbauer, Kufferle, Whitman's, Caffarel, Russell Stover, and Pangburn's. The business offers its goods through various channels, including boutiques, trade partners, delivery partners, retail locations, and department stores. Additionally, it markets goods via various e-commerce outlets.

Key Companies in the sugar-free chocolate market include

• Hershey (U.S.)


• Godiva Chocolatier (U.S.)


• Lindt & Sprüngli (France)


• Russell Stover (U.S.)


• Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (U.S.)


• Thin (U.S.)


• Guilin (Belgium)

Sugar-free Chocolate Industry Developments

April 2022: Yumy Candy Company Inc. announced that it is cooperating with the largest US distribution networks that share the company's guiding principles to enter the American market with its lower-sugar, healthier confections.

March 2022: The company Cocomels announced that it is producing new '1g Sugar' chocolate-covered sea salt and crispy nibbles, each with less than 1g of sugar and only 100 calories. The company's well-liked '1g sugar' line is being expanded. Additionally, the product has no dairy, chemical additives, gluten, corn syrup, cholesterol, sugar alcohols, or palm oil. 60% dark chocolate has been sweetened with allulose, a natural sugar replacement, in the newly released Cocomels nibbles.

Sugar-free Chocolate Market Segmentation

Sugar-Free Chocolate Main Ingredients Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Cocoa Beans


• Sugar Substitute


• Cocoa Butter


• Fat & Oil


• Cocoa Liquor 


• Others

Sugar-Free Chocolate Category Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• 100% Sugar Free


• No Added Sugar

Sugar-Free Chocolate Type Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Dark


• Milk


• White

Sugar-Free Chocolate Distribution Channel Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Store Based


• Non-Store Based

Sugar-Free Chocolate Regional Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America