Global Sugar-Free Confectionery Market Overview:
Sugar-Free Confectionery market was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2022. The Sugar-Free Confectionery market industry is projected to grow from USD 2.31 Billion in 2023 to USD 3.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). The common perception that the sugar-free version is healthier than its traditional counterparts is credited with the growth. Due to their lower calorie content, these candies are produced with artificial sweeteners or sugar replacements such as saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame, and neotame. Increased investment in sugar alcohol as a healthy ingredient in confectionery product manufacture is anticipated to continue as a major industry trend, thus driving the growth of the Sugar-Free Confectionery market. These are just a few of the market drivers that are driving the market.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Sugar-Free Confectionery Market Trends
- Rise in confectionery consumption worldwide to propel market growth
Due to the rise in confectionery consumption worldwide, the sugar-free chocolate market is expanding rapidly. Chocolate labeled "sugar-free" means that each serving has fewer than grams of sugar. Due to their low-calorie content and changing eating habits, customers today prefer sugar-free chocolates. The sugar-free chocolates are made with sugar substitutes like maltitol and stevia, which aid in maintaining the body's natural, ideal sugar level. Due to rising consumer demand, numerous sugar-free chocolate producers are also introducing new organic and non-GMO kinds, supporting the market's expansion.
Because of their ease and high energy level, chocolates and other confectionery items are typically eaten as snacks. However, consumers are looking for creative and healthy food products as they become more health concerned. A developing trend to grab consumers' attention is the introduction of diverse sugar-free chocolates in novel flavors and eye-catching packaging. This will help expand chocolate and confectionery products, including sugar-free chocolates. Thus, this factor is driving the market CAGR.
Due to the increased prevalence of numerous health issues like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, customers have recently favored sugar-free and low-calorie products. The World Health Organization found that since 1975, obesity has increased by 18%. This has significantly impacted how well sugar-free chocolates are selling. Consumers are gravitating towards meals that provide enjoyment without sugar due to changing lifestyles and in response to various dietary guidelines. Hence, these reasons have helped to fuel the growth of the sugar-free chocolate industry worldwide.
The rising number of diabetic cases has also opened up a huge market for sugar-free candy. 34.2 million Americans had diabetes in 2018, according to the National Diabetes Statistical Report, 2020, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It also concluded that adult diabetes prevalence rose with age. In contrast to 26.8% of the population aged 65 or older, diabetes affected 21.4% of all U.S. people aged 18 or older. Thus, it is anticipated that this aspect will accelerate Sugar-Free Confectionery market revenue globally.
Sugar-Free Confectionery Market Segment Insights:
Sugar-Free Confectionery Type Insights
The Sugar-Free Confectionery market segmentation, based on type includes sweets, candy, candy nuts, chocolates, chewing gum, and others. The chocolates segment held the majority share in 2022 in the Sugar-Free Confectionery market data. In 2022, sugar-free chocolate candy dominated the market with a share of more than 40.0%. Maltitol, considered safe for diabetic individuals, is the primary sweetener used in most of these products. Dark chocolate is a popular product in this category since it contains more cocoa and less sugar and milk. This is because darker chocolate has a higher cocoa content.
Sugar-Free Confectionery Packaging Insights
The Sugar-Free Confectionery market segmentation, based on packaging includes sachets, boxes, others. The boxes segment dominated the market growth in 2022 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2032. Many people are drawn to new product developments like candy with additional flavors infused into it. Manufacturers are exploring novel encapsulation processes for sugar-free confectionery to establish a novel product in the market and acquire momentum. Since the packaging is the first aspect of the finished product that customers will notice when evaluating a product's quality, the manufacturer must choose appealing packaging. Based on the details provided on the package, the buyer distinguishes the sugar-free candy from other brands before even tasting it., hence contributing in the growth of the Sugar-Free Confectionery market.
Sugar-Free Confectionery Distribution Channel Insights
The Sugar-Free Confectionery market segmentation, based on distribution channel includes, Store-Based, Non-Store-Based. The Store-Based segment held the majority share in 2022 in the Sugar-Free Confectionery market data. The three main store-based distribution channels are supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores. The sales of these beverages have expanded due to more shelf space in physical venues such as supermarkets, convenience stores, grocery stores, health food stores, and pharmacies.
Figure 2: Sugar-Free Store-Based Market, by Bacteria, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Sugar-Free Confectionery Regional Insights
By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America Sugar-Free Confectionery market accounted for USD 1.0076 billion in 2022 with a share of around 45.80% and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study periodAwareness of the negative effects of the U.S.'s growing sugar consumption is a big factor in the marketing of sugar-free candy. The main cause of the growing obesity problem is well-known to be sugar. The CDC National Center for Health Statistics reports that from 2017 to 2018, the prevalence of obesity was 42.4%. Many have been attempting to reduce their daily sugar intake by favoring sugar-free goods. New product development, partnerships, partnerships, expansions, mergers, and acquisitions are the main strategies used by the organisations in the market.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: SUGAR-FREE CONFECTIONERY MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe Sugar-Free Confectionery market accounts for the second-largest market share. The European market's need for items without added sugar is boosting market expansion in this country. Market expansion is aided by rising customer choice for sugar-free treats emphasizing tooth friendliness and calorie savings. Moreover, UK Sugar-Free Confectionery market held the largest market share, and the Germany Sugar-Free Confectionery market was the fastest growing market in the region.
Asia Pacific Sugar-Free Confectionery Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2032. The World Health Organization reported that in August 2017, there was a sharp rise in type 2 diabetes cases. 90% of the 96 million individuals in the area who have diabetes, 90% of which are type 2, can be prevented by cutting back on sugar intake. As a result, the market for sugar-free candy is predicted to grow significantly in the area. Further, the China Sugar-Free Confectionery market held the largest market share, and the India Sugar-Free Confectionery market was the fastest-growing market in the region.
Sugar-Free Confectionery Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Sugar-Free Confectionery market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, contractual agreements, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Sugar-Free Confectionery industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the Sugar-Free Confectionery industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, Sugar-Free Confectionery industry has provided medicine with some of the most significant benefits. The Sugar-Free Confectionery market major player such THE HERSHEY COMPANY, Nestlé, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG.
In order to meet the needs of the most recent trends and advancements in the food and feed sector, BENEO is a partner. Sweet Collection, a collection of sugar-free candies with real flavours, was presented by Beneo. By including a healthy indulgence and sensual immersion, the collection focuses on excitement and authenticity. The business worked with taste development partner Symrise to produce the best flavour.
Nestlé S.A. is an international food and beverage processing conglomerate firm located in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland. According to revenue and other measures, it has been the largest publicly traded food company since 2014. Nestlé S.A. expanded its line of sugar-free goods in July 2019. In 2019, the company introduced its sugar-free KitKat chocolate bars to the Japanese market. In 2020, it began selling its sugar-free goods internationally.
Key Companies in the Sugar-Free Confectionery market includes
- THE HERSHEY COMPANY
- Nestlé
- Mars Incorporated
- Mondelez International
- Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
- Ferrero
- HARIBO of America Inc.
Sugar-Free Confectionery Industry Developments
October 2021: Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory AG made investments in US production plants. This will aid long-term product volume growth and the expansion of its North American logistics network.
February 2020: Sweet Collection, sugar-free candies with real flavors, was presented by Beneo. The collection focuses on excitement and authenticity by including a healthy indulgence and sensual immersion. The business worked with taste development partner Symrise to produce the best flavor.
Sugar-Free Confectionery Market Segmentation:
Sugar-Free Confectionery Type Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)
- Sweets
- Candy
- Candy Nuts
- Chocolates
- Chewing Gum
- Others
Sugar-Free Confectionery Packaging Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)
Sugar-Free Confectionery Distribution Channel Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)
- Store-Based
- Non-Store-Based
Sugar-Free Confectionery Regional Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)
- North America
- 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
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2022 |
USD 2.2 billion |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 2.31 billion |
Market Size 2032 |
USD 3.13 billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
 5.2 % (2023-2032) |
Base Year |
2022 |
Market Forecast Period |
2023-2032 |
Historical Data |
2019 - 2022 |
Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Type, Packaging, Distribution Channleand Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World |
Countries Covered |
The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
Key Companies Profiled |
THE HERSHEY COMPANY, Nestlé, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG |
Key Market Opportunities |
Increased demand for healthy sweets |
Key Market Dynamics |
Rise in confectionery consumption worldwide |
Sugar-Free Confectionery Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Sugar-Free Confectionery market size was valued at USD 2.2 Billion in 2022.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period, 2022-2032.
North America had the largest share in the market
The key players in the market are THE HERSHEY COMPANY, Nestlé, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG.
The chocolate category dominated the market in 2022.
The store-based had the largest share in the market.