September 2, 2025 – Actions to influence chocolate trends in the US and Canada involve consideration of consumer desires, chocolate formats, flavors, packaging, sustainability, and more.
Chocolates Deliver Taste, Form, and Function
Manufacturers produce chocolates that meet consumer expectations for taste and flavor, chocolate format, and usage occasions. This involves a chocolate brand portfolio that has different intensities of chocolate, fun formats that include clusters and cups, and products aligned with the needs of different demographics. Manufacturers that offer a lot of variety in chocolate intensity, format, and target consumers can have a greater reach and capture attention from the shelf. Consumers in the US and Canada enjoy different intensities of chocolate. These can include dark unsweetened, dark bittersweet, dark semisweet, milk, and white chocolates. Chocolate shapes can span a broad range that includes chocolate blocks, balls, wafers, bars, center-filled, and novelty shapes. It’s important to tailor offering to various consumer segments, including chocolates for kids, chocolates for adults, and chocolates for the health-conscious North American consumer.
Consumers in the US and Canada Have Different Values, Desires
Manufacturers can work toward success by creating chocolate products to match North American consumer values and desires. One example is limited-edition and seasonal chocolates that can attract North American consumers and generate anticipation and excitement. Limited edition and seasonal chocolates reward US and Canadian consumers who look forward to rewards and indulgences that create special occasions. Another desired feature is dietary inclusivity, meaning that a chocolate appeals to US and Canadian consumers who are on different types of diets. According to consumer trends research and chocolate trends, many consumers in the US and Canada seek diet-specific products such as plant-based chocolates. Plant-based chocolates are suitable for North American consumers who are on various related diets, including vegan, lactose-free, and flexitarian. Plant-based chocolates also appeal to consumers who seek ethically produced products. Clean product features such as organic ingredients, clear label language, simplicity, and transparency build trust and boost consumer confidence in a product and brand. Chocolates should be free of artificial ingredients and additives.
Craft, Quality, and Climate Considerations for Chocolate
Manufacturers can boost the image of chocolate products in the US and Canada by offering quality, craft production, and sourcing that is climate conscious. They can build trust among North American chocolate consumers by using real cocoa and describing the origins of cocoa ingredients, which also improves consumer perception of the chocolate product. Consumers are attracted to products made using traditional techniques that add to the perception of authenticity. Chocolate products with real ingredients signify quality and premium for consumers in North America. According to Innova Market Insights, chocolate trends reveal that North American consumers view quality as the most important feature in food and beverage products.” Small-batch production can appeal to consumers who seek artisanal products. Sustainability in cocoa sourcing can attract US and Canadian consumers who want to support the climate. Other ethical cocoa practices include protecting nature, supporting farmers and using ingredients that are responsibly sourced and are traceable. These types of features help differentiate premium chocolate in the North American market. Keep in mind that consumer trends research shows that top valued aspects of traditional food and beverage products in the US and Canada are local ingredients, familiar flavors, and traditional cooking techniques.
Include Package Features That Meet North American Consumer Expectations
Consumers in the US and Canada today have a lot of expectations around product packaging. Chocolate manufacturers can upgrade their packaging with numerous features to enhance functionality, sustainability, and value. One is to offer handy package formats that are resealable, easy to open and close, easy to manage portions, and portable for North America consumers who snack on the go. Consumer trends research shows that on-the-go chocolate products are a priority for consumers in the US and Canada. Chocolate trends with recyclable packaging materials can meet the eco demands of the North American consumer. Packaging made from recycled materials, reusable materials, or biodegradable packaging demonstrates sustainability. Consumers appreciate the value in premium chocolates that are ready for gifting and special occasions. Various types of packaging can include structured boxes, premium wrapping, and seasonal themes that are suitable for special occasions.
Sensory Features Attract the North American Consumer
Using flavors that are indulgent, real, and comforting can attract chocolate consumer in Canada and the US. Sensory options could include flavors inspired by desserts, brown flavors in products with appealing creamy textures that are comforting to consumers, and inclusions of real and natural ingredients such as nuts and fruit that boost flavor. Adding multiple features can meet North American consumer expectations on many levels – sensory appeal, richness, authenticity, adventure, and nostalgia. According to consumer trends research conducted by Innova, US and Canadian consumers are highly influenced by flavors that are familiar or comforting. At the same time, chocolates that offer combinations of flavors connote indulgence and boost excitement. Craft indulgent chocolate experiences with cross-category flavor fusions. “I am looking for crazy creations that provide me with the ultimate indulgent experience.”
What’s Next for Chocolate in the US and Canada?
Cocoa-free products innovate around sustainability and resilience in the supply chain. Cocoa-free products can be both indulgent and planet-friendly. They meet consumer expectations for indulgent products that are ethical and sustainable. Another sustainability action is to use upcycled cocoa fruit. This adds flavor depth and natural sweetness, and cuts waste. Highlight sustainability efforts by using upcycled cocoa fruit in chocolate. Products can be indulgent and have eco-appeal. Highlight the natural functionality of dark chocolate. It is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids that promote heart health and help decrease inflammation. Increase the protein content of chocolates. This approach combines indulgence and nutrition with a functional chocolate product for energy and satiety for active lifestyles. Include bold and spicy flavors for excitement, sensory stimulation, and indulgence.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Chocolate in the US & Canada report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more