Top Chocolate
Confectionery
Trends
Grounded in research, powered by taste.
The Top Chocolate Trends in 2026 and Beyond report is our most comprehensive view of the future of chocolate confectionery - powered by data, expertise and taste.
In partnership with WGSN, the world’s leading trend forecaster, we combined:
- Insights from over 24,000 consumers across 24 countries.
- Interviews with chefs, chocolatiers, and industry experts.
- On-the-ground early signals and trend scanning in flavor, behavior, and innovation.
This forecast delivers the most relevant, up-to-date view of how consumers, chefs, and brands will shape the future of taste in the chocolate confectionery category.
What’s inside the 2026 Trends Report?
The report explores five trends that will shape the chocolate confectionery industry in 2026 and beyond, from the rise of ‘minorstone’ confectionery to the growing demand for new world flavors, low- and no-confectionery, nutrition-boosted, and sensorial confectionery.
This forward-looking view translates our global research into practical guidance, helping chocolate and confectionery brands navigate the shifting tastes, expectations, and opportunities shaping the industry today.
- Latest consumer data on confectionery needs, preferences and evolving ideals.
- How businesses can optimize their product lines and strategies to meet changing consumer demands.
- Key innovation territories in chocolate confectionery, including new moments, adventurous flavors, mindful ingredients, and sensorial experiences.
See the Future of Chocolate in Action
Key Consumer Insights: ‘Minorstone’, New World Flavors, and Nutrition-Boosted Bites
- Insight 1: The 'Minorstone' Moment: With 87% of global consumers enjoying celebrating smaller or non-traditional milestones with friends and family, 'Minorstone' confectionery moves beyond big holidays to celebrate smaller, more personal, but equally important achievements
- Insight 2: Nuanced Wellness Needs. 78% of consumers research foods that support specific wellness needs. It’s increasingly vital for brands and retailers to offer chocolate that balances pure pleasure with mindful choices—delivering high-nutrition benefits but preserving pure, indulgent taste in chocolate confectionery treats.
- Insight 3: Visual Spectacle: Today, with 80% of consumers seeking chocolate confectionery treats that are visually stunning, a form of art, this makes multisensory appeal as essential as taste.
Shape the future of chocolate innovation
As a brand innovator, understanding where the chocolate confectionery industry is heading helps you stay ahead.
Our Top Chocolate Confectionery Trends 2026 and Beyond report offers the insights you need to design tomorrow’s creations - rooted in taste, guided by data.
Ready to stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of chocolate confectionery? Connect with your local Sales Manager for exclusive insights and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2026 Confectionery Trends
- What are the biggest chocolate confectionery trends for 2026?
The biggest chocolate trends for 2026 and beyond focus on ‘minorstone’ moments, global flavor inspiration, health-forward choices, functional benefits, and multisensorial experiences. Consumers are looking for chocolate that delivers emotion, taste, and purpose.
- Are consumers looking for healthier chocolate in 2026?
Yes. 75% of global consumers actively try to avoid processed foods, and 83% look for shorter ingredient lists when buying chocolate confectionery. In general consumers are prioritizing nutrition-rich confectionery, seeking lower sugar, added benefits or functional ingredients without compromising on taste. Health and taste are no longer seen as opposites.
- How are global flavors influencing chocolate trends?
Global food cultures are playing a growing role in chocolate confectionery innovation. Ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles inspired by Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are shaping new chocolate creations and new taste experiences around the world.
- Why are texture and sensory experiences so important in chocolate confectionery now?
Consumers are moving beyond visual appeal and are seeking richer sensory experiences. Texture contrasts, layering, chewiness, crunch, and unexpected mouthfeels are becoming key drivers of chocolate confectionery indulgence.
- How are chocolate consumption moments changing?
Chocolate is increasingly used to celebrate smaller, everyday ‘minorstone’ moments rather than only major occasions. This shift is driving demand for more personalized formats, gifting-friendly products, and shareable or bite-sized chocolate confectionery.
