Sugar-free confectionery market to reach US$ 3.9B by 2033 – Persistence Market Research
Sugar-free products are gaining popularity due to their compatibility with healthy diet trends.
GLOBAL – The global sugar-free confectionery market is projected to reach US$3.9 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% over the forecast period.
Estimated at US$2.4 billion in 2023, the growth is driven by rising health concerns, such as obesity, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes, which are prompting individuals to moderate their sugar intake.
The report showed that sugar-free chocolate confections dominate, accounting for nearly 62.9% of the market share. The sugar-free confectionery market is segmented based on product type and sales channel.
In terms of product types, the market is divided into sugar-free conventional confections, including chews & jellies, boiled hard candy, and marshmallows, and sugar-free chocolate confections, such as chocolate bars, caramel-filled chocolates, and chocolate candy.
Among these, sugar-free chocolate confections dominate the market due to their compatibility with health-focused diets and the rising demand for functional snacks that offer indulgence without guilt.
When segmented by sales channels, hypermarkets and supermarkets significantly serve the market, with a significant share exceeding US$1 billion in 2023.
One of the core drivers propelling the sugar-free confectionery market is the increasing global health consciousness.
Rising cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are encouraging consumers to switch to healthier alternatives.
Integrating natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, which offer zero or low calories without compromising taste, further pushes demand.
Moreover, product claims of “no added sugar” have significantly influenced purchasing behaviors. Post-COVID-19, the heightened awareness of health and nutrition has transformed the confectionery space, where consumers seek indulgence without adverse health effects.
Fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious demographics are now drawn to sugar-free options, further widening the target audience for manufacturers.
Europe leads the sugar-free confectionery market, primarily driven by the demand for calorie-conscious confections. The UK market had a 13.3% value share in 2023, reflecting its strong consumer base for sugar-free confections.
A significant challenge is the perceived taste compromise associated with sugar-free products. Many consumers still equate sugar-free confections with an aftertaste or lack of indulgence, which affects repeat purchases.
The cost of natural sweeteners and the complexity of product formulations using sugar alternatives make these products more expensive than their sugar-laden counterparts, thus limiting affordability in price-sensitive markets.
On the flip side, the market is rich with opportunities. The growing inclination towards natural and organic products offers ample scope for innovation in sugar-free confections.
Additionally, technological advancements in sweetener formulation and production techniques allow companies to create products that closely mimic the taste of traditional sugar-based confections.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
