When it comes to satisfying our taste buds, chocolate holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Americans. From silky-smooth bars to irresistible peanut butter cups, the world of American chocolate is as diverse as it is delightful. But which ones reign supreme in the nation’s hearts (and stomachs)?
Based on a Statista survey that analyzed US Census data and consumer trends, this article dives into the data to reveal America’s favorite chocolate brands. Get ready to discover the most iconic chocolate brands that have captured our carvings and become household names.
Snickers
Number of consumers – 48.06 million
Snickers reigns supreme as America’s favorite chocolate bar. This Mars creation, dating back to 1930, boasts a winning combination of peanuts, nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate, satisfying both hunger pangs and sweet tooths. With over 15 million bars produced daily, Snickers isn’t just beloved in the US – it’s the world’s most popular candy bar.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
Number of consumers – 42.86 million
While Snickers holds the top spot, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups pose a delicious challenge. These iconic treats, dreamed up by H.B. Reese in 1928, offer a classic combination of creamy peanut butter nestled in milk chocolate. Produced by the Hershey Company, Reese’s boasts an impressive 25 million cups made daily at their Pennsylvania factory, solidifying their place as a beloved American candy.
Hershey’s Kisses
Number of consumers – 42.58 million
Hershey’s Kisses holds a special place in American hearts. Debuting in 1907, these bite-sized milk chocolates in their iconic foil wrappers have been a symbol of sweetness for over a century. Even facing a wartime hiatus due to aluminum rationing, Hershey’s Kisses persevered, returning in 1947 and expanding into a vast array of flavors. With over 70 million produced daily across two factories, Hershey’s Kisses remains a delicious testament to America’s enduring love affair with chocolate.
Kit Kat
Number of consumers – 41.45 million
Kit Kat, the iconic chocolate-covered wafer bar, has a rich history. Originally launched in 1935 by Rowntree Limited of York, it was initially called “Chocolate Crisp.” Later, it was renamed “Kit Kat” after the famous 18th-century Kit-Cat Club in London. Nestlé acquired Rowntree in 1988, and now Kit Kat is produced globally. Interestingly, in the United States, it’s manufactured by the Hershey Company under license from Nestlé. Each country’s Kit Kat recipe is tailored to local preferences, resulting in slight taste variations.
Peanut M&Ms
Number of consumers – 40.36 million
Peanut M&M’s, those delightful candy-coated chocolate treats, have captured the hearts of many Americans. Invented by Forrest Mars, Sr., they were inspired by soldiers eating chocolate coated with a candy shell during the Spanish Civil War. The iconic “M” stamped on each M&M stands for Mars & Murrie, signifying the collaboration between Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie. The peanut variety joined the lineup in 1956 despite Mars being allergic to peanuts.
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
Number of consumers – 29.02 million
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate has become an enduring favorite in the United States for several reasons. In 1900, Milton S. Hershey introduced the first Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar to provide an affordable treat for all. The chocolate’s smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and unique flavor set it apart. Hershey’s uses fresh milk from Pennsylvania dairy farms, contributing to its distinct taste. This iconic milk chocolate continues to evoke nostalgia and delight chocolate lovers nationwide.
Almond Joy
Number of consumers – 27.48 million
Almond Joy, a beloved American chocolate, has a fascinating history. Created by Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing in 1946, it was designed as the nuttier counterpart to the Mounds bar. Almond Joy features sweetened coconut, adorned with two whole almonds, and enrobed in dark chocolate. Interestingly, Cadbury acquired Peter Paul in 1978, and later, Hershey took over the company’s US operations in 1988. Almond Joy remains a classic choice for those who crave a delightful blend of coconut, almonds, and rich chocolate.
Butterfinger
Number of consumers – 25.82 million
Butterfinger boasts a rich history since 1923, when Otto Schnering of the Curtiss Candy Company created it. Known for its unique “chocolatey” coating and crispy peanut butter center, it’s a long-time favorite. As a clever marketing stunt, the company dropped Butterfinger and Baby Ruth candy bars from airplanes across US cities, boosting its popularity. The candy bar even appeared in the 1934 film “Baby Take a Bow,” featuring the legendary Shirley Temple.
Hershey’s Almond
Number of consumers – 25.51 million
A true American favorite, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds combines creamy milk chocolate with the delightful crunch of whole almonds. This classic candy bar comes in a satisfying 1.45 oz size and is loved for its textural contrast. When Hershey’s attempted to update this bar in 2016 by using chopped almonds instead of whole almonds, the outcry was so great that they quickly reverted to the original whole almond version.
3 Musketeers
Number of consumers – 22 million
3 Musketeers consist of chocolate-covered, fluffy, whipped nougat. Introduced in 1932, the 3 Musketeers Bar originally featured three flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—hence the name, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers. Over time, rising costs and wartime sugar restrictions led to the phasing out of vanilla and strawberry, leaving only the popular chocolate flavor. While it offers occasional limited editions like mint or birthday cake, the core experience of chocolatey indulgence with a melt-in-your-mouth center remains a favorite.
Twix
Number of consumers – 20.53 million
The Twix bar made its American debut in 1979 after originating in the United Kingdom in 19671. Twix, the beloved caramel shortbread chocolate bar, owes its popularity to a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It is encased in milk chocolate and features a layer of smooth caramel atop a crunchy biscuit. Clever marketing campaigns, including the “Pick a Side” rivalry, have further endeared Twix to consumers.
Dove Chocolate Promises
Number of consumers – 19.86 million
The sweet saga began in 1939 when Leo Stefanos, a Greek-American visionary, established Dove Candies & Ice Cream on a bustling Chicago street corner. Dove Promises offers a luxurious experience in bite-sized form. Each individually wrapped treat features Dove’s velvety milk chocolate, sometimes adorned with uplifting messages for extra delight. Whether you savor the classic flavor or choose the caramel-infused version, Dove Promises provides a shareable indulgence.
Milky Way
Number of consumers – 16.76 million
The Milky Way chocolate bar, named after a galaxy, has been a favorite for nearly 100 years. Its iconic brown, green, and white wrapper conceals a delightful combination of chocolate, nougat, and caramel. The nougat layer provides a soft, chewy texture, while the caramel adds a rich, buttery flavor. Encased in smooth milk chocolate, the Milky Way remains a classic treat that transcends time and taste buds. Interestingly, its name and taste were inspired by a popular malted milk drink from the 1920s rather than the astronomical galaxy itself.
Starburst
Number of consumers – 16.02 million
Starburst, those vibrantly colored, fruit-flavored chews, have been a candy staple since the 1960s. Initially launched in the UK by Mars, Starburst’s chewy, taffy-like texture quickly won over candy lovers. By 1967, it had landed in the US, offering a fun and portable snack that burst with flavor (the name itself a nod to both the taste sensation and the space race era). Unlike typical chocolate bars, Starburst’s unique chewiness is a perfect on-the-go treat.
Baby Ruth
Number of consumers – 15.52 million
Baby Ruth, an American candy bar, has been a favorite for over 100 years. Crafted by the Curtiss Candy Company in 1920, it combines peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate-flavored nougat, all compound chocolate. The intriguing name, however, has a fascinating backstory. Though it coincides with Babe Ruth’s rise to fame, the company claims it honors a president’s daughter, raising eyebrows considering the timing.