Dark Chocolate Market Size, Share, Analysis, Trends, Growth, 2034

Dark Chocolate Industry Prospective:

The global dark chocolate market size was worth around USD 65.63 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 143.54 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.14% between 2025 and 2034.

Request Free Sample

Dark Chocolate Market: Overview

Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains less sugar and more cocoa content compared to more popularly consumed milk chocolate. It is primarily made of sugar, cocoa butter, and cocoa solids. One of the distinct features of dark chocolate is witnessed in the form of a slightly bitter taste compared to milk counterparts, and hence, the chocolate enjoys popularity among a limited consumer base.

However, studies indicate that dark chocolate is often associated with several health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health. Dark chocolates are available in several forms depending on the range of cocoa solids in the chocolate. The bitter taste of dark chocolates is directly proportional to the amount of cocoa solids.

During the forecast period, the industry for dark chocolates is expected to grow steadily due to the growing consumer awareness about the health benefits of occasional consumption of the high solid cocoa content food item.

Furthermore, increasing tourism, changing consumer lifestyles, and global expansion of dark chocolate brands will pave the way for monumental growth in the future. The bitter taste of the confectionery item may limit the overall market growth potential, according to industry research.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global dark chocolate market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 8.14% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global dark chocolate market size was valued at around USD 65.63 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 143.54 billion by 2034.
• The dark chocolate market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing awareness about the health benefits of dark chocolate.
• Based on the type, the conventional segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the channel, the modern trade segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Dark Chocolate Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing awareness about the health benefits of dark chocolate to propel market expansion

The global dark chocolate market is expected to witness high growth due to rising awareness among consumers about the health benefits of chocolate. According to market research, pure chocolate is considered a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. Since dark chocolates inherently contain less sugar, they are considered healthier than milk-based counterparts.

Furthermore, the antioxidative properties of the bitter-tasting chocolate are known to have a considerable positive impact on managing heart-related conditions and diabetes. It also extends benefits to rare diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. As per official studies, integrating dark chocolates and almonds into the American diet can help reduce the risk of developing coronary heart diseases.

In 2022, The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry published a study by South Korean researchers indicating that consuming 85% cocoa dark chocolate helps improve microbial activity in the human gut. The increasing number of verified and published data on web channels has helped improve customer awareness, further creating demand for dark chocolates worldwide.

Increasing tourism and changing consumer lifestyle to fuel market revenue in the coming years

Recent market trends indicate that domestic and international tourism has a considerable impact on the food & beverages industry, especially confectionary items. Travelers are more prone to buying native chocolates when traveling for friends and family.

Additionally, the growing expansion of specialty stores across major airports and railway stations in a bid to attract more consumers is further helping the industry thrive.

In September 2024, the popular Italian chocolate brand Venchi was launched at the Mumbai Duty-Free International Airport in India. The brand offers highly anticipated chocolates such as Truffle Nougatine Chocolate Cigar and Milk Gianduja With Hazelnuts Bar. The global dark chocolate market will continue to gain momentum in the coming years as the travel & tourism industry grows.

Dark Chocolate Market: Restraints

Bitter taste of the chocolates to limit market adoption rate in the future

The global dark chocolate industry is projected to be limited by the unconventional tastes of the chocolate. Since dark confectionary items contain higher levels of cocoa solids, they taste bitter and thus do not enjoy higher popularity than milk chocolates. Developing a taste for dark chocolates can be difficult for a wide range of potential consumers.

Dark Chocolate Market: Opportunities

Increasing the launch of new products in the market to open novel growth avenues

The global dark chocolate market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising launch of new products. Industry players are investing in developing new dark chocolate formats and adding novel ingredients to provide consumers with an indulgent experience.

For instance, In January 2024, Nestle, one of the leading food & beverages (F&B) companies in the world, announced the launch of a 70% dark chocolate KitKat bar in Ireland and the UK, marking a first-of-its-kind step for both Nestle and KitKat.

In February 2024, Lindt, a Swiss premium chocolate brand, launched Lindor dark 70% chocolate truffles as the company extended its product portfolio.

Furthermore, market players are also focusing on ensuring sustainable business practices, which may motivate consumers to choose a particular chocolate brand.

Key areas for companies offering confectionery items in the past few years have been around ethical sourcing and community impact. The latter also deals with improved working conditions for cocoa cultivators and optimal monetary return for ingredient providers.

Dark Chocolate Market: Challenges

Intensifying competition and raw material supply chain disruptions to challenge industry expansion

The global dark chocolate industry is expected to be challenged by the growing competition within the industry. Since dark chocolates are gaining extreme popularity, there has been an increase in the number of industry players. Existing chocolate companies, including premium and luxury brands, are increasingly offering new products.

In addition, the market players may face additional challenges due to frequent disruptions in the supply chain of raw materials. The production rate of cocoa, for instance, is dependent on several external factors, such as climate conditions and trading relationships between raw material providers and seekers. The volatility in the supply chain of essential ingredients may affect market revenue in the future.

Chocolate Market: Report Scope

Dark Chocolate Market: Segmentation

The global dark chocolate market is segmented based on type, application, sales channel, and region.

Based on the type, the global market segments are conventional and organic. In 2024, the highest demand was listed in the conventional segment. According to market research, the former type is more affordable than organic dark chocolates.

In addition to this, the ready availability of conventional dark chocolates further helps the segment generate excellent revenue. Dark chocolates typically contain cocoa solids in the range of 50% to 90%, while milk chocolate is made of 15% to 20% cocoa content.

Based on application, the global dark chocolate industry is divided into cosmetics, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and others.

Based on the sales channel, the global market divisions are online stores, specialty stores, pharmaceutical & confectionery stores, modern trade, and others. In 2024, the modern trade segment generated the highest revenue, which held prominence over 38.5% of the total revenue. The increasing popularity of large supermarkets & hypermarket chains such as Walmart, Tesco, and others is fueling the segmental revenue. These facilities offer a wide range of dark chocolate options under one roof and tend to provide heavy discounts and other incentives. The modern trade segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9.21% during the forecast period.

Dark Chocolate Market: Regional Analysis

Europe to continue leading the way during the forecast period

The global dark chocolate market will be led by Europe during the forecast period. The region is home to some of the world’s most popular and premium chocolate brands offering variants with high cocoa content.

However, in 2024, reports emerged suggesting that certain European dark chocolate companies, such as Lindt, contained extremely high levels of cadmium and lead, which can be dangerous to human health. Such incidents have led to more strict policies being drafted for food & beverage companies across the region to meet domestic standards.

Africa continues to act as the backbone of the chocolate industry, as the region is responsible for producing and exporting the highest levels of cocoa beans to major confectionery manufacturers globally.

The region is registering a shift in employment practices and fair wages, which will further help the African regions of Ghana and Ivory Coast thrive in the coming years.

North America is a prominent market with exceptional growth performance. The growing regional demand for premium dark chocolates and increased tourism in the region will fuel higher demand for dark chocolates in North America.

In addition to this, the presence of a growing health-conscious general population will further encourage regional market expansion in the coming years.

Dark Chocolate Market: Competitive Analysis

The global dark chocolate market is led by players like:

• Hershey’s (Special Dark)
• Lindt
• Theo Chocolate
• Taza Chocolate
• Ferrero Rocher
• Teuscher Chocolate
• Tony’s Chocolonely
• Scharffen Berger
• Godiva
• Malagos Chocolate
• Ghirardelli
• Hu Chocolate
• Chocolove
• Alter Eco
• Guittard

The global dark chocolate market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Conventional
• Organic

By Application

• Cosmetics
• Food & Beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Sales Channel

• Online Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Pharmaceutical & Confectionery Stores
• Modern Trade
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa