What Percentage of People Eat Sweets? A Look at Global Consumption

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 study, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults (61%) ate sweet foods on any given day. The question of what percentage of people eat sweets reveals a complex web of dietary habits that vary significantly by age, location, and cultural norms across the globe.

Quick Summary

This article explores the varying percentages of people who consume sweets based on recent global and regional studies. It examines demographic differences in consumption habits, factors driving demand, and trends shaping the confectionery market worldwide.

Key Points

Prevalence Varies: The percentage of people who eat sweets differs significantly by country, with higher consumption rates generally found in Western nations like the US and UK compared to parts of Asia.
Age is a Factor: Young people tend to consume sweets more frequently; a 2020 study found 70% of US children aged 2-19 ate sweet foods on a given day, compared to 61% of adults.
Income Plays a Role: Higher income levels are correlated with higher sweets consumption among children in the US, according to NCBI data.
Global Market Trends: Innovation in flavors, premiumization of products, and increasing health-consciousness are major trends influencing the global sweets market.
Balancing Health and Indulgence: While taste remains the top driver for sweets consumption, consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, natural, and ethically sourced options.

Understanding Global Sweets Consumption

Pinpointing a single global percentage of people who eat sweets is difficult, as consumption varies widely by country, region, and demographic group. However, by analyzing different studies and surveys, we can build a comprehensive picture of global sweet tooth habits. National surveys provide crucial snapshots, revealing that in the U.S., a significant majority of the population indulges in sweet treats on a regular basis. Meanwhile, international consumer insights indicate notable differences in consumption frequency and preferences between nations.

The American Sweet Tooth: Adults vs. Children

Statistics from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) offer detailed insights into American consumption habits based on data from 2020.

Adults: A study on adult dietary intake reported that 61% of U.S. adults consumed sweet foods on the day they were surveyed. Consumption was notably higher among older adults (60+ years) compared to younger age groups. The most commonly consumed category was sweet bakery products.
Children and Adolescents: For children aged 2-19, the percentage consuming at least one sweet food on the intake day was even higher, at 70%. A significant finding from this study was the correlation between income and consumption, with a higher percentage of children in the highest income group eating sweet foods compared to those in lower income brackets.

A Comparative Look at International Sweets Consumption

Global data highlights that a love for sweets is not confined to the U.S. A 2025 Statista report, based on consumer insights, revealed that a high percentage of people consume sweets and chocolate regularly in several countries.

The United Kingdom showed high regular consumption, as did Germany, Austria, Finland, and Sweden.
Italy, Australia, Brazil, Poland, and South Africa also had a substantial portion of their populations eating candy or chocolate frequently.
Consumption in the U.S. was reported at 40% for regular candy or chocolate intake, lower than the daily sweet food consumption reported by NCBI.
Conversely, Asian nations like Japan (31%), China (27%), and South Korea (17%) reported lower rates of regular sweet consumption.

Key Drivers and Trends in the Global Confectionery Market

The confectionery industry is a multi-billion dollar global market, driven by a number of consumer trends.

Premiumization: Consumers are increasingly willing to spend more on high-quality, indulgent products, such as artisanal chocolates and gourmet sweets, with a focus on superior ingredients and unique experiences.
Innovation and Novelty: Manufacturers constantly introduce new flavors, textures, and mash-ups to capture consumer interest. Limited-edition products and unique pairings, like spicy-sweet combinations, are particularly popular with younger demographics.
Health and Wellness: Despite the indulgence, health-consciousness is a major trend. This has led to a rise in demand for options that are sugar-free, low-sugar, plant-based, and free from artificial additives. Product safety and ingredient transparency are also major purchasing factors.
Convenience and Snacking: Snacking has become a dominant eating behavior, with many consumers replacing traditional meals with smaller bites throughout the day. This has fueled the demand for convenient, on-the-go sweet snacks and portion-controlled treats.
Ethical Sourcing: A growing number of consumers, especially in developed markets, prefer brands that demonstrate a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Fair trade and transparent sourcing are becoming more influential in purchasing decisions.

Comparison of Consumption Habits

The following table compares sweets consumption in the U.S. based on NCBI data and various countries based on Statista's survey on regular sweets/chocolate consumption.


Country/Region	Consumption Metric	Key Demographics	Percentage	Source
United States	Ate sweet foods on intake day	Adults (all ages)	61%	NCBI
United States	Ate sweet foods on intake day	Children (2-19 years)	70%	NCBI
United States	Regularly eat sweets/chocolate	Adults (2025 survey)	40%	Statista
United Kingdom	Regularly eat sweets/chocolate	Survey respondents (2025)	Highest among nations	Statista
Germany	Regularly eat sweets/chocolate	Survey respondents (2025)	Close to UK levels	Statista
China	Regularly eat sweets/chocolate	Survey respondents (2025)	27%	Statista
South Korea	Regularly eat sweets/chocolate	Survey respondents (2025)	17%	Statista

Conclusion: A World of Indulgence

In conclusion, while a definitive single percentage for global sweets consumption is not available, multiple studies reveal that a significant portion of the population in various countries regularly enjoys sweet foods. In the U.S., national data shows over 60% of adults and 70% of children consume sweets on any given day. Comparative global data from Statista highlights widespread consumption in Europe and North America, with lower percentages reported in parts of Asia. Market trends are driven by a complex interplay of the desire for indulgence, innovation, and a growing focus on health and ethical sourcing. The confectionery market is successfully navigating these opposing trends by offering premium, innovative, and functional products, ensuring sweets remain a fixture in diets around the world for both special occasions and everyday rewards.

For more information on sugar and dietary guidelines, see the World Health Organization's recommendations on free sugars: Healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to a 2020 study published by the NCBI, nearly two-thirds, or 61%, of U.S. adults consumed sweet foods on the intake day.

Yes, data from a 2020 U.S. study indicates that children between the ages of 2 and 19 had a higher daily consumption of sweet foods (70%) compared to adults (61%).

Based on a 2025 Statista survey, people in the United Kingdom were reported to have the biggest sweet tooth, followed closely by Germany, Austria, Finland, and Sweden.

Studies show that popular types of sweets include sweet bakery products, chocolate confectionery, gummies, and ice cream. Consumption patterns and preferences vary by region and age group.

Yes, health-consciousness is a growing trend influencing the confectionery market. This has increased demand for sugar-free, low-sugar, plant-based, and ethically sourced confectionery options.

The primary drivers for consuming sweets are taste preference, indulgence, novelty, and using treats as a reward. Sweets also play a role in social occasions and offer comfort.

Data from the U.S. suggests that among children, a higher percentage of those in the highest income group consumed sweet foods compared to those in the lowest and middle income groups.