Top 20 Global Chocolate Consumption By Country: Who Eats the Most and the Least?

Chocolate, a beloved treat worldwide, has a unique place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. However, the annual consumption of chocolate per capita varies significantly across different countries. While some nations boast high consumption rates, others consume relatively little. This article delves into the global landscape of chocolate consumption, exploring which countries are the biggest chocolate lovers and which are not.

Top Chocolate Consumers: Europe Dominates

Unsurprisingly, European countries top the list when it comes to annual chocolate consumption. Let’s look at some of the highest per capita consumers:

1. Switzerland: 8.8 kg per capita
   Switzerland, often considered the home of fine chocolate, leads the world in annual chocolate consumption with an impressive 8.8 kilograms per person. Swiss chocolate brands, like Lindt, Toblerone, and Cailler, are famous globally, and the country’s residents clearly enjoy their local delicacies. The high consumption rate is partly due to the country’s strong chocolate culture, where chocolate is seen as both a luxury and an everyday treat.
2. Austria: 8.1 kg per capita
   Austria comes in second, with an average annual consumption of 8.1 kilograms per person. Austrians are known for their sweet tooth, and the country’s rich history in confectionery certainly plays a role. Famous for its pastries and desserts, Austria’s love for sweets extends to chocolate, making it one of the top consumers worldwide.
3. Germany: 7.9 kg per capita
   In Germany, chocolate is a staple, with an annual consumption rate of 7.9 kilograms per capita. Germany is home to some of the world’s largest chocolate manufacturers, like Ritter Sport and Milka, and chocolate is a common part of daily life. From chocolate-covered pretzels to seasonal specialties like Christmas and Easter chocolates, Germans have plenty of options to satisfy their chocolate cravings.
4. Ireland: 7.9 kg per capita
   Sharing third place with Germany, Ireland also has an annual consumption rate of 7.9 kilograms per capita. The Irish have a long-standing tradition of enjoying chocolate, whether in the form of a simple bar or as part of elaborate desserts and hot drinks. Chocolate is a popular gift item and a staple in Irish homes, contributing to its high consumption rate.
5. United Kingdom: 7.6 kg per capita
   The United Kingdom, known for its famous chocolate brands like Cadbury and Galaxy, consumes about 7.6 kilograms of chocolate per capita each year. Chocolate is deeply ingrained in British culture, from classic milk chocolate bars to a wide variety of chocolate-covered snacks and biscuits. The UK has a strong tradition of gifting chocolate during holidays, which further boosts consumption.

Moderate Chocolate Consumers: Northern and Eastern Europe

Several Northern and Eastern European countries have moderate levels of chocolate consumption:

6. Sweden: 6.6 kg per capita
   In Sweden, the annual chocolate consumption per capita is 6.6 kilograms. The Swedes have a penchant for sweets, with chocolate being a popular choice. The country’s love for “fika” — a coffee break accompanied by sweets — often includes chocolate treats.
7. Estonia: 6.5 kg per capita
   Estonia consumes 6.5 kilograms of chocolate per capita annually. The country’s consumption is influenced by its proximity to other chocolate-loving nations like Finland and Russia. Chocolate is popular among Estonians for its affordability and versatility, from simple bars to gourmet truffles.
8. Norway: 5.8 kg per capita
   With an annual consumption of 5.8 kilograms per person, Norway is another Nordic country that enjoys chocolate, particularly during long winters. Chocolate is often consumed with coffee, and it plays a central role in festive and seasonal celebrations.
9. Poland: 5.7 kg per capita
   Poland has a growing taste for chocolate, with an annual consumption rate of 5.7 kilograms per capita. Polish chocolate brands like Wedel are well-regarded, and chocolate is an increasingly popular snack, especially among younger generations.
10. Belgium: 5.6 kg per capita
    Belgium, famous for its high-quality chocolate, surprisingly consumes 5.6 kilograms of chocolate per capita annually. While lower than some might expect, this rate is still substantial, reflecting the nation’s love for fine chocolate. Belgium is home to world-renowned chocolatiers and is often considered the gold standard for quality chocolate.
11. Finland: 5.4 kg per capita
    In Finland, the annual chocolate consumption is 5.4 kilograms per capita. Chocolate is enjoyed year-round, often as a complement to coffee or as a treat during celebrations.
12. Slovakia: 5.2 kg per capita
    Slovakia consumes about 5.2 kilograms of chocolate per person annually. As in many Eastern European countries, chocolate is a popular and accessible treat, enjoyed by people of all ages.

Lower Chocolate Consumption: The Americas and Asia

While Europe leads in chocolate consumption, several countries in the Americas and Asia consume significantly less:

13. United States: 4.4 kg per capita
    In the United States, annual chocolate consumption is 4.4 kilograms per capita. Though the U.S. is home to some of the world’s biggest chocolate manufacturers, such as Hershey’s and Mars, the per capita consumption is lower than in Europe. This may be due to a wider variety of snack choices and dietary preferences.
14. France: 4.3 kg per capita
    France, known for its exquisite pastries and desserts, consumes 4.3 kilograms of chocolate per capita annually. While chocolate is popular, other sweets like macarons and éclairs may take precedence.
15. Argentina: 1.6 kg per capita
    In Argentina, the annual chocolate consumption is 1.6 kilograms per capita. While Argentinians enjoy chocolate, it does not have the same cultural significance or prevalence as in some European countries.
16. Brazil, Japan, and Venezuela: 1.2 kg per capita each
    Brazil, Japan, and Venezuela all have an annual chocolate consumption of 1.2 kilograms per person. In these countries, chocolate is enjoyed, but often in smaller quantities, with a preference for other types of sweets or snacks.

Minimal Chocolate Consumers: Africa and Asia

Some countries have minimal per capita chocolate consumption, often due to cultural preferences, economic factors, or limited access:

17. South Africa: 0.9 kg per capita
    In South Africa, the annual consumption is 0.9 kilograms per capita. While chocolate is available, other local snacks and sweets are more popular, and the price of chocolate can be prohibitive for many consumers.
18. Mexico: 0.75 kg per capita
    Mexicans consume around 0.75 kilograms of chocolate per capita each year. While Mexico is the birthplace of cacao, modern chocolate consumption remains low compared to other countries, with a stronger emphasis on traditional sweets.
19. South Korea: 0.7 kg per capita
    In South Korea, the annual consumption of chocolate is just 0.7 kilograms per capita. Traditional Korean sweets often take precedence over chocolate, contributing to the lower consumption rate.
20. Indonesia: 0.3 kg per capita
    Indonesia has a very low chocolate consumption rate, at 0.3 kilograms per capita annually. Here, chocolate is considered a luxury item, and local tastes often favor other types of sweets.
21. China: 0.2 kg per capita
    In China, the annual consumption of chocolate is a mere 0.2 kilograms per person. Chocolate is still considered a relatively new and niche product, with many preferring traditional Chinese snacks.
22. India: 0.14 kg per capita
    India’s chocolate consumption is among the lowest globally, at 0.14 kilograms per capita annually. Factors such as affordability, cultural preferences, and the popularity of other sweets contribute to this low rate.
23. Nigeria: 0.03 kg per capita
    Nigeria consumes the least chocolate, with an annual rate of just 0.03 kilograms per capita. Limited access, high costs, and the dominance of other local snacks and treats explain this minimal consumption.

Chocolate consumption varies widely across the globe, influenced by cultural preferences, economic factors, and availability. While European countries remain the biggest chocolate lovers, other regions prefer different types of treats. As the world becomes more interconnected, these consumption patterns may change, but for now, Switzerland retains its crown as the world’s top chocolate consumer.