More than 90 percent of Americans plan to share confectionery with friends, family and loved ones during the 2022 Easter season.

That’s according to the National Confectioners Association, which added that 90 percent of Americans who make Easter baskets plan to include chocolate and candy.

“Many traditions during the Easter season give Americans a chance to celebrate spring with their family, friends and loved ones – something many of us are craving after countless special moments and holidays apart,” said John Downs, president and CEO of NCA. “Sharing a little bit of confectionery is a time-honored tradition this time of year and an important consideration for consumers when they purchase chocolate and candy.”

The Easter season is important for the confectionery industry, totaling about $4 billion in sales in 2021 alone. 2022 Easter confectionery sales are expected to be 5 to 7 percent higher, building off the record-setting sales seen in 2021 thanks to a longer lead-up to the Easter holiday and consumer enthusiasm for extending seasonal celebrations. 

As revealed in NCA’s new 2022 State of Treating report, consumers also turn to confectionery during seasonal celebrations like Easter to share their enthusiasm with loved ones and support their own emotional well-being, with 72 percent of consumers saying they feel their physical health and emotional well-being are connected. 

The NCA says the type of candy included in Easter baskets varies widely. More than 40 percent (44 percent) of Americans say the best Easter treats are chocolate eggs and bunnies, while 20 percent prefer jelly beans in their Easter baskets. Candy-coated eggs (18 percent) and marshmallow candies (15 percent) round out Americans’ top four favorite Easter basket items.

The NCA says that 84 percent of Americans agree that chocolate and candy are an important part of special celebrations and traditions like Easter. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging about 40 calories per day and just one teaspoon of added sugar per day from confectionery items.

To provide Americans with more information during this year’s longer Easter season, the NCA has created Easter Central, a one-stop digital hub for Easter holiday tips and tricks for treating. Visit Easter Central at AlwaysATreat.com/Easter.