Falling to a series low
U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 2.67 Kilogram in 2015 to 2.44 Kilogram in 2023 (−8.6%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 2.88 Kilogram in 2022 and the low 2.44 Kilogram in 2023.
What U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita shows
U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 2.44 Kilogram in 2023, down 15.3% on 2022. U.S. cocoa beans consumption per capita between 2015 and 2023 reflects a mature and resilient market supported by a strong chocolate industry, high consumer purchasing power, extensive retail availability, and consistent demand for cocoa-based products.
A 15.3% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2022) and low (2023) is 0.440 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −15.3% in 2023.
Ranks 16 of 44 countries covered
Among the 44 countries in this dataset, U.S. ranks 16 for 2023, behind Luxembourg (5.42 Kilogram) and Iceland (5.27 Kilogram). The global figure for 2023 is 0.658 Kilogram, so U.S. is above it.
Full series
U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 2.44 | −15.3% |
| 2022Peak | 2.88 | +0.3% |
| 2021 | 2.87 | +9.5% |
| 2020 | 2.62 | −2.2% |
| 2019 | 2.68 | −1.1% |
| 2018 | 2.71 | +1.1% |
| 2017 | 2.68 | +0.4% |
| 2016 | 2.67 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2.67 | — |
Regional context
How U.S. compares in North America
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by country, 2023, Kilogram. U.S. is highlighted.
1U.S.2.44
2Canada2.29
3Mexico0.140
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita — Cocoa beans consumption per capita refers to the average amount of cocoa beans available for consumption per person in a country, measured in grams per person per year. The indicator represents the per capita availability of cocoa beans based on food supply data, reflecting the estimated quantity of cocoa beans available for human consumption after accounting for production, imports, exports, and other supply adjustments. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-by-country time series, with values reported annually for the selected period.
The data includes the estimated per capita availability of cocoa beans for human consumption, calculated from national food supply balances. It covers cocoa beans as a food commodity and reflects factors such as domestic production, imports, exports, stock changes, and other supply-side adjustments used to estimate food availability. The dataset is compiled from food balance statistics based on sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with values standardized on a per-person basis for cross-country comparison.
The data excludes actual individual consumption patterns, household-level consumption surveys, and differences in consumption behavior among population groups. It does not measure the consumption of processed chocolate products, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or other cocoa-derived products separately. The indicator also excludes non-food uses of cocoa beans, food waste at the retail or household level, and informal or unrecorded consumption activities. Values represent food availability estimates rather than direct measurements of cocoa beans physically consumed by individuals.
About this indicator
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita — Cocoa beans consumption per capita refers to the average amount of cocoa beans available for consumption per person in a country, measured in grams per person per year. The indicator represents the per capita availability of cocoa beans based on food supply data, reflecting the estimated quantity of cocoa beans available for human consumption after accounting for production, imports, exports, and other supply adjustments. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-by-country time series, with values reported annually for the selected period.
According to validated Our World in Data statistics, per capita cocoa beans consumption remained relatively stable, declining slightly from 2.67 kg in 2015 to 2.44 kg in 2023. Despite moderate fluctuations, the United States continued to remain one of the largest cocoa-consuming markets globally, supported by household consumption, food processing industries, and growing demand for premium chocolate products.
Between 2015 and 2019, consumption remained stable, ranging from 2.67 kg to 2.71 kg per capita. This consistency reflected steady demand across confectionery, bakery, beverages, and packaged food applications. The mature market structure and established consumer habits limited significant annual variations.
In 2020, cocoa consumption declined moderately to 2.62 kg due to COVID-19-related disruptions, including reduced foodservice activity, retail challenges, and temporary changes in consumer purchasing behavior. However, the market recovered strongly in 2021, reaching 2.87 kg, driven by economic reopening, increased at-home consumption, and improved consumer confidence. Consumption peaked at 2.88 kg in 2022, supported by premium chocolate demand, seasonal confectionery sales, and specialty food trends.
In 2023, consumption declined to 2.44 kg amid inflationary pressures, higher food prices, and changing household spending priorities. However, the U.S. market continued to demonstrate strong underlying demand and remained significant within the global cocoa industry.
Overall, U.S. cocoa beans consumption data highlights market stability, consumer resilience, and long-term demand potential. The insights support analysis for cocoa suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and stakeholders evaluating consumption trends, market opportunities, and future growth prospects.
- Indicator
- Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita
- Country
- U.S.
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita?
Cocoa beans consumption per capita refers to the average amount of cocoa beans available for consumption per person in a country, measured in grams per person per year. The indicator represents the per capita availability of cocoa beans based on food supply data, reflecting the estimated quantity of cocoa beans available for human consumption after accounting for production, imports, exports, and other supply adjustments. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-by-country time series, with values reported annually for the selected period.
What was U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita in 2023?
U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 2.44 Kilogram in 2023, down 15.3% on 2022.
How has U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 2.67 Kilogram in 2015 to 2.44 Kilogram in 2023 (−8.6%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 2.88 Kilogram in 2022 and the low 2.44 Kilogram in 2023.
Which year had the highest and lowest U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita?
The highest value was 2.88 Kilogram in 2022 and the lowest was 2.44 Kilogram in 2023.
What does the U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the estimated per capita availability of cocoa beans for human consumption, calculated from national food supply balances. It covers cocoa beans as a food commodity and reflects factors such as domestic production, imports, exports, stock changes, and other supply-side adjustments used to estimate food availability. The dataset is compiled from food balance statistics based on sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with values standardized on a per-person basis for cross-country comparison. Excluded: The data excludes actual individual consumption patterns, household-level consumption surveys, and differences in consumption behavior among population groups. It does not measure the consumption of processed chocolate products, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or other cocoa-derived products separately. The indicator also excludes non-food uses of cocoa beans, food waste at the retail or household level, and informal or unrecorded consumption activities. Values represent food availability estimates rather than direct measurements of cocoa beans physically consumed by individuals.
Where does the U.S. Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&tableSearch=singa&Food=Cocoa+beans&Metric=Food+available+for+consumption&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Kilogram.
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