April 9, 2025 – In the UK, sugar confectionery and gum are preferred for their taste, indulgence, and association with nostalgia and treats. Innova’s 360 research into sugar confectionery and gum trends highlights consumer preferences, the latest product launches, innovations, top flavors, and claims. It also explores the opportunity that may develop in the future within the industry.
Market Size and Trends
The sales and volume of the UK sugar confectionery market have been steadily rising throughout the past five years, by 5% and 3% CAGR, respectively. Innova’s research predicts a similar projected growth rate in sales and in volume through 2027. The country ranks fifth globally in per capita consumption of sugar confectionery, which is forecasted to rise in the upcoming year.
The UK gum market displays a 2% increase in volume in the past five years. It ranks lower in per capita consumption as compared to sugar confectionery. Gum sales are slowing down in this region due to 99% of chewing gum being made of plastic.
Product Launch Trends
There has been a 5% CAGR rise in sugar confectionery launches in the past four years. The launch trend of this category is very similar to total food and beverage in the UK, which experienced 4% CAGR growth during the same period. The toffee and fudge subcategory shows the highest growth in launches in the past year. Other subcategories like gum, mints and mixed assortments are also growing in sugar confectionery launches.
In the UK, vegan claims increased from 21% to 27% of launches over the past four years. Meanwhile, seasonal and limited edition launches also display 8% growth in launches during the same period. 1 in 5 consumers are influenced by sugar claims when purchasing UK sugar confectionery and this is reflected in the small growth of sugar-free and no added sugar claims.
The number of launches with most individual sweeteners is still small, however, glycerol, sorbitol syrup, acesulfame K, aspartame, sucralose, and apple juice concentrate are growing with more than 30% launches over the past two years. Due to growing consumer demand for less sugar and more natural ingredients, the use of natural lower-calorie sweeteners is growing.
Consumer Preferences
Almost half of consumers have purchased sugar confectionery in the UK over the past year. It is above the global average of 40% purchasing penetration for sugar confectionery. Gummies and jellies, and mints are the top sugar confectionery subcategories. 17% of consumers in the UK have increased consumption due to diverse options available in the market. This indicates that introducing limited editions and refreshing seasonal offerings could help increase consumption.
Beyond taste, consumers eat sugar confectionery to feel happy and as a reward. Chewing gum is the most frequently consumed subcategory, with 53% of buyers chewing once a week or more often. This is followed by gummies and jellies, mints and fruit-flavored snacks consumption.
No artificial flavors/colors, made with real ingredients, and low/no/reduced sugar claims are most influential when buying sugar confectionery. These claims highlight the preference for healthy sugar confectionery products. Despite consumer interest, launches with claims of no additives or preservatives have slowed down. While claims of some natural flavors and colors are present in launches, all-natural claims are almost non-existent in sugar confectionery launches. No added sugar, sugar-free, and low/no/reduced fat claims display slight growth in launches.
Flavor Trends
Fruit is the top flavor category in the UK sugar confectionery launches. This is followed by brown flavors, mint and menthol, and dessert flavor category. Within fruit flavors, general fruit, strawberry, orange, green apple, cherry, and red raspberry are rising in new product development.
Sugar confectionery research trends show that blackcurrant, lime, watermelon, pineapple, peach, blueberry, and blue raspberry are emerging flavors in the market. Brands are launching new flavors and combinations like Stockleys Sugar Free Blackcurrant and Liquorice Flavour Hard Boiled Sweets and Tic Tac Two Lime Strawberry Flavours. This highlights the significance of innovating new and unique flavors to maintain and captivate consumer interest.
What’s Next in Sugar Confectionery and Gum Trends?
The extensive use of plastic in gum production is a major concern. Plastic-free gums are emerging in the US, Germany, France, and Spain. This highlights an opportunity in the UK for manufacturers to innovate plastic-free and more natural gum products that can help in reversing the sales slowdown.
Mental or emotional health is the primary health concern of consumers. They are looking for products that can provide a moment of happiness and relaxation, and brands can capitalize on this by positioning their products as a way to indulge and reward oneself.
In the UK, almost half of the consumers are actively reducing their sugar consumption. Brands can cater to these health-conscious consumers by developing products with reduced sugar content and using natural sweeteners. They can also emphasize claims like vegan, palm oil-free, made from real ingredients and no artificial color or flavor to create the perception of healthiness.
Brands are likely to explore flavor combinations and innovate seasonal limited edition offerings to drive engagement and increase usage occasions in the UK sugar confectionery market.
This article is based on Innova’s Sugar Confectionery & Gum in the UK report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
