# Sustainable Candy Popular candy brands are adapting to consumers' eco-friendly values. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 4, 2021 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sustainable-candy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Sustainable Candy trend? **Sustainable Candy:** Mainstream brands that are known for their candies and chocolates are now switching tactics to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers by prioritizing eco-friendly packaging, ingredients, and/or branding. ## The consumer insight behind the Sustainable Candy trend As issues related to climate change become more urgent, consumers are increasingly expecting that brands do their part in reducing their own impact. With businesses being major contributors to environmental waste, it'll take some time before consumers are satisfied with their sustainability practices. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 1, 2020 to Jan 9, 2023 - Published: Oct 4, 2021 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Sustainable Candy trend ### Eco-Friendly Packaging Mainstream candy brands are adopting eco-friendly packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for companies that specialize in sustainable packaging and materials. ### Sustainable Sourcing Candy brands are exploring sustainable sourcing, such as using 100% certified sustainable cocoa or partnering with organizations to reduce carbon emissions, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for companies that specialize in sustainable agriculture and carbon offsetting. ### Alternative Protein Sources Some candy brands are exploring alternative protein sources, such as cell-based collagen, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for companies that specialize in cell-based or plant-based proteins. ## What the Sustainable Candy trend means for industry ### For Sustainable Packaging Companies Companies that specialize in sustainable packaging and materials can benefit from the growing trend of eco-friendly candy packaging. ### For Sustainable Agriculture Companies Companies that specialize in sustainable agriculture, carbon offsetting, and fair trade can benefit from candy brands' focus on sustainable sourcing. ### For Alternative Protein Companies Companies that specialize in plant-based or cell-based proteins can benefit from candy brands' exploration of alternative protein sources. ## Workshop question How is your brand authentically prioritizing sustainability? ## Trend signals for Sustainable Candy Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 52%, freshness 14%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 14% ## Examples of the Sustainable Candy trend 7 featured examples from Oct 1, 2020 to Jan 9, 2023. - [Recognizable Vegan Candy Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-kitkat): The Nestlé Vegan KitKat is Being Launched in the UK (Category: Marketing) Implication: The confectionery industry can adapt iconic treats to cater to changing dietary needs and preferences like vegan and plant-based options. - [Edible Insect Lollipops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pest-infested-pops): Orkin's Pest-Infested Pops Bring Awareness to Pest Control (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Businesses exploring alternative protein sources could benefit from marketing this new category of food to health-conscious consumers. - [Cell-Based Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-candy): Free Candy Performance Gummies are Made with Cell-Based Collagen (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can benefit from incorporating cell-based ingredients in their products to cater to the growing demand for sustainable and ethical confectionery items. - [Reduced Packaging Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadbury-share-bags): Cadbury Share Bags will Now Have 15% Less Packaging (Category: Eco) Implication: Companies in the food and beverage industry can explore eco-friendly packaging and packaging reduction strategies as a way to address environmental concerns. - [Sustainable Cocoa Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ritter-sport-don-choco): The Ritter Sport Don Choco Bar is a Limited-Edition Offering (Category: Marketing) Implication: Chocolate manufacturers can embrace sustainable sourcing practices to meet consumer demand for ethically-produced products. - [Sustainable Candy Packaging Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ferrara-candy): The Ferrara Candy Company Made a Packaging Announcement (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for candy manufacturers to adopt sustainable packaging practices. - [Carbon-Neutral Candy Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mars-bars): Mars Bars Will Be Caron-Neutral in the UK by 2023 (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industries should consider creating more sustainable and carbon-neutral products, such as snack bars or packaged goods. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)