The Surge in Chocolate Prices in the United States Due to Global Cocoa Shortage

Throughout early 2026, the U.S. chocolate market faced significant price pressures. Data from Jin Shi shows that from January to early February, retail chocolate prices in the region increased by 14.4% compared to the same period last year. This increase was not uniform across the country—some major cities experienced more severe inflation, reaching impressive figures.

Price Disparities in Major U.S. Cities

Regional analysis shows significant variation in chocolate price growth across the United States. In Denver and Los Angeles, chocolate products rose by about 17%, while the Dallas-Fort Worth market saw the highest year-on-year growth at 19%. These differing price ranges reflect local demand dynamics and diverse pricing strategies among distributors.

Global Cocoa Shortage as the Root Cause

The main cause of the chocolate price surge stems from a global cocoa supply crisis. West Africa, which produces about 70% of the world’s cocoa, has experienced extreme weather conditions leading to periodic poor harvests. These conditions once pushed cocoa prices to record highs in commodity market history, creating ongoing ripple effects.

Why Chocolate Prices Remain High Despite Weakening Cocoa

An interesting phenomenon in the U.S. chocolate market is that, despite recent significant declines in international cocoa prices, chocolate prices have not decreased. This is because chocolate producers are still consuming stockpiles of raw materials purchased at premium prices earlier. The process of balancing high inventories takes time, so retail chocolate prices are expected to remain elevated for some time.