California ranks third in a recent study of the USA’s most sweet-obsessed states
According to the study by taffyshop.com, California ranks third among the top 10 states for sweet obsession in the USA in 2024.
California achieved a sweet obsession score of 66.83 out of 100. The state leads in search volume with 8.6 million searches for sweet snacks and has an average weekly sugary snack consumption of 9.74 for children aged 1-17. California ranks seventh in candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 residents with 3.8 shops, and its sugar industry economic output is tied for the highest at $6 billion.
A spokesperson for taffyshop.com commented, “This study highlights California’s significant sweet obsession, evidenced by leading search volumes and a $6 billion economic contribution to the sugar industry. The state’s top ranking in search volumes shows high interest in sugary products. These findings offer crucial insights for public health policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to balance consumer demand for sweets with health outcomes.”
Short methodology
Taffyshop.com assessed sweet obsession levels across all 50 states by analyzing search volumes for sweet snacks, weekly sugary snack consumption among children, candy shop density and sugar industry economic output. The study highlights those states with higher sweet obsession scores. The data is sourced from Main Street Smiles, Yelp Dataset, 24/7 Wall St and Google searches for each state.
Key findings
California ranked third among the top 10 states for sweet obsession in the USA in 2024, with a 66.83, indicating a substantial interest in sugary treats. With a sweet obsession score of 80, Pennsylvania ranks as the most sweet-obsessed state in the USA for 2024. West Virginia, with a sweet obsession score of 50, ranks as the least sweet-obsessed state.
Average weekly sugary snack consumption (children 1-17)
California ranked eighth with an average weekly sugary snack consumption of 9.74, reflecting moderate consumption levels among children.
Search volume for sweet snacks
8.6 million California searches for sweet snacks (first rank), demonstrating the highest online interest in sweet products nationwide. There are 3.8 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 residents (seventh rank), providing extensive access to sweet treats across the state.
Sugar industry economic output
$6 billion in economic output (tied first), emphasizing California’s critical role in the national sweet economy.
Study’s top 10 rankings by state
No. 1 — Pennsylvania
With the highest sweet obsession score of 80, Pennsylvania’s love for sugary snacks is reflected in its substantial state-wise online search volume for sweet snacks (3,709,200) and the highest average sugary snacks consumed (22.86) per week among ages 1-17. It also has a decent number of candy and chocolate shops (3.3) per 100,000 residents and the highest sugar industry economic output of $6 billion.
No. 2 — Illinois
Ranking second, Illinois has a sweet obsession score of 70.56. The state sees 3,853,800 searches for sweet snacks and has an average weekly consumption of sugary snacks of 13.69 for those aged 1-17. Illinois has 3.5 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 people and a sugar industry economic output of $6 billion.
No. 3 — California
With a sweet obsession score of 66.83, California ranks third. It leads in search volume with 8,608,550 searches for sweet snacks and has an average sugary snack consumption of 9.74 per week for children aged 1-17. The state has 3.8 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 population, matching Illinois and Pennsylvania’s sugar industry economic output at $6 billion.
No. 4 — Vermont
Vermont has a sweet obsession score of 66.15. It stands out with the second-highest number of candy and chocolate shops (11.5) per 100,000 residents. Surprisingly, the state has a comparatively low 1,131,950 search volume for sweet snacks, and children between the ages of 1 and 17 consume 9.6 sugary snacks on average each week. Perhaps this is why the sugar industry’s economic output ($226 million) here is not on par with other leading states.
No. 5 — Hawaii
Hawaii ranks fifth with a sweet obsession score of 65.79. The state has 1,403,100 searches for sweet snacks and an average consumption of 8.12 sugary snacks per week by children aged 1-17. It has the highest number of candy and chocolate shops (12 per 100,000 people) and a moderate sugar industry economic output of $433 million.
No. 6 — New York
With a sweet obsession score of 61.98, New York registers 4,747,700 searches for sweet snacks and an average weekly sugary snack consumption of 13.95 by children. It has 3.3 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 people and the second-highest sugar industry economic output of $2 billion.
No. 7 — Kentucky
Kentucky has a sweet obsession score of 61.58. It has a relatively low number of 2,029,760 searches for sweet snacks and a high average weekly consumption of 17.76 sugary snacks by children aged 1-17. The state has 2.7 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 population and a sugar industry economic output of $354 million.
No. 8 — Ohio
Ohio scores 61.07 on the sweet obsession scale, driven by 5,331,600 searches for sweet snacks and children’s average consumption of 12.95 sugary snacks per week. It has 3.4 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 residents and a sugar industry economic output of $2 billion, matching New York’s.
No. 9 — Idaho
Ranking ninth, Idaho has a sweet obsession score of 60.1. The state sees 1,520,262 searches for sweet snacks, resulting in the third-highest weekly consumption of 16.44 sugary snacks by children aged 1-17. It has 3 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 people and a relatively low sugar industry economic output of $100 million.
No. 10 — New Jersey
New Jersey rounds out the top 10 with a sweet obsession score of 60.03. The state has 2,782,462 searches for sweet snacks and an average weekly consumption of 13.99 sugary snacks by those aged 1-17. It has 2 candy and chocolate shops per 100,000 and a sugar industry economic output of $2 billion, matching that of Ohio’s and New York’s.
