Easter is Here Americans Celebrate with Travel, Food, Family – and Lots of Chocolate

 

Easter 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration packed with joy, tradition, and a surprising amount of chocolate according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. While economic uncertainty still lingers, Americans are showing no signs of cutting back on Easter cheer. In fact, spending is up this year – and so is the spirit of togetherness.

Billions Spent, Millions Celebrating

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, Americans are expected to spend a whopping $23.6 billion on Easter-related items this year. That’s up from $22.4 billion last year and inching closer to the 2023 record of $24 billion.

From coast to coast, people are gearing up for Easter in a big way:

·       58% of consumers are planning to cook a holiday meal at home.

·       55% will be visiting friends and family, and

·       45% are set to attend church services.

·       Families with children? 54% are organizing Easter egg hunts at home.

It’s clear that, for many, Easter remains a cherished holiday built around faith, family, and tradition – and yes, some seriously sweet treats.

Eating In vs. Dining Out

This year, the majority of Easter celebrants are sticking with a home-cooked meal over dining out. With $7.4 billion projected to be spent on food, grocery carts across the country are being filled with ham, casseroles, hot cross buns, and, of course, desserts galore.

Still, some are opting to dine out or pick up takeout, often making it a chance to relax and enjoy the holiday without doing the dishes. Local restaurants and bakeries are jumping on board with Easter brunch specials and themed desserts.

The Sweet Side of Easter

Now let’s talk about the star of many Easter baskets: chocolate.

Americans are set to indulge in an estimated 73 million pounds of chocolate this Easter season, which translates to more than $2 billion in sales. That’s:

·       Over 1 billion chocolate eggs (1 oz each)

·       Nearly 400 million chocolate bunnies (3 oz each) — enough to stretch from NYC to LA more than 8 times

·       Enough for 146 million Easter baskets, each with half a pound of chocolate

According to Cargill, 8 in 10 consumers say holidays like Easter give them a perfect excuse to treat themselves, and milk chocolate remains the most loved type, favored by nearly half of all chocolate lovers.

New chocolate trends? Consumers are getting adventurous with sweet, salty, spicy, and even sour combinations, though classics like caramel and peanut butter still rule the Easter table.

Where Americans Are Shopping

Shoppers are hunting down the best deals at their favorite spots:

·       55% will hit up discount stores

·       44% will go to department stores

·       36% are shopping online

·       26% will support local small businesses

Interestingly, 63% say tradition inspires their Easter shopping, while 36% are chasing sales and promotions. And even among those who don’t celebrate Easter, 54% still plan to spend around $25.43 on seasonal goodies – just for the fun of it.

Final Bite

Whether you’re celebrating with a sunrise service, a backyard egg hunt, or just a generous helping of chocolate bunnies, Easter 2025 is a time to gather, give, and savor the sweetness of the season.

So go ahead – fill your basket, fire up the oven, and indulge in some holiday magic. Easter is here… and it’s hopping.

Elevate Your Brand with Expert Insights

For corporate presentations, regional chain strategies, educational forums, or keynote speaking, Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, delivers actionable insights that fuel success.

With deep experience in restaurant operations, brand positioning, and strategic consulting, Steven provides valuable takeaways that inspire and drive results.

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