Something Sweet

This is a good time for the candy makers and not just because it is coming into the holiday season. A depressed economy almost always translates into increased consumption of candy. And, if that weren't enough, the population of Americans 12 and under is expanding for the next 7 years.

Generation Y, especially the 18-24 year olds, are the heaviest consumers of sweets; they are the #1 purchaser of gourmet chocolates, the #1 purchaser of non-chocolate candies, and the most likely age group to chew gum.

Healthy treats are hitting the marketplace now that include organic, fat-free, sugar-free, high antioxidant, and fortified with B-vitamins, taurine and/or guarana for energy. In fact some gums on the shelves right now contain magnolia bark extract (kills bacteria), aloe vera, co-enzyme Q10 (used by the body to generate energy), and ceramide (protects from cellular death). Exotic ingredients are also a big trend, we are already seeing rose, violet, green-tea, lychee and chile peppers being integrated to our sweet treats.

With my motto of everything in moderation, there is always a place for a treat. Look around and experiment with some of the new flavors and forms - it may just make your life a little sweeter!