Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is lower in fat than milk chocolate, and it is rich in antioxidants, but it is higher in sugar. Consumers are demanding dark chocolate today for the well-ness and health benefits. And remember, dark chocolate is for the more serious chocolate lover. Awaken your taste buds, to dark chocolate!!

Consumers Spending More Money, But Buying Less Chocolate

Chocolate consumers are buying their favorite chocolates less often. But they are willing to spend more money for those premium, quality, fresh brands of chocolates. Luxury chocolates and chocolates that offer health and well-ness elements are in high demand.

Consumers desire the luxury, the dark chocolates, the quality and are paying more for that premium chocolate purchase. But they will enjoy it more!!

Chocolate and Candy Reinventing Itself

Some people like the same old thing every time. Others like a change. Something different, something new, trendy, out of the ordinary. This year alone, more than 2,000 new confectionary creations and snacks will find their way to consumers.

Candy companies continually try to introduce new novel sweets, new twists on old classic favorites, creative flavors even personalization in candy. Some of the new candies are: chocolate Tinglerz, chocolate peeps, chocolate bliss, chocolate mousse flavored bunnies and bears, chewy atomic fire balls, chocolate firecracker, vital crusty as well a truffles with unexpected flavors like curry, bacon, and wasabi.

As Americans tastes become more diverse, candy manufacturers will continue to redo, reinvent, change the classics and bring to us all, more new creations to satisfy our sophisticated taste buds and please our appetite for candies, chocolate or not!!!

Chocolate vs Economy

Chocolate candy consumers chew, lick, bite, savor and delight in every bite of chocolate they taste.

Tasting is a sensory experience. Some candies have a explosion of creative flavors, others are rather dull. Chocolate candy makers are using different (often surprising) ingredients to keep consumers interested. Some are using chipotle peppers, red fruits, wasabi, bacon, mango, pomegranate, cayenne pepper or even cloves.

Consumers are cutting back on many things to save gas. Therefore they are shopping local and via the internet. Candy is part of our culture, at least 90% of American households purchase candy at least once a year. Many consumers buy a lot more often, such as once a week, whether it is a candy bar, candy to give away at Halloween, or that box of chocolates for someone special at: Valentines, Mothers Day, Easter, or Christmas.

The economy can not compete with sweet treat cravings. We are introduced to chocolates and candy as a child and it stays with us as we age. Tastes may change but it is still a "have to have" type of thing.

A Chocolate a Day

A chocolate a day, keeps the stress and sadness away. Chocolate melts in your mouth. A fresh, rich, creamy, smooth sweet piece of wonderful chocolate. Chocolate makes everyone smile. You pamper yourself or someone you love by giving a box or two of chocolates. Dark chocolate is more chocolatey, it is more like the real thing (no extra sugar or milk powder).

Remember to reward yourself with a chocolate a day (it is do-able) and keep the stress away and the smiles always coming. Chocolate connoisseurs agree chocolate makes you feel good; remember it is the endorphins. Besides, how many people can resist chocolate??

New Recipe for M&M’s

Try M&M’s Premiums! They do not have a hard candy shell, but instead feature a soft texture. They retail for $3.99 for a 6 ounce box. Available almost everywhere!

Mars Will Make Someone a Millionaire for Halloween

Mars has announced that it will launch "The Halloween Million Dollar Contest," a sweepstakes that will run from August 15 to Halloween. The company will hand out more than 20,000 prizes, culminating with the $1 million grand prize.

Economy Hasn’t Chipped America’s Sweet Tooth

A recent survey of 1,500 consumers, found that not a single one regularly skipped dessert -- even in today's slowing economy. This trend is keeping the $23 billion domestic industry that includes chocolatiers, bakers and ice cream makers going strong. Enjoy and eat more chocolates!! Remember the endorphins, they make you feel good.