Seasonal

Oh! Oh! Oh! Is there a right way to eat a candy cane?

05-Dec-2023 - Last updated on 05-Dec-2023 at 16:42 GMT

Pic: GettyImages

Related tags Nca Candy Chocolate Confectionery

There’s no more evident sign that the winter holidays are here than the emergence of candy canes on store shelves in the US – but what is the “right” way to eat them? It’s a fun question that always gets American consumers in a twist, so here goes …

In a new consumer survey, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) found that 55% of people start with the straight end, 28% go for the curved end first and 17% of consumers choose to break it into pieces. It makes sense that this debate heats up as the weather cools down: 93% of Americans say they plan to share chocolate and candy with friends and family for the winter holiday season.

“Chocolate and candy play a fun and unique role in all of the festivities around the winter holidays – and they have a meaningful impact on how families celebrate, enhancing traditions and helping to make special memories,” said John Downs, NCA president & CEO.

“Seasonal treating is an important part of these traditions for families across the country and around the world – whether playing dreidel for chocolate coins, adorning a Christmas tree with candy canes or delivering a gift to a loved one, chocolate and candy enliven the spirit of togetherness that is so emblematic of the season.”

NCA’s new survey also revealed some interesting answers to the following questions:

• What’s the best kind of foil-wrapped chocolate?

• 46% Santas

• 30% coins

• 24% snowmen

• Which type of candy cane do consumers prefer?

• 73% classic peppermint

• 27% fun flavours

The NCA’s recently released report, Getting to Know Seasonal Chocolate & Candy Consumers, shows the importance of chocolate and candy during the winter holiday season. The category generated over $5.6 billion in retail sales in traditional channels in 2022. Whether consumers use chocolate and candy to fill stockings, decorate gingerbread houses, or as part of games, Americans are enthusiastic about these treats as a key part of the holiday season.

Apart from advising the country’s candy lovers on best practices, the NCA is also collaborating with The White House on its 2023 holiday theme and décor, as announced by First Lady Jill Biden. Read the full report here.