Originally published August 6 2005
Americans are reaching for healthier snacks
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
New research has found that an increasing number of Americans are reaching for low-fat and low-calories candy alternatives.
At a Russell Stover Candies shop in suburban Kansas City recently, the Chicago resident looked over the display of sugar-free candy, including peanut butter cups and licorice.
"I'm trying to diet and yet enjoy myself," said Connors, 38.
"People, adults and kids, are getting heavier, and there are well-publicized efforts to crack down on junk food advertising and availability, particularly in schools," said Don Montuori, an editor of the study.
"In this climate, as a marketer you can make a stronger case for a sweet that is 'low' in something better than a sweet that is full-bore caloric and fattening."
Also, Montuori said, companies are developing better artificial sweeteners and sweetener blends that make diet products tastier and open the door to diet versions of popular types of candy.
"It's a very untapped market and as we see innovations in that market we're going to see more interest as well," said Susan Fussell, a spokeswoman for the National Confectioners Association.
Among the companies that have done the best in the diet arena is Kansas City-based Russell Stover, which had $102.4 million in sales during the first four months of the year, or 37 percent of the overall market.
Russell Stover has seen the biggest sales increase in diet candy -- $85.7 million -- since 2000.
Hershey Foods came in second during that period at $39.9 million, or 14.4 percent of the market, overtaking Atkins Nutritionals, which has been hurt by the slumping popularity of its namesake diet, at $33.5 million, or 12.1 percent.
Tom Ward, president and chief operating officer of Russell Stover, said the company has been successful because it came into the market when no other national brands were making candy aimed at diabetic and diet-conscious consumers.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml