Easter Candy and Your Health
Easter is the second biggest candy holiday in the United States.* According to the National Confectioners Association (NCA), over 120 million pounds of Easter candy is purchased each year. This includes 16 billion jelly beans, 90 million chocolate bunnies, and an untold number of marshmallow peeps.
That’s a lot of sugar!
Moreover, according to research from the NCA, 87% of parents will make Easter baskets for their children this year. It's also interesting to note that 81% of these parents will then steal candy from their children's baskets.
So, what are parents usually putting in Easter baskets?
- 89% say Easter candy and chocolate
- 79% include non-edible items like crayons, stuffed animals, books, and movie passes
- 46% add candy with “added benefits” like dark chocolate or chocolate with added fruits and nuts
- 44% fill the baskets with what they call “heathier snacks” such as granola bars or dried fruit
- 35% include gums and mints
- Noodles for the pool
- Jump ropes
- Balls
- Bubble supplies with big wands
- Colorful athletic shoes
- Activity passes for fun things to do in the area
- Family board games
- Pool towels and swim goggles
- Athletic clothes
- Frisbees
- A healthful cookbook
- Cooking equipment for foodie kids
- A new reusable water bottle