Patterns of candy consumption in the United States, WWEIA, NHANES 2009–2012
Authors: Murphy Mary M , Barraj Leila M , Bi Xiaoyu , Shumow Laura 
Published: November 2023

Candy is enjoyed as a component of the diet by both children and adults. This study was conducted to better understand recent consumption of candy in the United States (U.S.) across the total population and subpopulations as well as contributions of candy to intake of energy and select macronutrients. Estimates of total candy intake, including both candy containing chocolate (chocolate candy) and candy not containing chocolate (non‐chocolate candy), were generated using one‐day dietary data collected in the nationally representative What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (WWEIA, NHANES), 2009–2012. Categorization of candy as chocolate or non‐chocolate corresponds to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's WWEIA food categories. Chewing gum, which is categorized as non‐chocolate candy, was excluded from estimates of candy intake in this analysis. Percent consumers of candy (total and by type) and per capita intake of candy were estimated for the total population ages 2 years and older (n = 16,975), children (2–11 years; n = 3,995), adolescents (12–18 years; n = 2,114), and adults (19 years and older; n = 10,866). Contributions of total candy to intake of energy, total fat, saturated fat, total sugars, and added sugars also were estimated. Analyses were conducted using STATA 12.1. Sample weights were used in all analyses and STATA survey commands were used to adjust for survey design. Values are presented as mean ± standard error. Across the U.S. population ages 2 years and older, 24.4% reported consuming candy on the day of recall, with 34.3% of children, 25.5% of adolescents, and 22.5% of adults reporting consumption (p < 0.0005). Percent consumers of chocolate and non‐chocolate candy were 13.7% and 12.6% in the total population ages 2 years and older. The proportion of individuals consuming chocolate candy differed across subpopulations of children, adolescents and adults (12.4%, 11.3%, and 14.3%, p = 0.006) as did the proportion of individuals consuming non‐chocolate candy (26.0%, 16.2%, and 9.8%, p < 0.0005). Per capita intake of total candy by the population ages 2 years and older was 9.1 ± 0.41 g/day, with per capita intake by children, adolescents, and adults at 10.7 ± 0.75, 10.9 ± 1.17, and 8.6 ± 0.43 g/day, respectively (p = 0.012). Chocolate and non‐chocolate candy combined provided 41 ± 1.8 kcal and accounted for 1.9 ± 0.1% of total energy, 1.8 ± 0.1% and 2.8 ± 0.1% of total and saturated fat, respectively, and 4.3 ± 0.2% and 5.8 ± 0.2% of total and added sugars, respectively, for the total population ages 2 years and older. These findings are consistent with previous analyses of WWEIA data indicating that candy provides relatively modest contributions to intake of energy, fat, and sugars for Americans. Overall, findings show that patterns of candy consumption vary by age as reflected in percent consumers and the type of candy consumed. These data provide further insight into the role of candy in dietary patterns of the U.S. population.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the National Confectioners Association.