Consumers’ minds are on sweet treats between Halloween and Valentine’s Day

Sweet treats remain popular throughout the year for American consumers, but sweet treat snacking picks up significantly between Halloween and Valentine’s Day, according to The NPD Group.

“Many consumers consider sweet treats a part of their holiday traditions,” says Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst. “A holiday wouldn’t be the same if a specific sweet treat, like candy, weren’t included. Brands that have become a must-have seasonal treat benefit year-after-year.”

In NPD’s recently released Eating Patterns in America, chocolate candy/candy bars, cookies, and ice cream are revealed to be among the top sweet snacks consumed year-round. These same treats are high on the list for consumers to include in their seasonal traditions.

For example, chocolate candy represents one-third of candy eatings; however, it represents over half of candy eaten during Halloween. Additionally, cookies and ice cream are among the popular sweet treats consumed during the winter holidays, and chocolate candy is once again the top treat consumed around Valentine’s Day (where chocolate accounts for two-thirds of all candy eaten).