NCA: 83% of Roadtrippers Bring Candy

June is National Candy Month, and a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) found that Americans’ top summer treats are chocolate, gummy candy and hard candy.

“When it comes to flavor, watermelon leads the way, followed by strawberry and tropical flavors. And for a classic summer staple, 69% of people say the perfect s'more starts with a golden-brown marshmallow—and 56% of people will make theirs with milk chocolate,” NCA wrote.

The report also highlighted that Americans say candy is a treat, and that people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2–3 times per week.

The survey also found that:

• 83% take their favorite treats on road trips.
• 83% enjoy chocolate and candy at the movies (78% of people admit to sneaking candy into movie theaters).
• 80% include sweet treats in their Fourth of July celebrations.
• 79% bring chocolate and candy on family vacations.
• 73% enjoy confectionery products at picnics and barbecues.

At the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo held by the NCA last month, gummy candy was everywhere on the show floor. Haribo showcased winter themed “Build a Snowman” and “Frosty Penguins” gummies; Ferrara continues to roll out new Nerds Gummy Cluster flavors such as “Cupid’s Punch;” and Mondelēz International’s Sour Patch Kids had “Sour Patch Kids Chews” on display. Gummy candy maker Albanese Candy was focused on the upcoming Semiquincentennial with its red, white and blue “Liberty Lips” and “U.S. of YAY” gummies.

NCA research also finds that millennials are poised to overtake Gen X as the top buyers of non-chocolate candy within two years. And although Gen Z represents a smaller share of candy consumers, their spending on candy increased by 47% year-over-year. When it comes to flavors, Gen Z and Millennials like to experiment with sour, spicy and ‘mystery’ options.