WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 94% of candy products have front-of-pack calorie labels and 85% of chocolate and candy sold today comes with 200 calories or less per pack, according to a report by Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and the National Confectioners Association (NCA).
“The scale of these major global competitors and their ability to collaborate and drive meaningful change related to offering more transparency, portion guidance options and educational tools for consumers seeking to manage their sugar intake is unmatched,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association.
In 2017, several chocolate and candy companies made a voluntary commitment through PHA to provide more transparency, create more portion guidance options in innovative packaging and educate consumers about a balanced diet, according to findings from Washington-based PHA and NCA.
The brands that met and exceeded the commitment after the five-year mark include the following:
- Mars Wrigley
- Ferrara Candy Co.
- Ferrero
- Lindt
- Ghirardelli Chocolate
- Russell Stover Chocolates
“The results of this commitment show that companies have the opportunity to impact change while still maintaining their business models and keeping consumers front and center,” said Nancy Roman, president and CEO of PHA. “We applaud these companies for stepping up and helping consumers manage their sugar intake through innovation, transparency and education.”
Up from 53.7% in the 2016 benchmark year, 94.8% of confectionery products have front-of-pack calorie labels. This number is even higher at retail checkout: 98% of chocolate and candy packaging found at the front of the store have calorie labels printed on the front of the pack, according to NCA.
In 2016, 38.3% of individually wrapped candy from the participating companies came in packs of 200 calories or less. Now, half of individually wrapped candy from the participating companies are 200 calories or less. This growth in the past five years has contributed to the rising number of 85% of all candy sold today fitting this description.
Partnership for a Healthier America works to reduce childhood obesity. It partners with the private sector to transform the food landscape in pursuit of health equity.
The National Confectioners Association is a trade association that represents professionals in the confectionery industry. It provides education for manufacturers, suppliers, brokers, buyers and service providers.
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