WASHINGTON – Valentine’s Day chocolate and candy can provide a fun way to connect with loved ones and promote little moments of joy during this unusual and uncertain time, according to a report from the National Confectioners Association. An overwhelming 86% of Americans report that they’ll share a gift of chocolate and candy this Valentine’s Day.

“Throughout the pandemic, one thing that has remained consistent is that Americans appreciate chocolate and candy for the sense of comfort they bring during challenging times,” John Downs, NCA president & CEO, said. “The confectionery category remains resilient as people find new and creative ways to incorporate chocolate and candy into their celebrations of holidays and special moments like Valentine’s Day.”

For resources to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day with balance in mind, visit Valentine’s Day Central. This digital hub provides tips for treating responsibly, a history of the holiday and even some fun facts about iconic Valentine’s Day Treats like conversation hearts and chocolate.

Some more fun facts about Valentine’s Day:

• 84% of Americans think that chocolate and candy are a fun part of special celebrations, including Valentine’s Day.
• 87% of Americans enjoy seasonal Valentine’s Day chocolate and candy.
• When asked how they select a treat from a Valentine’s Day box of chocolates, 50% of Americans said they find the “map” and carefully choose one, 31% said they randomly pick one, 13% of people said they bite the corner to determine the filling and just 6% of respondents poke the bottom to find out the flavor.
• In a box of Valentine’s Day chocolate, people say they look for:
  • 32% – caramel
  • 24% – chocolate covered nuts
  • 21% – chocolate-filled
  • 11% – cream-filled
  • 9% – coconut
  • 3% – other
• Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging about 40 calories per day and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day.

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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The industry employs nearly 58,000 workers in more than 1,600 manufacturing facilities across all 50 states and supports an additional 635,000 jobs in related fields. The U.S. confectionery industry has made a commitment to increasing transparency, providing more portion guidance options and educating consumers about the role of confectionery in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.