Bite-Sized Candies Hit the Shelves in Time for Back-to-School; Smaller Sizes and Re-sealable Packages Help Parents Emphasize Moderation.

VIENNA, Va. -- Less is more. Share and share alike. These phrases reflect a growing trend in the candy industry. Candy manufacturers are satisfying consumers' desires for flexibility by emphasizing moderation and portion control through smaller candies and re-sealable packaging.

Packages of bite-sized candies are on the shelves now, in anticipation of Halloween, but there is no need for parents to wait until October to enjoy their family's favorite treats. Smaller-sized candies enable consumers to eat a little at a time, and re-sealable packaging reminds consumers that each bag contains multiple servings, which helps parents and children alike observe the important dietary principle of moderation.

"There are so many ways that kids can enjoy candy, in moderation, as part of a balanced diet," said Larry Graham, president, National Confectioners Association. "Whether it's a quick snack for your teen after school or a surprise in your grade school child's lunch box, when you balance sweets with regular meals, children can enjoy candy without over-indulging."

Candy manufacturers are continuing to introduce more bite-sized candies that enable consumers to eat a little at a time. Many of these candies are individually wrapped, making them perfect to distribute piece by piece. Additionally, in recent years, candy manufacturers have introduced re-sealable bags of unwrapped, bite-sized candies that make it easier to serve some immediately and save some for later.

Some tips and ideas for parents during back-to-school season and throughout the year:

--  Slip Little Surprises Into Kids' Packs
        Not many kids open their lunchbox and say, "Oh no, another
        snack!" As kids go back to school this fall, parents can use
        the smaller, individually wrapped candies as unexpected
        surprises. Slip some into backpacks or lunch boxes.

    --  Let Kids Choose Their Own Mix of Treats
        Children like to choose their own snacks, and allowing them a
        degree of choice in their food selection is important in
        helping them learn to self-regulate their food intake. By
        providing a variety of snacks from which kids can choose,
        parents help them learn the important dietary concepts of
        balance and moderation. Stock a variety of snacks at home
        and help children learn to choose items like fruit,
        granola or carrot sticks followed by a small indulgence
        like a miniature candy bar.

    --  All Foods Fit Into a Healthful Diet
        There are no "good" or "bad" foods. All foods can fit in a
        balanced, healthful diet. To instill healthful eating
        patterns in your child, it is important to avoid giving
        foods negative or positive labels. Forbidding, as opposed
        to moderating, the intake of foods may only make them more
        desirable, encouraging a child to overeat those foods when
        given the opportunity. Practice moderation of candy intake
        with your children by allowing them to consume a few
        bite-sized pieces at a time of their favorite sweet treat.

    --  Re-sealable Bags Help With Portion Control
        It is not too much sugar, but eating too many calories and not
        exercising enough that cause children to become overweight.
        Re-sealable bags and bite-sized candies enable parents to dole
        out a few pieces at a time and help their children practice
        portion control.

Spokespersons from NCA are available for comment regarding candy trends. Please contact Liz Hays at 202-828-8802 or [e-mail] for more information.

For more ideas on how to enjoy candy year-round, visit www.candyusa.org.