This sponsored post is brought to you by the National Confectioners Association and coordinated by Wendy’s Bloggers.

Who doesn’t enjoy an occasional treat? Even my husband, who is weird and doesn’t have a sweet tooth, can be found munching on some gummy bears. When it comes to most things in life, especially sweets and treats for the girls, everything is encouraged and acceptable in moderation.

Explore Sweets and Treats with the Always A Treat Initiative!

When I buy sweets and treats, I look for snack size packs, so that the girls learn about proper portion sizes. After all, they don’t want to end up like their Papa who ate too much chocolate as a kid and became “allergic” to it – that’s his story and he’s sticking to it.

Chocolate, gummies, caramels, mints, gum – there are so many types of delicious treats available. But have you ever wondered how all of these different types of candy end up on store shelves?

The National Confectioners Association (NCA), which represents more than 550 confectionery companies, is currently hosting the Sweets & Snacks Expo where many of these products get their start.

Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week. In fact, that averages to about 40 calories per day and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day per person.

NCA presents Sweets & Snacks Expo

The Sweets & Snacks Expo has four acres of products from the confectionery and snack industries and features more than 800 candy and snack companies displaying thousands of new innovations and traditional favorites. It’s the first time representatives from your favorite stores have the chance to see all these tasty treats and decide what will appear on their store shelves.

Many chocolate and candy companies will also debut products that give treat lovers more information, options and support to make informed choices about how they treat. This wave of innovation is thanks in part to the Always A Treat Initiative, a voluntary commitment made by America’s leading chocolate and candy companies to Partnership for a Healthier America to help people manage their sugar intake.

By 2022, half of their individually wrapped products will be available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack.

These companies are committed to tangible changes, including smaller pack sizes and clearer calorie labels. You’ll see these changes hit your local stores over the coming months.

About Always A Treat Initiative

The Always A Treat Initiative is also designed to show people how chocolate and candy can be part of a happy, balanced lifestyle. Learn more about the Always A Treat Initiative by following #AlwaysATreat or by visiting AlwaysATreat.com.

Fun fact: My favorite sweet treat is a Ferrero Rocher…

What is your favorite sweet treat to enjoy? Share your faves below or get social using #AlwaysATreat and #SweetPower!

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter