Halloween Stats & Facts
Did You Know?
Halloween is the candy industry's perennial top holiday. This year, sales of
sweets are expected to exceed the $2billion mark, a two percent increase from
2004 Halloween candy sales. (According to the National
Confectioners Association)
More than 93 percent of children go trick-or-treating each year.
(According to the National Confectioners Association)
According to U.S. Census data a large portion of the candy consumed by
Americans every year is consumed by kids on and during the days immediately
following Halloween. (U.S. Census Bureau)
Americans now average nearly 21 teaspoons of added sugar a day - that's
approximately 68 pounds per year. (Eat Right Montana' s Real
Guidelines for Real People: Straight Scoop on Sweets.)
The diet candy category, including low-carb, low-sugar and sugar-free
offerings, has grown roughly 90 percent over the last year but still represents
only three percent of overall candy sales. (According to the
National Confectioners Association)
One serving size of candy corn (36 pieces) contains only 160 calories and 0g
of fat . (According to ChildrenToday.com)
Ninety percent of parents admit to sneaking a few goodies from their
children's trick-or-treat bags. Miniature chocolate bars are their favorite
treat to snitch . (According to the National Confectioners
Association)
Experts have found that sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children. The
celebration or special event, not the foods eaten, is thought to be responsible
for children's increased activity and excitement. (According to
the National Confectioners Association)
Today, approximately 30.3 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) are overweight
and 15.3 percent are obese. For adolescents (ages 12 to 19), 30.4 percent are
overweight and 15.5 percent are obese. In fact, the obesity rate in youth has
actually quadrupled over the last 25 years. (American Obesity
Association)
Obesity is only half of the childhood nutrition paradox. Recent statistics
show a large percentage of children are also undernourished. USDA data show that
on a daily basis, 75 percent of girls' ages 12 - 19 do not receive the required
amount of phosphorous; 60 percent lack an adequate intake of iron; and 47 percent
fall short in their zinc consumption. Boys' ages 12 - 19 perform poorly too with
40 percent lacking the appropriate amount of phosphorous; 29 percent do not
receive the right amount of zinc; and 11 percent lack an adequate intake of iron .
(USDA)
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