I read this article in the New York Times this morning and it made me laugh. Every single time I go to the grocery store lately I buy myself a candy treat. Most recently, I have been buying a little bag of Jelly Bellies. (I found that if I buy the larger, more economical bag, that I can not stop myself from eating the entire bag. Just ask me about the 3lb bag of gummy bears I ate in record time, one sneaky visit to the pantry at a time.)
Before the Jelly Bellies it was Skittles. And before Skittles it was Hot Tamales.
I feel like I deserve a reward for making it through the grocery store, and let’s be honest just making it through my day sometimes.
Apparently, I am not alone. According to the New York Times:
The recession seems to have a sweet tooth. As unemployment has risen and 401(k)’s have shrunk, Americans, particularly adults, have been consuming growing volumes of candy, from Mary Janes and Tootsie Rolls to Gummy Bears and cheap chocolates, say candy makers, store owners and industry experts.
Theories vary on exactly why. For many, sugar lifts spirits dragged low by the languishing economy. For others, candy also provides a nostalgic reminder of better times. And not insignificantly, it is relatively cheap.
I think perhaps it is the inexpensive nature of candy that is driving the candy sales up. People don’t have the extra disposable income to indulge in things like expensive dinners in restaurants or $200 shoes, but almost everyone can afford to add 75 cents to their grocery budget for a candy bar.
True for chips, too! My husband is in chip delivery, and while it doesn’t rake in the big bucks, we also have NOT been fearing layoffs like many folks. It’s one treat people can still usually afford, and it makes them feel a little better, at least for a few minutes!
Comment by Brigitte — March 25, 2009 @ 8:04 am
I have been indulging in chocolates more now than in the past. My favorite are kisses. There is just something about them that makes the day better.
Comment by Heather — April 2, 2009 @ 11:25 am
I can defiantly see how eating something sweet would boost up your mood. For me it doesn’t matter, I just love sweets of all kinds. I always remember a recurring conversation I would have with my dad when I was little and we were out on to a trip to the store. I would see all the pretty candy, piled up so nice and neat on the shelves with all those beautiful colors and then ask “Daddy can I have some candy?” Most of the time his answer was “NO.” I would then let him know that one day I WILL be a grown up and have “ALL THE CANDY I WANT!”… what a brat!!! So now that I’m “all grown up” I’ve had my fair share to say the least, and now kinda getting board with the sweets… hard to believe but true ;o)
Comment by Lisa Lisa — April 2, 2009 @ 6:25 pm