Description
Presenter: Amy Griel, PhD, The Hershey Company
Current dietary recommendations emphasize a well-balanced diet, rich in whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein and dairy, fruits and vegetables. The evolution of dietary guidelines for macronutrients has continued to focus on the quality of the foods that we eat, including an emphasis on sources of carbohydrate that are high in fiber and nutrients and the inclusion of unsaturated fats to elicit health benefits. Research indicates that consumption of candy and chocolate contributes only approximately 2 percent of total calorie intake per capita. Recent data indicate that candy consumers do not have higher body weights than nonconsumers. The use of better-for-you fats in confections can vary depending on the tactic used, whether it be the inclusion of nuts in a product, a change in the oil or fat used in the formula or a change in packaging to create a different portion size for the consumer. It is important to note that confections can be included in a healthy diet and lifestyle.
