Valentine’s Day gift-givers, take note: Americans overwhelmingly prefer chocolate instead of flowers (69 vs. 31 percent) on Valentine’s Day, according to a nationwide survey by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). Women are a little divided on the matter, however, with 59 percent preferring chocolate compared to 83 percent of men.
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“Americans have a longstanding tradition of sharing candy with family, friends and colleagues during the holidays”
The survey of more than 1,300 adult consumers also suggests that Cupid struck Americans with a love for caramel – it’s the most popular flavor in a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates with 34 percent of the responses. Chocolate-covered nuts also scored high (24 percent), with cream-filled (13 percent) and chocolate-filled (13 percent) rounding out the pack of top choices.
Total U.S. confectionery sales for Valentine’s Day 2014 are projected to be $1.057 billion, a 1.9 percent increase over 2013. Chocolate makes up around 75 percent of candy sales at Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate = Wellness!
Respondents also shared how they enjoy the mental benefits of Cupid’s favorite holiday and practice moderation.
- Spread happiness. Nearly 62 percent agree that celebrating holidays like Valentine’s Day brings happiness in tough economic times.
- Indulge! About 74 percent of those surveyed agree eating healthfully can include the enjoyment of seasonal candy.
- Trying to teach your kids a lesson in moderation this Valentine’s Day? A large share of American parents will do it by giving a certain number of pieces per day until it runs out (41 percent).