May 2, 2025 (press release) –
WASHINGTON – In response to announcements that Arkansas and Indiana will seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove chocolate and candy from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the National Confectioners Association released the following statement:
NCA Statement
“This policy approach is misguided and not needed when it comes to chocolate and candy. SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants both understand that chocolate and candy are treats – not meal replacements. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day. In fact, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families – with only about 2% of SNAP purchases being candy. Consumers have a unique mindset when they enjoy chocolate and candy that is not present when interacting with other foods – whether or not they are using SNAP benefits for food purchases. Furthermore, 89% of Americans believe that physical health and emotional well-being are interconnected, meaning chocolate and candy can be an affordable way to enhance the special occasions and meaningful moments of all Americans regardless of income level.”
Additional Background Information
- About 2% of SNAP purchases are candy – significantly less than other categories like soda, prepared desserts, salty and savory snacks, and baked goods. And unlike those other purchases which SNAP participants buy in far greater quantities than non-SNAP households, candy purchasing patterns are basically equivalent between SNAP and non-SNAP families.
- Chocolate and candy are different from other foods. SNAP participants and non-SNAP participants both understand that chocolate and candy are treats – not meal replacements. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories per day and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day.
- There is no single definition of candy, and in fact, definitions vary greatly from state to state. The same granola bar or trail mix could be banned as a SNAP-eligible purchase in one state, but be eligible across the border in another state. Varying definitions lead to consumer and retailer confusion. In addition, arbitrary definitions of candy create purchasing disparities across varying confectionery products.
- This is nearly impossible for retailers to implement. SNAP participants currently benefit from purchasing flexibility at eligible SNAP retailers. If retailers are required to scrutinize individual product eligibility and flag each eligible and non-eligible item at their point-of-sale, this will substantially increase compliance challenges for retailers and will decrease the number of eligible SNAP retailers. The ability to choose items for everyday meals and special occasions permits participants to vary their consumption based on their individual needs and preferences. Broad-based product eligibility also allows participants to easily shop for groceries without confusing limitations on eligible items that could result in products being declined at the register, creating unanticipated charges on the cash portion of the order that participants may be unable to fund out of pocket.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA):
The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Our member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum, and mints, drive $54 billion in retail sales, and add a little sweetness to life. NCA champions policies that help candy makers and other stakeholders in this unique category thrive while reminding consumers that chocolate and candy are treats. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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