Confectionery is an enjoyable food that should that should be consumed as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle.
We have been working very closely with Health Canada to produce for consumers an expanded list of core nutrients on nutrition labels that clearly and concisely provide consumers with additional information to select food on an informed basis.
As the following will point out, besides its unique qualities as a gifting food and providing enjoyment and variety to the diet, confectionery contributes essential micronutrients to the diet, such as protein, calcium, magnesium, iron and niacin.
Canada’s Food Guide
Confectionery contributes delicious foods to the Canadian diet that fit any healthy and active lifestyle. For further information click on the graphic and go to Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Eating website.
Nutritional Facts
• On the average confectionery snacks contribute 26% of the daily requirements for vitamins A and C, riboflavin, Vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium, along with significant amounts of other nutrients. Chocolate bars, particularly those containing almonds or peanuts can provide up to 15% of the recommended daily amount of protein.
• Milk chocolate contains carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium and iron.
• The cocoa in chocolate is a significant source of antioxidants eg. Procyandins) that may have heart health benefits. Based on scientific findings to date, acute doses of chocolate-derived Procyandins can induce cardio protective effects in humans, reducing the risk of heart decease and caner.
• A 4-oz piece of chocolate typically has 400 milligrams of antioxidants, as much as in a glass of red wine.
• Dentists around the world agree that chewing gum in between meals can help to reduce the affects of tooth decay. After meals, it isn't always convenient to use a toothbrush. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acids from foods that may cause tooth decay.
• As early as 1939, scientific studies showed how chewing reduces muscular tension and helps people feel more at ease. Because it is so well-recognized for helping stay alert at the same time it eases tension, the U.S. Armed Forces have supplied chewing gum to its soldiers ever since World War I. It is still included in field and combat rations today.
• Candies like jelly beans, gum drops and hard candies can be low in calories.
• One butterscotch disc has only 20 calories. Eight gum drops or eight jelly beans (the equivalent of one ounce) contain 115 calories. Many of these types of candies are fat- and cholesterol-free, too.
• Confectionery has extremely functional attributes from products such as: chewing gum, breath mints/strips and cough drops.
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