CONSUMER TRENDS

Sweet Treats
It’s hard to imagine that health could bring happiness to the sweet-treat category. But America’s insatiable demand for low-carb, low-calorie, and sugar-, fat-, additive-, and even gluten-free treats has spurred unprecedented product innovation, more-than-expected sales growth, and a return of long-gone customers to the confectionery, sweet baked goods, and dessert foods segment.

And just in time. According to The NPD Group, only 15% of in-home dinners and 11% of restaurant evening me…