Chicago, June 1, 2023 –Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group, announced the winners of its annual consumer awards during the Sweets and Snacks Expo, hosted by National Confectioners Association in Chicago, May 22-25. Circana’s Consumer Awards, presented by Circana’s food and beverage consumption practice to the winning sweets and snacks manufacturers, were based on the highest share of eatings together with needs, motivations, situations, or occasions that influenced the snack or treat selection, according to the company’s SnackTrack® service, which continually tracks treat and snack consumption attitudes and behaviors.

“Despite the pressure of higher food prices, consumers always find a way to treat themselves with sweets and snacks,” says Darren Seifer, Circana food and beverage industry analyst. “Through our consumer awards, we recognize manufacturers that provide consumers with the treats and snacks they want for whatever reason they want them, like watching fireworks, playing games, or it’s their favorite routine.”

Circana Sweets and Snacks Expo Consumer Awards

Oh, You Shouldn’t Have Award — Top Chocolate Specialty/Gift Box Consumed on a Holiday*:

Russell Stover/Company: Russell Stover Chocolates

Kids Snack Cake Choice Award — #1 Brand of Snack Cakes Eaten by Gen Alpha** 

Little Debbie Chocolate Cupcakes/Company: McKee Foods

Millennials’ Premium Chocolate Choice Award — Top Premium Chocolate Consumed by Millennials**

Lindt/Company: Lindt & Sprüngli (USA), Inc.

Winner of the Take Me with You Award — Top Hard Candy Consumed on the Go**

Werther’s Original/Company: Storck

Winner of the Better Than Fireworks Award — Top Chocolate Candy Consumed on the 4th of July**

Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares/Company: Ghirardelli

Winner of the Pairs Well with Games Award — #1 Fruit Snack for Children When Playing Games**

Welch’s Fruit Snacks/Company: PIM Brands

Winner of the Happy Consumer Award — #1 Gummy Consumed When Feeling Happy**

Haribo Goldbears/Company: Haribo

Winner of the Gimme A Break Boss Award — Top Chocolate Consumed While Doing Work/Homework*

Snickers/Company: Mars

Winner of the Teacher’s Pet Award — Top Mint Consumed at School*

Tic Tac/Company: Ferrero

Winner of the Young Gen Gummy Favorites Award — Top Gummy Consumed by Gen Alpha*

Black Forest/Company: Ferrara

*Circana, SnackTrack®, two years ending December 2022 **Circana, SnackTrack®, year ending December 2022