Sweets and Snacks Facts

Sweets & Snacks make food interesting. Read how chocolate works, how ice cream works and even why Krispy Kreme doughnuts are absolutely irresistible.

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Ruby Chocolate: This New Confection Is Pink Perfection


Chocolate: Big Cravings and an Even Bigger Carbon Footprint

A new study finds that, on average, it takes 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of water to make a single chocolate bar. Now that's a hefty footprint.

Would You Pay $56 for Five Potato Chips?

Because that's how much these exclusive Swedish crisps cost. At more than $11 each, they're the world's most expensive. The money's going to charity, but still …

What's the Deal With Bubblegum Flavor?

Or is the famous flavor simply made up?

Why is sugar sticky?

When the sweet stuff is mixed with water, it suddenly wants to bond with everything it encounters. Why so clingy, sugar?

How Junk Food Works

Junk food is a miracle of edible engineering. Food scientists have figured out how to trick our brains into eating all that salt, sugar and fat without thinking about the calories. How do they do it? While you're learning, I'll get some Ding Dongs.

Why do sweet and salty taste so good together?

The marriage of salty and sweet is one that shouldn't work but magically does. Our tongues recognize flavors for a reason -- and when it comes to sweet and salty, biology is hard at work.

Is chocolate addictive?

From intense craving to shame over loss of control -- this is the life of the chocoholic. Is the term chocoholic just a joke, or does science say there's something to it?

10 Easy Poolside Snacks

Summer days by the pool call for delicious, nutritious snacks that are quick to prepare. While you're splishing, splashing and having fun in the water, let your taste buds have some fun with these 10 easy poolside snacks.

10 Unexpected Ice Cream Flavors and Ingredients

Americans eat more than 15 pounds of ice cream each year, but there's more to the creamy, cool concoction than classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Check out these 10 unexpected ice cream flavors and ingredients. We dare you to try them!

What Is Nougat?

Nougat is the stuff inside candy bars that makes them so fluffy and delicious. Yet it looks different in a Snickers bar than it does in a 3 Musketeers. What gives? Here's what you need to know about nougat.

10 Great Snack Ideas for the Beach

A day at the beach is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but nothing can stress you out faster than going hungry after all that swimming and running around. Luckily, we've got a few snack ideas for your trip down the shore.

Abridged History of Food: Who Invented Chocolate Chip Cookies?

One woman's empty pantry led to what is perhaps the best-celebrated cookie of all time. Who invented the chocolate chip cookie, and how long has it been around for?

Abridged History of Food: Ice Cream Cones

As far as edible containers go, the ice cream cone is one of the best inventions ever. But how did it come to be? Who first plunked a scoop into a crispy, sugary cone?

Top 5 Stinkiest Cheeses

If you've never eaten food that has a strong, pungent aroma, it might be tough to see the appeal. But many connoisseurs can't get enough of the so-called stinky cheese varieties. Which ones are most revered -- and most flavorful?

What's the difference between ice cream, frozen custard, gelato and frozen yogurt?

Americans love frozen desserts. But ask someone on the streets what the difference is between ice cream and gelato, and you're likely to get a blank stare. What separates frozen custard from frozen yogurt?

Top 5 Chocolate Varieties

Who doesn't like chocolate? There's a version for every palate -- milk, semisweet, dark. Which is your favorite?


Willy Wonka may have developed a number of unusual chocolate-covered inventions at his famous factory, but even his strangest confections can't beat some real-life combinations people are trying.

Food Origins: The Ice Cream Cone

You've polished off half a scoop and gotten to your favorite part - where cool confection and cone meet. As you take that first, creamy, crunchy bite, you wonder, "Where did it all begin -- who invented the ice cream cone?"

10 Great Snacks for the Plane

Airlines are cutting back on pretty much everything lately -- especially food. Don't worry, any one of these 10 snacks should tide you over until you get to the next terminal.

Chocolate Pictures

Whatever form chocolate takes, it's sure to please the senses. Check out these chocolate pictures, but be sure you have some to nibble on nearby.

Red and White Striped: Candy Cane-inspired Pictures

These candy cane inspired pictures will give you ideas for the many ways to use them in your holiday decor. Check out this candy cane image gallery.

Candy Wonderland Pictures

This candy wonderland decor image gallery will help get the holiday spirit going. Check out these candy wonderland decor pictures.

Candy Canes and Peppermints

Not only is peppermint candy used to decorate a tree during the holidays, it also can settle your stomach if you're not feeling well and freshen up your breath if you've had to much onion-infused fare.