Candy started in the mid-1800s — more or less — with machinery marketing and it was really made for working-class kids," Benjamin explained.

Susan Benjamin traces people's changing palate over the centuries as roots, barks, and even bugs were savored as treats. She surveys the many uses of chocolate from the cacao bean enjoyed by Olmec ...

But despite the 5% increase, Benjamin said no one is really skimping on buying candy. "I think relative to a couple years ago, that maybe there’s been a change.