Sweet Factory Candy: Why your next candy is a dark chocolate

How about spicing up your sweet cravings with Sweet Factory Candy’s dark chocolate bars? The new variety is sure to satisfy your love for anything sweet and still eat healthy. 

If you’re still wondering how dark chocolate can be good food, these proven health reasons might make you ask for more. 

It contains powerful antioxidants

Sweet Factory Candy’s dark chocolate has high cocoa content, fiber and minerals.

For every 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa, it contains:

• 11 grams of fiber
• 67% of the recommended daily intake for iron
• 58% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium
• 89% of the recommended daily intake for copper
• 98% of the recommended daily intake for manganese
• Potassium
• phosphorus
• Zinc 
• Selenium

Take note that all these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. That means 100 grams or 3.5 ounces is not something you should be consuming everyday.  

Check the label of your favorite brand because the higher the cocoa content in your dark chocolate, the more benefits there are.

There are studies that explain why high quality dark chocolate may have the following benefits:

• It can lower cholesterol levels
• It can prevent cognitive decline
• It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems

It is is good for the heart

In one study of 470 elderly men, they found that cocoa reduced the risk of death from heart disease by a whopping 50% over a 15 year period.

Another study revealed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%.  Eating chocolate less frequently had no effect.

And still another study showed that eating dark chocolate more than 5 times per week lowered the risk of heart disease by 57%.

It works like sunscreen

If you’re frequently exposed to the sun you should always wear sunscreen and eat dark chocolate for energy and protection.

It has bioactive compounds that are great for your skin such as flavonoids that can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration.

In one study of 30 people who consumed dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks, they had increased the amount of those helpful bioactive compounds.

It helps you think

Cocoa in dark chocolate contains stimulants like caffeine which may be an important factor in improving brain function.

One study of healthy volunteers showed that eating high-flavanol cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain.

According to another study, cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It may improve verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease as well.

The good news about dark chocolate just goes on and on which means it is the better candy option for you. You can mix it up with nuts in between meals for energy pick up at work. Don’t forget to stock up on Sweet Factory Candy’s dark chocolates for your next round of no guilt sweet cravings.

10 Fun And Delicious Candy Treats

Not all sugar is bad for health, some are candy treats and are good for you. Just ask Calgarian locals who adore Sweet Factory Candy’s delicious sweets and candy assortment. Various types of chocolate, soft-serve ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, jellies, gummies, soft, sour, and chewy candies, and so much more!

You won’t hear it often from health and fitness experts, but candies do have surprising health benefits. Eaten in moderation, sweets can add years to your life. Sugar has also been known to help increase your focus, especially when you are studying or you need to concentrate.

Of course, the good news about chocolates is widely known. There have been studies indicating that chocolates reduce the risk of certain diseases. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, the stuff that lowers blood pressure and keeps you young-looking.

But did you know that you can make your own special candy treats? Here are 10 fun and delicious ideas:

1. Cake decoration

Candies can jazz up any cake. Spruce up your homemade cake with funny candy artwork on top of your plain icing. Or grind them into colourful bits and sprinkle them all over the icing.

2. Candy freeze

Keep them in the freezer all year long so you have something to throw into your milkshake, ice cream, or frozen desserts.

     3. DIY trail mix

Make your own trail mix:

• M&M candies
• assorted nuts
• pretzels
• cookie bits
• chips

     4. Liqueurs

When your friends are around, serve some of your dark chocolate and caramel candies with wine, whiskey, and even vodka. It’s sure to liven up the conversation when you and your friends try to make your own alcoholic mix with fruits, chocolates, and candies.

     5. Brownie and cookie bars

Bake a batch of your favourite brownie bars or chewy cookies with chopped candy bits.

     6. Mocha coffee

Make a quick and easy mocha flavour with your coffee brew and chocolate. You can also melt your chocolate and make a cup of hot chocolate.

     7. Gummy gelatins

Put fun in your plain jelly with colourful gummy bears.

     8. Chocolate dips

Make your own chocolate dip. You just need three main things and will only take 15 minutes. You can always revise the recipe and add other ingredients that will work with your dip. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Melt chocolate bits in the microwave.
• Add whipped cream and cream cheese.
• Whip everything together in the blender.

Some of the delicious things you can dip in chocolate include

• apple wedges
• banana chunks
• strawberries
• peanuts
• plain crackers
• cupcakes
• churros
• cookies
• salted and other flavoured chips

     9. Popcorn candies

Pour candy syrup on your hot plain popcorn and mix it with nuts and candy bits.

    10. Candy tower

Build a separate candy tower for your party folks, or add them as sides to your chocolate lava fountain.

Sweets also make for good party prizes. Playing for candy or chocolate bars puts a lot of fun into party games. If you still have leftover candies, maybe you can regift them or you can always bring them to work to share.

Junk food is named as such for a reason. Before you open your next bag of chips, find out how your comfort junk food can be damaging to your health. 

We’ve listed down 5 ingredients you should watch out for:

1. Artificial sweeteners

These are the go-to of people who are trying to cut down their sweets or calorie intake. They don’t contain calories but still satiate the craving for something sweet. Though they sound like a good sugar substitute, artificial sweeteners do more harm than good because they leave you craving for more. In addition, they have been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, so watch out for these sweeteners.

2. High-fructose corn syrup

This is often found in sweetened drinks and processed foods, such as sodas and fruit juices. Since it is sweeter and cheaper than regular sugar, this ingredient is popular among food manufacturers. It must be avoided, however, because it contains contaminants and chemical toxins that can poison the body.

3. MSG

Commonly known as MSG, monosodium glutamate is given many different names, making it harder to avoid. Manufacturers sometimes list them as caseinate, textured protein, natural flavouring, yeast extract and hydrolyzed pea protein. MSG enhances the flavour of food, giving it a meaty and savoury taste. Though studies have shown that MSG is generally safe for consumption, some people may have a negative reaction to it. 

To be on the safe side, watch out if you think you are sensitive to MSG, so you can avoid food that has any of these names in the ingredients list.

4. Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate

These additives are used for preserving the shelf life of processed meats such as lunch meat, hot dogs and bacon. The pink colouration of meat is also caused by these chemicals. Though they fight the harmful bacteria in meat, these are believed to cause metabolic syndrome and colon cancer when mixed with stomach acid, which can then lead to diabetes.

5. Trans Fats

These are a form of unsaturated fats, which may be natural or artificial. Natural trans fats come from the dairy and meat of ruminant animals like goats, sheep and cattle. These fats then occur when the bacteria in their stomachs digest grass and are generally safe for consumption. 

Artificial trans fats, on the other hand, pose health hazards. They are also called partially hydrogenated fats and are used to prolong the shelf life of processed foods by chemically altering vegetable oils so they remain solid at room temperature.

Aside from boosting bad cholesterol, these trans fats are difficult for the body to process and have been linked to nutritional deficiencies, cellular deterioration, diabetes and heart disease.

Now that you know a little more in this area, it wouldn’t hurt to pause for a moment and check the ingredients list the next time you visit the grocery. 

Sweet Factory Candy: Candy recipes to try this 2021

Finally, a new year has begun and what better way to celebrate it with new and fresh candy recipes! Whether you prefer heavy, rich desserts or light, refreshing treats, rest assured that there is something suitable for you. 

Additionally, these delectable candy recipes provide a complex amount of sweetness, zingy citrus, and delicate flavours. All you need to do is go to your local farmer’s market, buy the ingredients provided below then give one of these recipes a try!

Strawberry Lemonade Truffles

Strawberry lemonade truffles are unique white chocolate-based truffles that are made with real strawberry puree and lemon zest—giving them an intense and realistic taste. Depending on your taste, you can also top them with a sprinkling of strawberry powder and a sliver of candied lemon rind for more flavour and texture.

Ingredients you need:

• 8 ounces fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
• 14 ounces white chocolate (it must be chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon citric acid
• 1 lemon (zest)
• 12 ounces white chocolate candy coating (this is specifically for dipping)

Lemon Bark

On the contrary, if you are a fan of lemon and chocolate, then this recipe is for you! This candy recipe contains a semi-sweet chocolate base that is topped with lemon-flavoured white chocolate and chunks of candied lemon peel. Overall, this candy recipe is both creamy, chewy and bursting with vibrant lemon flavour that you are sure to enjoy.

Ingredients you need:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (it must be chopped)
• 8 ounces white chocolate (it must be chopped)
• 1/4 cup candied lemon peel (it must be finely chopped)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon lemon oil
• 4 drops yellow candy food colouring

Raspberry Rose Truffles

Raspberry rose truffles are gorgeous chocolate truffles that have a blended flavour of roses and tart like tangy raspberries. This is a popular dessert that is perfect to eat on any occasion. All you need to do is use the right amount of ingredients so that the taste for the flavour does not become too overpowering.

Ingredients you need:

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen raspberries (it must be thawed)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 pound semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (it must be finely chopped)
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 pound chocolate candy coating (for dipping)
• 1/4 cup red candy coating (for decoration)

Lavender Fudge

Lavender fudge is a delectable candy treat that is loved by children and adults alike here at Sweet Candy Factory. Overall, it is made of a creamy fudge with a smooth texture and a lovely lavender flavour. When making this recipe, rest assured that dried lavenders are easy to find in many supermarkets so you won’t have any problem getting the ingredients.

Ingredients you need:

• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lavender (it must be dried, culinary grade)
• 1/2 cup/4 ounces butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces ​white chocolate chips
• 7 ounces marshmallow cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 drops purple food colouring
• Optional: 4 ounces of chocolate

History: From Sugar and Honey to Billion-Dollar Industry

What first started with sugar, honey, and water, the making and market of candies today are worth billions of US dollars. With its simple concoction, everyone may have tried making them. But with its wide range of flavours, types, and prices, everyone has certainly tasted them. 

After all, why not? Their small bite sizes are incredibly worthwhile. Every second is enjoyed. Now, to add more fun to candies and sweets, you will appreciate more of what we have for you here on this page. Let’s take a break from Sweet Factory menus and upcoming events, today, let’s visit the history of candies/sweets. See and understand the factors that led to the phenomenon of these delicacies in the world.

Candy is not a dessert?

Prior to knowing its origin, it is crucial to understand the various terms used to describe candies. For some, it’s shortened for sweets; others would categorize them as a dessert variety. While often interchanged, it is believed that they are not entirely the same thing. Quite surprising, right? Here is how they are different from each other, and why people should stop mistaking them with the same extent.

How are they similar?

If there is one thing that concurs with each other, both candies and desserts are 2 foods that satisfy one’s cravings. In general, they are made with ingredients that have high contents of sugar — a reason why the 2 are also tantamount to the term ‘sweets’.

How are they different?

Desserts have tons of varieties and elements, where they range from dishes to drinks. Among the list includes confection, which is also called candy, sweets, or lollies. Basically, it is any food item that has high contents on sugar and carbs. While others deem confections/candies as a dessert variety, the 2 are actually entirely different. Instead, they vary in the way they are served and eaten.

By definition, a dessert is a course that completes a meal. Simply put, any dessert dish served after a meal has to be savoured in one seating. Candies, on the other hand, can be eaten anywhere and anytime.

Another factor to consider is the preparation used in the creation and production of candies and desserts. The former are often bite-sizes, where they are packaged in plastic or paper wrapping — simple but convenient and purposeful. The latter, however, sometimes take rigorous concoction to meet gourmet standards.

History

See and marvel at the transition of how people utilised sugars and kinds of honeys. With only 2 ingredients, markets were created, jobs were formed, and opportunities became everywhere. 

From sugar and honey…

To restate, candies (‘sweets’ by British English and ‘lollies’ by Australian and New Zealand English) highly contain sugar contents. To understand its origin is to assess and trace back to ancient cultures where sugars and sweet honey were chiefly used, circulated, and distributed to other regional areas.

Coming from the series of agribusiness manuals of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, sugar cane was refined first in New Guinea and its neighbouring islands prior to 1,000 B.C. Owing to the phenomenon of migration, the practice came all the way to India and then China.

In India, locals devised techniques in extracting sugar from sugarcanes. They called it ‘sarkara’. It was this Sanskrit term that became the basis of other European languages, such as sucre in French, zucker in German, zuccheto in Italian, and azúcar in Spanish. Around the 6th and 4th centuries, B.C. Persians and Greeks adopted Indian’s sugarcane agriculture. From there, they spread the practice in the West.

Back to India, the locals produced pieces of sugar by boiling sugarcane juice. The product was consumed, called khanda, which became the origin of the anglicized term candy. It was not until in the late 13th century when candy became prevalent. 

Yet prior to sugar, another sweetener in other regions was honey — a sweet, viscous substance produced by honey bees. It was utilized in Ancient China, Middle East, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire. They preserve fruits and flowers through coating them with honey. During this period, candies, along with spices, served as medicine in calming the digestive systems and cooling sore throats.

Through social changes, the use of candies was no longer for medicinal purposes. The advent of the Industrial Revolution — where capitalism and tech advancements thrived the most — paved the way for a drastic change in candy production. In the 1800s, candies opened up the market. 

With this chance, it resulted in the growth of businesses, thereby giving prospects to both rich and working-class sectors. In both America and Europe, candy stores were business staples to children, more so when these small bite delicacies became worth a penny. Penny candies or bulk candies were just the beginning leading to the global fortune of candies today. 

To a billion-dollar market

There were already more than 400 factories in the U.S. by the mid-1800s. In the simplest yet laborious process, candies were obtained from the very slow crystallization of highly purified sugar syrup. But due to the demand of consumers, sweets makers had to innovate to remove long labour work. Not only did they use revolving steam pan, but they also optimised the addition of additives for the sake of marketing novelty and lengthened their shelf life.

Adulterants range from cheap cornstarch and corn syrup to harmful ones. To attract more consumers, other producers had used hazardous substances to brighten the colours of candies. Since there were no legal restrictions, such contents were chromium oxide, copper acetate, lead oxide, and mercury sulfide.

Joseph Keppler, American cartoonist and caricature artist, ridiculed the horrid acts on the use of unsafe additives. Then in 1906, the fear-mongering pressured the national government of the U.S. in forming a passage to regulate food and drugs through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This law is called the Pure Food and Drug Act.

With a recipe including legal regulation, marketing schemes, assistive tech and machinery, and of course, continuously growing demand, the concoction is ready for the global competition and market of candies. Now, hundreds of candy types have been formulated around the world. Even home kitchens can create these bite-size sweets. But, only a few names/brands can make it to the top, becoming household names everywhere.

As reported by WFMJ-TV, the 2018 global candy market was valued at 79.35 billion. With regional varieties and growing trends per year, it is further expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.5% until 2023. Below, meet the names that contribute to this ever-growing market — the world’s 3 leading candy and sweets companies.

1. Mars Inc.

• Worldwide candy sales: US$18.0 billion 

Founded in 1911 in Tacoma, Washington, Franklin Mars is the name behind famous candy brands, namely, Mars, M&M’s, Snickers, Bounty, Milky Way, Twix, and so on. It becoming the number 1 candy company in the world isn’t solely due to the above-mentioned names. Its annual billion-dollar revenue now comes from pet products, such as the well-known ‘Pedigree’ brand.

2. Ferrero

• Worldwide candy sales: US12.4 billion

Famously known for the heavenly spread of Nutella and crunchy balls Ferrero, the company was founded in 1946 by Italian Pietro Ferrero. Other famous brands also include children’s favourites, Kinder Surprise and Kinder Joy, and everyone’s refreshments, the TIC TAC.

3. Mondelez International

• Worldwide candy sales: US$11.8 billion

A very recent company established in 2012, Mondelez has taken the 3rd spot in the list. Its start was actually at a great base, after splitting from another American food conglomerate Kraft Foods. The latter focused on selling grocery products, whereas Mondelez took over all Kraft’s former candy brands. 

Its annual revenue isn’t caused by its flagship products. Instead, they buy popular candy brands from different countries and integrate them into the company property. Now, it owns Cadbury, Milka, Prince Polo, Oreo, and so on.

Overview

As a diet staple and main ingredient in sweets companies, the source and supply of sugar are everywhere! But with the impact of climate, only 20% come from industrialized countries where they derive from sugar beet. The remaining 80% is taken from sugar cane, an indigenous food item to tropical climates in developing countries.

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Candy is a blank canvas. The realm of sweets has too much to offer. It’s no wonder why Hansel and Gretel were easily convinced to attend a lone woman’s house in the middle of a forest. For every invented candy variety, it adds to its billion-dollar market. But aside from its shares to the sector, each comes with a story to tell. Find about the pretty cool origin of floral gums here on this page: Floral Gums, Calgary Loves this Candy.

Hated by half the UK and adored by the other, Floral Gums (known affectionately as “Soap candy” invokes the strongest opinions in candy lovers world-wide. Named for their flowery scent and flavour, these tiny, former penny candies have a loyal following of people who swear they taste the best. Like ever. We agree!

Sweet Factory Candy Boutique is one of few locations in Calgary caring the controversial sweets. High-five for us! You can drop in and get your fix.

The history behind floral gums is pretty cool too. There’s only one factory on the planet that has the secret recipe to pump these treats out and they burned down. All the way down. For years there were no floral gums. It was like the public was teased with their awesomeness and when the factory finally rebuilt and opened their doors for the second time, the anticipation had the UK mesmerized. This candy was selling fast!

Eventually, floral gum candy bust out of England and made its way through the Commonwealth and eventually right here to Calgary just for you try. Come have a taste of this delicious candy. Soap-schmope!

Reasons to Choose Floral Gum Products

Candies exist to make everyone happy all over the world. These sweet treats can make you happy with one bite. That’s why there are a lot of candy manufacturers that want everyone’s attention with their own candy.

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of candies that you can choose from, especially these days. From lollipop to pop rocks, you definitely won’t run out of candy that you can buy here at Sweet Factory. 

But one of the best products that we have here is a classic one and that is floral gum. This might sound like a dentist prescribed candy but it is not. It packs a lot of great flavours even though they are only small in size. 

If you do not believe us, you may continue reading this article and learn more about why you should choose floral gum candy as your new favourite candy to eat. 

Even though it’s old, it still packs a lot of flavours

This does not mean that the candy itself is old and you cannot eat it. We only mean that this candy is one of the most classic candies that you can try that still gives you a lot of great flavours to taste. 

You can even say that this type of candy stands the test of time because of the fact that it is still popular among children. It also tries to introduce new flavours to the mix to make the customers more satisfied with it. 

It Will definitely make you feel better 

This might sound like a surprise but eating floral gum candy can help you more relax often. This is because of the fact that eating sweets can bring you happiness and relax your mind even for a little while. 

That’s why you need to eat this type of candy to make you feel happier and more energetic to attract more positive thoughts in your life. Just remember that eating floral gum products should be consumed moderately to avoid having any bad effects on your body. 

Affordable and accessible

Buying floral gum products is much easier than buying another candy that is exclusive. There are a lot of stores and online shops that sell this kind of candy to make everyone happier with the help of candy here at the Sweet Factory.

You don’t have to worry about breaking your own piggy bank when buying floral gum candy because you can buy it at an affordable price. Here at Sweet Factory, we have a lot of floral gum candy that you can choose from. 

Besides floral gum candies, we have other selections of candies that you can choose from here at Sweet Factory. You can browse our website to learn more about the products that we offer. 

Cola Balls are deceiving. They look all shiny, sleek and ready to load in your BB gun as ammunition but these metallic looking treats are actually jaw-breakers packing a tasty, cola flavor. Yum!

Kids go crazy for them. Maybe because they sparkle but probably because the flavour lasts long and they look like they’re from the future or serve a higher purpose other than pure taste satisfaction. Which is important too. It’s the little things in life, right?

Cola Balls come in a few different sizes, depending on how serious you are with your jaw-breaker addiction. For amateurs, I’d recommend the pint sized itty-bitty balls but for true candy fiends, go for the grand.

Parents and creatives love Cola Balls. They’re a great candy for cake and cupcake decoration. Or just for the sake of art. I’d rather look at Cola-Ball art than noodle art.

Supposedly the Dutch created this cool treat. You can have a taste of Holland and of cola without ever having to leave Calgary. Come down to the shop in Mount Royal and we’ll give you a sample taste. Warning. You’re going to want to try some and buy some.

Calgary’s Candy Fashion Week

The global fashion industry extols and showcases its trends and upcoming seasons through Fashion Weeks. But here in Calgary, more so on 17th Ave in Lower Mount Royal, people celebrate it differently.

In 2012, the store became the 1st ever fashion-inspired candy boutique in Calgary. Since the street is known as the city’s hippest and most stylish urban area, Sweet Factory has definitely sweetened the fashion culture. Unlike New York, Paris, London, and Milan’s Fashion Weeks, ours veers away from luxury and ‘houses’. Instead, Calgary has fun recycling and sweetening events! On this page, see the debut of our ‘couture’ candy dresses.

Behind the scenes

The team was inspired by the works of Kyle Nylund. He is a Vancouver-based professional artist that specialises in ‘radical whimsy’. We called and asked him about the store’s marketing strategy. Lucky for us, he liked the concept and agreed to meet us.

Kyle came to the store’s location at 17th Ave. We worked on outlines, debating which theme and scheme would work best. For over several days looking for feasible plans, budget, and materials, we settled with rock candy. Just by staring at Kyle’s sketch, it’s bright, festive, and interesting. We already knew there and then that it would make heads turn, which we were right!

The debut of the rock candy dress

We wanted to debut the rock candy dress somewhere filled with many people. Again, it seemed that Lady Luck was with us since there was an upcoming Rihanna concert in Calgary! We took the opportunity of the event. So, off we go, we flaunted to the public the beautiful creation of Kyle.

Calgary’s Candy Fashion Week

A week after the team’s fun tactic, we distributed flyers about the store’s upcoming event, entitled Calgary’s Candy Fashion Week. We invited the talented residents of 17th Ave to showcase their sweet, sweet artistry.

The event was successful! Everyone enjoyed it. The creations were remarkable as they are detailed and finely done. While there were prizes, the competition was very friendly. As we hoped for, our team wanted to have a good time with the local community. 

Tune out for more

As ever, Sweet Factory always has fun-filled events for residents to join. The Calgary’s Fashion Week was just the beginning. So, check our website and social media pages often for more updates. 

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Liked the creations of Calgary residents? The designs looked so real that our cravings soared! Ahh! If only it is possible to take one rock candy from their dresses. But, why only crave when Sweet Factory has quite a large and good selection of products. 

Staying true to its name, we not only sell candies and chocolates. Other sweets varieties available in the store are soft-serve ice cream and popcorn. Find all about them here on this page: Our Candy Menu: Craving Satisfied By Sweet Factory.