the kicker

Dow Low, Sugar High

March 24, 2009

Last week, the New York Times reported that “Whoopie Pies Are Having Their Moment,” that the “cake-like sandwiches” have “finally broke into the national consciousness” (meaning you can now find them at Whole Foods and at Park Slope patisseries) perhaps because such “homespun” “snacks” “provide some comfort amid the economic gloom.” That was in the Dining Section.

Apparently we’re eating our whoopie pies with sides of Swedish Fish and fistfuls of (gulp) Necco Wafers. Today, on A1, the Times reports that as the economy tanks, “Americans, particularly adults, have been consuming growing volumes of candy…say candy makers, store owners and industry experts.” And, a lot of it is “cheaper, old-fashioned” candies. For example the Times found one Piper Gray, 23, in a candy store “on a recent Sunday afternoon” and reports:

Since…Gray…arrived in Manhattan from Memphis in September, she has lived on a tiny salary from a journalism internship and tries to remain optimistic about eventually landing permanent work, even though prospects look discouraging…

…She sounded cheerful as she munched on mini Smooth ‘N Melty nonpariels…

Not so sweet? “Increased candy consumption may have already taken a toll on the waistlines of many New Yorkers,” since the Times found a woman who runs Weight Watchers meetings in Manhattan who says she’s “hearing a lot about Skittles and Mary Janes” lately.

What will be the next not-so-good-for-you thing the Times will catch at least three people doing for “comfort amid economic gloom?” So many possibilities…

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Liz Cox Barrett is a writer at CJR.