7 Healthcast: Healthy sweet treats

Sweet tooths all over Chicago are being satisfied as the Sweets and Snacks Expo rolls into the McCormack Center.

Hundreds of confectioners show off the newest ways to get your sugary fix.

The new trend this year is healthier snacks like Crystal Light's sugar-free chewy candies.

“The crystal light hard candies has 50% less calories than traditional hard candy and our chewy candy has a third fewer calories than traditional chewy candy," said Dan Wether, the CEO of Sorbe International.

There are even some healthy chocolate bars.

“It's 50% cacao, it's sugar-free, so it's suitable for diabetics, and it's a good better for you bar,” said Wether.

Jelly Belly candy, which actually has a manufacturing plant in Chicago, is putting a spin on the traditional cocktail.

“You're going to love these. We did Peach Bellini’s. We did pomegranate cosmos, and we did mojitos," said a Jelly Belly representative.

Candy sales have actually had an increase in this down economy. Economists said it is because candy can be an affordable indulgence.

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