Julie Garden-Robinson, a food and nutrition specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, reflected on the nostalgic appeal of childhood candies in a column released May 7. She described memories shared among friends about candy cigarettes, bubblegum cigars, and wax pop bottles filled with syrup. Garden-Robinson said these treats were once popular but came with significant sugar content.
The discussion comes as concerns grow about the health effects of added sugars in modern diets. Garden-Robinson said, “We were practically bathing our teeth in sugar. The bubblegum cigars alone could have taken out a filling or two.” She noted that early civilizations used honey to sweeten foods and that candy has evolved into a major industry over centuries.
Garden-Robinson cited data from the National Confectioners Association showing that nearly every household purchased candy in 2025, with sales exceeding $55 billion. She explained that many health experts recommend limiting added sugar intake to no more than 10% of daily calories—about 50 grams on a standard diet—and referenced stricter guidelines from the American Heart Association for certain populations.
“Why all the emphasis on sugar? Too much sugar is not only linked to tooth decay but also obesity, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes and high blood pressure,” Garden-Robinson said. She offered practical tips for reducing sugar intake such as using smaller portions, substituting applesauce for some fat in recipes, making mini muffins instead of full-sized ones, reading labels carefully, and adding fruit or spices for flavor.
Garden-Robinson concluded by sharing an easy recipe for Honey Yogurt Fruit Dip as an example of enjoying sweetness while maintaining nutritional balance: “Have fun with sweet memories, but make choices that promote good health.”
North Dakota State University Extension and Ag Research News supports rural communities through education and research programs focused on agriculture across North Dakota; it also provides undergraduate and graduate programs related to agriculture and natural resources according to the official website.
