• The term “junk food” was first popularized in the 1960s, but only really caught on following the release of the top radio hit, “Junk Food Junkie" in 1976.
• The iconic Twinkie was threatened with extinction when maker Hostess filed for bankruptcy in 2012. The following year the company was bought up by a global management firm and returned to store shelves to the delight of millions. The rapid turn of events was later billed as "the sweetest comeback in history ever."
• The Tootsie Roll is named after its creator Leo Hirshfield's daughter Clara, whose nickname was "Tootsie."
• Today, the average American eats about 24.5 pounds of candy per year, with almost half of that made with some variation of chocolate.
• America's most popular candy bar? Snickers. The best-selling potato chip brands? 1. Lay's, 2. Ruffles, and 3. Pringles.
So go ahead and indulge today!