Sweets and Snacks Facts

Nougat is the stuff inside candy bars that makes them so fluffy and delicious. Yet it looks different in a Snickers bar than it does in a 3 Musketeers. What gives? Here's what you need to know about nougat.

By Chris Obenschain

A day at the beach is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but nothing can stress you out faster than going hungry after all that swimming and running around. Luckily, we've got a few snack ideas for your trip down the shore.

By Linda C. Brinson

Americans love frozen desserts. But ask someone what the difference is between ice cream, gelato, frozen custard and frozen yogurt and you'll probably get a blank stare. So how do these popular treats differ?

By Stephanie Vermillion

Willy Wonka may have developed a number of unusual chocolate-covered inventions at his famous factory, but even his strangest confections can't beat some real-life combinations people are trying.

By Cherise Threewitt

Christmas wouldn't be the same without a bunch of candy canes. But how did these sticky, striped treats become synonymous with the holiday anyway?

By Jennifer Walker-Journey

Oh, fudge, that wonderful candy with a rich, deep flavor and thick texture. It's the guilty pleasure of choice for many chocolate lovers, and fudge, in all of its many flavorful incarnations, isn't that hard to make -- if you have a little patience.

By Sara Elliott

Any parent who's planned a festive first birthday party only to have the guest of honor sleep through the proceedings or seem a little lost and forlorn will love the idea of a smash cake celebration. Let your child dig in -- literally.

By Sara Elliott

S'mores are the stuff memories are made of. But who created this ooey, gooey, chocolatey sandwich?

By Victoria Vogt

The sugar cookie may seem like the unimaginative half-brother of the much-ballyhooed chocolate chip cookie, but it actually has its own long history and distinguished pedigree.

By Sara Elliott

Find yourself dreaming about mounds of sweet, delectable candy? You aren't alone. The average person in the United States eats 10 pounds of chocolate per year -- and that's just chocolate! Join the ranks and check out this candy image gallery.

By Marie Bobel

American french fries have nothing to do with France. It is named for the cooking term frenching, which means to cut in lengthwise strips. Find out more about french fries, including what the are actually called in France.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Carob is naturally sweeter and can be healthier than cocoa powder, but it can't compete with the flavor of chocolate. Learn more about where it comes from and how to include it in your recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Popcorn is low in fat, high in fiber, and just downright tasty. Learn 20 things you didn't know about popcorn, such as what to call unpopped kernels and popcorn's scientific name.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

You know you love the salty goodness of a potato chip, but where did the potato chip come from? Learn the history behind this salty treat.

Maybe you've tried this game of biting down on a wintergreen candy in the dark and looking in the mirror and seeing a spark. Where do those sparks come from?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Ever wondered why a popsicle is called a quiescently frozen confection"? Confused as to what quiescently frozen confection even means? Find out your answers to these questions.

I've got three questions: What is a marshmallow? How do they make marshmallows? And why do they call them "marshmallows"?

Ever wonder what chewing gum is made of and why it doesn't dissolve in your mouth? Find out your answers in this article about chewing gum.