How sweet it is....

In late September Chicago played host to the All Candy Expo. Sugar treats have evolved quite substantially since my childhood thrills of Nerds and Big League Chew. Expected on shelves soon:

• Mint-mojito Orbit gum
• A new gum called "5" which has "invigorating sensations that you can feel as you chew"
• Chocolate Pop Rocks
• Melted Ice Cream, a spray candy

The Internet has been a boon to those trying to chase down rare or regional candy [google: classic candy]. But as Steve Almond documents in Candy Freak, the small quirky confectionery has all but disappeared from the American landscape.