Lesser evil, bigger profits

As parents seek out healthier choices, manufacturers seek out ways to stand out among the thousands of products. While some of the 'healthier-for-you' junk foods might still be condemned to Dante's Inferno of sin and damnation, especially from the healthy halo crowd, the lesser-evil junk food category is, dare we say it, blazing hot. Sales grew 5 per cent in 2008, $68.3 billion. The only drawback for 2009 is the economy, which could dampen sales for some indulgences.