Nearly Half of Americans Think Snow Days Are a Thing of the Past

GLENDALE, Calif.. Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As children, many of us looked forward to the magic phrase: snow day! As adults, we may even secretly hope for a snow day when we see snowflakes outside our windows this winter. However, a recent survey conducted on behalf of Nestle Sno-Caps found that nearly half of Americans believe snow days are a thing of the past because technology allows you to stay connected to work, even from home.  The truth is snow days are still very real for people in many parts of the country and the Nestle Sno-Caps Snow Day survey revealed some interesting findings.

According to the survey, the majority of Americans (79 percent) have experienced a snow day when they were unable to go to work, school or other activities because of the snow. And most of us like to take full advantage of snow days: 4-in-10 Americans admit there have been times when they could have gone to work, but didn't because it was declared a snow day by their company.

Top five findings from the Nestle Sno-Caps Snow Day survey:

1. 23 percent of Americans said they enjoy shoveling snow versus 17 percent who'd prefer to go skiing or sledding! In fact, men (26 percent) would rather shovel snow than make a snow man, which is preferred by women (31 percent).
2. Women are far more likely to read a book during a snow day than men (18 percent). Also, women are 27 percent more likely to cook or bake during a snow day than men.
3. While Americans in the Northeast are most likely to have experienced a snow day, surprisingly 81 percent of respondents from the South had also experienced a snow day. Additionally, of those surveyed from the West, 58 percent have also experienced a snow day.
4. Most respondents (81 percent) prefer to stay indoors during snow days. The top three activities are reading books (56 percent), watching old movies (45 percent) and cooking & baking (44 percent).
5. And, sadly, it seems the excitement surrounding snow days wears off the older you are.  Those older than 35 are 58 percent less likely to look forward to snow days as much as they did when they were younger.  However, women are 19 percent more likely to look forward to snow days as much as they did when they were children compared to men.

"Snow days are a reason for fun and celebration," said Tricia Bowles, Nestle Confections & Snacks. "And Sno-Caps are the perfect accompaniment for movies and even baking, which consumers say are among their favorite snow day activities. Plus, with 25 percent less fat than the leading chocolate brands, you can feel good about Sno-Caps as your official snow day treat!"

Nestle Sno-Caps

Much like the uniqueness of the millions of snowflakes that fall on snow days, each Nestle Sno-Caps is an original, a one-of-a-kind treat.  Every candy piece is adorned with nonpareils or tiny sugar candy sprinkles applied at random – for those who love trivia, there's an average of 75 nonpareils per Sno-Caps!  

Nestle Sno-Caps sweet chocolate nonpareils are delicious bite-size morsels of smooth Nestle Semi-sweet Chocolate covered with crunchy white candy pieces.  This long time favorite was first known as a "Bob White," introduced in 1922 by the Blumenthal Chocolate Company.  The "Bob White" was a large nonpareil candy piece 2.5 inches in diameter!  In the late 1920s, the size of the "Bob White" was reduced to a small, round piece of chocolate with tiny pellets of sugar candy on top, which became known as Sno-Caps… the dusting of white candy on top was believed to look like snow!  

The Ward-Johnston Company acquired Sno-Caps in 1969 and Nestle purchased Ward-Johnston in 1984.  Today, Nestle Sno-Caps are a movie favorite and an anytime candy treat, alongside Nestle Raisinets and Nestle Goobers.  For more information on Nestle Sno-Caps visit www.nestleusa.com.

The Nestle Sno-Caps Snow Day survey was conducted by TNS Global in November 2010 to a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American adults aged 18+.

About Nestle USA

Named one of "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for thirteen consecutive years, Nestle provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day.  From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine® to baking traditions with NestlE® Toll House®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself.  That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about.  Nestle USA, with 2009 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2009 sales of $99 billion.  For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

Visit www.nestleusa.com for more information.

NESTLE® & SNO-CAPS® are registered trademarks of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

SOURCE Nestle USA