Why So Many Businesses in Utah are Focused on Sugary Treats

You may have noticed there are a lot of places to get dessert in St. George. There are whole businesses dedicated to ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, even breakfast cereals. People in Utah love a tasty treat after their dessert...then top it off with something sugary. 

This isn’t just in Utah though, Americans are well known for enjoying sugary treats before, after and during their meals. Utahns take this to a whole new level. The state has originated businesses that have grown to locations across the nation such as Crumble and Swig, and it seems there are many more delicious places springing up every month here in the beehive state. 

The southern part of the state is no different. In Washington County, every time you turn around it seems like there is a new dessert business opening. Last year was the influx of donut shops here in St. George.  

Sugar based stores as well as food carts do make up a higher percentage of all businesses in Utah. This is especially true in Utah County, the home of Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University according to an article written by Nick Gledhill. This is possibly due to the high concentration of students. 

In a separate article about Utah’s sugar culture, Andrew Nieves discusses how the experience of young people growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints may contribute for the desire for treats. He describe how every youth activity includes cookies or donuts and so young people come to associate a fun time with something sugary. 

Nieves also talks about how Latter-Day Saints are taught to avoid alcohol, coffee and tea and, therefore, drink a lot more soda and eat more ice cream and cookies.  

Whatever the reason, the creative additions to the dessert industry doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon here in Southern Utah.