Some of my favorite memories as a kid are wrapped around Halloween. I can still picture those warm fall nights in Southern California, dressed up in great costumes, racing around with friends. In the 70s and 80s, Halloween was a time when our biggest worries were urban legends—rumors of tampered treats and razor blades in apples. But today, Halloween feels different. Now, the true danger is in the candy itself, altered over time by food manufacturers. Halloween treats are filled with artificial additives, questionable sweeteners, and chemicals that can disrupt our kids’ health, affecting everything from their behavior to long-term metabolic health.
Today’s candy might still look like the candy we grew up with, but much has changed. Major food companies have added low-cost, harmful ingredients to many of their products, taking a toll on our children’s health. To help you navigate these tricky waters, let’s break down what you need to know to protect your kids this Halloween.
The Problem with Today’s Candy: Harmful Ingredients
Halloween treats are often loaded with ingredients that are downright harmful. Here’s a closer look at the main offenders commonly found in popular Halloween candies:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – A cheap, highly processed sweetener, HFCS has been shown to increase the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and even fatty liver disease. Look for this in many mainstream candies as a primary ingredient.
- Artificial Colors (e.g., Red 3, Yellow 5, Blue 1) – Synthetic dyes add bright colors but are linked to behavioral issues in children. Red 3 has been identified as a potential carcinogen, yet it’s still used in many candies marketed toward kids.
- Trans Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Oils) – Though banned from some products, trans fats are still present in certain candies. These unhealthy fats increase bad cholesterol levels and heighten the risk of heart disease.
- Preservatives (e.g., BHA, BHT) – Used to extend shelf life, preservatives like BHA and BHT can disrupt hormone function and are classified as possible carcinogens.
- Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralose) – While found more often in sugar-free options, these sweeteners can alter gut bacteria and lead to metabolic issues.
Sorting Through Halloween Candy: A Helpful Approach for Parents
One of the best things you can do after trick-or-treating is to sort through the candy haul. Lay it all out with your child and go through the treats together. This can be a teaching moment to explain which candies are harmful and why. Here’s a guide for what to toss and what to keep:
Toss List: Candies with Harmful Ingredients
These brands and candies are known to contain many of the harmful ingredients listed above:
- The Hershey Company: Reese's, KitKat, Heath
- Mars Inc./Wrigley: Snickers, Twix, Skittles, M&Ms
- Mondelez: Sour Patch Kids
- Tootsie Roll Industries: Tootsie Rolls, Blow Pops, Junior Mints
- Ferrero SpA: Butterfinger, Crunch, Nerds
- Smarties Candy Company: Smarties
- Spangler Candy Company: Dum-Dum lollipops
Keep List: Better Choices for Halloween Treats
While it’s not easy to find “clean” Halloween candy, there are better options out there. Look for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content or try organic treats with limited ingredients. Brands like Unreal and YumEarth offer candies free from HFCS, artificial colors, and trans fats. These can be found at health food stores or ordered online.
Resources for Further Education
It can be overwhelming to remember every ingredient or know exactly what’s harmful. Several websites provide excellent information to help parents make informed decisions:
- CSPINET.org – Offers insights on specific chemicals like Red 3 and gives updates on food safety.
- EWG.org – The Environmental Working Group’s food database helps identify harmful additives in food and candy.
- Maed.com – Offers information on family and children’s health, with tips on safe Halloween practices.
- DrAxe.com – Provides a holistic perspective on food additives and their health effects, especially on children.
Healthy Halloween Alternatives and Homemade Treats
Making treats at home is a fantastic way to control what goes into your Halloween sweets. It’s also a fun way to create lasting memories with your kids, offering a safe alternative to store-bought candy. Here are some healthy, kid-approved Halloween treat ideas:
- Mini Caramel Apples – Slice apples and drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce made from coconut milk and maple syrup. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, and you have a delicious, all-natural treat.
- Homemade Gummy Bears – Using fruit juice and gelatin, you can make your own gummy bears without any artificial colors or preservatives.
- Chocolate-Dipped Fruit – Dip strawberries, bananas, or apple slices in melted dark chocolate for a naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich treat.
Alternatives to Candy: Trading and Reward Systems
If you’d prefer to limit candy intake altogether, consider offering your kids the option to trade in their candy for other rewards. Kids could swap candy for toys, stickers, a family outing, or even a “coupon” for a fun experience like a movie night or extra playtime. This not only helps reduce candy consumption but also turns the holiday into an experience focused on family and fun.
Fast.Eat.Live. Philosophy: Celebrating Treats on ‘Live Days’
At Fast.Eat.Live., we believe in a balanced approach to treats, especially on holidays like Halloween. Our philosophy includes “Live Days”—special days when we indulge in treats mindfully, focusing on quality over quantity. Halloween is a perfect example of a ‘Live Day,’ where we enjoy treats as part of a celebration, choosing those that are made with real, wholesome ingredients.
The goal of a Live Day is to experience treats without sacrificing health. Opting for treats made from quality ingredients, like a dark chocolate bar or a homemade dessert, allows kids to fully enjoy the holiday without the downside of harmful chemicals. Teaching kids to recognize quality over cheap, mass-produced candy helps instill habits that they’ll carry with them into adulthood.
Take Away: Choose Quality Every Time for Better Health
Halloween is about fun and memories, and candy is certainly part of the tradition. But the reality is, much of today’s candy isn’t what it used to be. Ingredients have changed, and we must be more mindful of what we allow our children to consume. Remember, if it’s cheap to buy, it’s usually cheap in quality.
Choosing quality may cost a bit more upfront, but the long-term benefits to our kids’ health are priceless. So, this Halloween, let’s aim for quality over quantity, shared experiences over excessive sugar, and a commitment to health and happiness that will last well beyond Halloween night. Happy Boo from coach Scott to you!
