Ask a Health Professional: Smart candy strategies for parents this Halloween
Pumpkins and costumes are great, but on Halloween, there’s one delicious thing on everyone’s mind — candy. For many kids, collecting goodies by the handful is the highlight of the spooky night.
However, as a parent with two children who have food allergies, Halloween can be as stressful as it is fun. This is why it’s important to have a plan in mind before the trick-or-treating begins, so your kids can have a happy Halloween and you can remain free of worry.
Here are a few strategies I use to keep my family safe and healthy during Halloween while avoiding a sugar overload.
1. Inspect candy for safety
Carefully inspect all candy your child brings home. Throw away any opened or homemade items, those that pose choking hazards (particularly for younger kids) or anything with an unusual appearance or odor. Be sure to check for allergens too, especially if your child has food sensitivities.
2. Practice portion control
Halloween is an ideal opportunity to talk to your kids about portion control.
Have an open discussion about what might happen when we eat too much sugar and let them ask questions. Encourage them to choose and enjoy one or two pieces of candy at a time, and make sure they brush their teeth afterward to prevent cavities.
3. Choose dye-free alternatives
Many parents might be concerned about the negative health effects of artificial dyes. If you’re looking for alternatives, try brands like Trader Joe’s, YumEarth or Aldi, which offer dye-free options. A useful tip: keep some of these on hand to swap with your kids’ trick-or-treating loot. Unfortunately, lots of candy often contains high-fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes and preservatives.
4. Consider candy-free options
If it’s best for your family to avoid candy entirely, there are definitely good low-sugar or sugar-free Halloween treats out there.
Some families opt for a “Switch Witch” who leaves a fun surprise in exchange for candy. You could also encourage your child to donate their candy, promoting kindness and empathy.
5. Proactive Halloween health
The goal is to have a safe and memorable Halloween without the sugar overload. Empower your family to make good choices by prioritizing safety, discussing moderation and trying alternatives to traditional treats if you choose.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 6:47 PM with the headline "Ask a Health Professional: Smart candy strategies for parents this Halloween."
