Are all candies unhealthy? A Halloween Q&A with a dietitian.

October 30, 2024

Providence Health Team

[5 MIN READ]

Sticky or hard candies can stick on your child’s teeth longer than other treats, which can lead to cavities.
The best way to prevent your children from overindulging in Halloween candy is to feed them a nutritious meal beforehand.
Brands like Lily’s or SmartSweets are a better choice for candy when you’re limiting sugar intake.

Unwrapping the facts about Halloween candy

Ah, Halloween … the holiday when American children work hard to collect sugary treats, and their parents help themselves to the candy stash after the kiddos have gone to bed.

It’s funny because it’s true, right? But despite their parents’ best efforts, many kids still get a healthy helping of sugar on Halloween night, and the day after … and weeks and sometimes months later. That begs the question: Is trick-or-treating truly hazardous to children’s health? Are certain candies more of a problem than others during this time of year?

Q&A with a Providence dietitian

We posed the above questions and others to Debrin Cohen, MS, RD, CNSC, a registered dietitian at Providence. Here’s what she had to say.

Are some candies worse than others?

Cohen: Highly processed candies with artificial colors, preservatives and excessive added sugars can sometimes trigger hyperactivity in kids. Sticky or hard candies tend to stay on the teeth longer, giving bacteria more time to grow, which can lead to cavities.

What kind of health effects do kids suffer from indulging in sugar for one night?

Cohen: Eating a lot of sugar in a short time can cause a quick spike in blood sugar, followed by a fast drop, which often leads to irritability, hyperactivity and fatigue. These effects usually last a few hours, but the impact can vary depending on how much sugar was eaten. Too much sugar can also disrupt sleep, affecting energy and mood the following day.

Are there other alternatives to consider?

Cohen: Providing healthier snacks, or even non-food items like small toys or stickers, can still keep the fun going without leading to sugar overload. Opting for candy made with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can help lower sugar consumption while still tasting sweet. Dark chocolate is also a great option — it has less sugar and more antioxidants, making it a better choice than milk chocolate.

What are some tips and tricks to enjoy the night without a sugar crash?

Cohen: Eating a balanced meal with nutritious foods that are rich in protein, healthy fats and fiber before indulging in sweets, like candy, can help slow down sugar absorption and prevent blood sugar spikes. Portion control is also key, as it will help prevent sugar overload and overeating. And staying hydrated is important, because water helps your body process sugar and prevent dehydration.

Do you recommend any particular candies that have no sugar?

Cohen: There are some great sugar-free options that are sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit or allulose. These options tend to be easier on the digestive system compared to artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sugar alcohols, and they don’t affect blood sugar levels. Brands like Lily’s or SmartSweets offer better choices when you are limiting sugar intake.

What do you think about the idea of letting kids choose how much junk food they will eat, and then letting them see what the natural consequences will be (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.)?

Cohen: While it’s important to teach kids about self-regulation, letting them overindulge might lead to stomach issues or vomiting, which can create a negative view of food. Focusing on moderation and positive food education works best. Guide them with limits, discuss how different foods affect their bodies and help them learn to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

Allergies and Halloween

As you’re thinking about treats to hand out to trick-or-treaters at your own house, don’t forget that many of the children you’ll be seeing have allergies. Whether you’re the parent of a child with food allergies, or just a concerned member of the community who wants your candy to be safe for all, Providence has recommendations for the best allergy-friendly Halloween treats.

Remember — Halloween doesn’t have to be an unbridled sugar frenzy for your child and their friends. Show them how to make good choices, and they’ll carry that knowledge forward in life.

Happy Halloween!

Contributing caregivers

Debrin Cohen, MS, RD, CNSC, is a registered dietitian at Providence.

Find a doctor

If you are looking for a Providence breast cancer surgeon, you can search for one in our provider directory.

Download the Providence app

It’s all in the app: easily stay connected with Providence and your health. With the Providence app, you can schedule appointments, have virtual visits from the comfort of your own home, get health recommendations personalized for you, access your health records and so much more. Learn more and download the app.