Healthy Halloween for Kids (and You!)

Healthier Halloween: Navigating Trick-or-Treating with a Focus on Wellness

Halloween is a festive time for families, but when it comes to Trick-or-Treating, parents often face the challenge of balancing fun with healthy choices. Many traditional candies are laden with questionable ingredients that you may want to avoid for your kids. Here’s a look at some of the most concerning additives, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), along with tips for offering healthier alternatives.

The Scary Truth About Candy Ingredients

1. Titanium Dioxide: This additive gives candies like Skittles and Sour Patch Kids their bright colors and smooth texture. However, the European Food Safety Authority has deemed it unsafe due to potential hormone disruption and other health risks.
2. TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone): A common food preservative found in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Pop-Tarts, TBHQ has been linked to immune system harm, according to a recent EWG study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
3. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): Found in treats like Rice Krispies Treats and Charms BlowPops, BHT is recognized as safe by the FDA, but studies indicate it may cause cancer in animals, disrupt hormones, and even impair flu vaccine efficacy.
4. Synthetic Food Dyes: Colorful additives such as Red No. 3 and Yellow No. 5 are prevalent in candies like Brach’s Candy Corn. These dyes have raised health concerns and can be found in over 2,000 products.

Strategies for Healthier Trick-or-Treating

While indulging in sweets is part of the Halloween experience, moderation is key. Here are some strategies to help manage your kids’ candy intake and promote healthier choices:

1. Candy Trade-In: Consider a “trade” system where your kids can swap most of their candy for healthier treats, games, privileges, or even a small amount of money. For instance, Addie Skow from our office allows her children to keep just five treats, trading the rest for alternatives they enjoy just as much.
2. Healthier Treats for Trick-or-Treaters: When giving out treats, opt for healthier snacks that kids may not have tried before. Here are some nutritious alternatives to traditional candies:
   • SmartSweets Sweet Fish: No artificial sweeteners or added sugar, and plant-based.
   • Unreal Snacks: Keto-friendly, sugar-free, and made with non-GMO ingredients.
   • ChocZero: Another great keto-friendly and sugar-free option.
   • Fruit Leather or Roll-Ups: A natural sweet treat.
   • Rice Crispy Treats: Simple and customizable.
   • Juice Boxes or Water: Stay hydrated with healthier drink options.
   • Sugarless Gum: Just be sure to check the ingredients.
   • Small Packs of Pretzels or Goldfish: A crunchy snack alternative.
   • Yogurt-Covered Raisins: A sweet and nutritious option.
3. Non-Food Treats: If you want to skip candy altogether, consider giving out non-food items like stickers, glow bracelets, Halloween-themed toys, trading cards, or fun pencils and pens.

Benefits of Healthier Choices

Offering healthier snacks or non-food treats not only benefits the kids but also helps you resist the temptation to snack on leftover candy after Halloween. Embrace the opportunity to introduce children to delicious alternatives while keeping the spirit of Halloween alive!

By being mindful of what you offer, you can ensure that Halloween remains a joyful celebration without compromising on health. Happy Halloween!