#WellnessWeds: 10 Halloween Candies That Might Spook You
Registered Dietician
| 2 min read
Trick or Treat! Halloween is almost here and you will definitely be hearing kids reciting that infamous phrase. My reply is that the treat might be the trick, especially if you overdo it. I am by no means the food police, but it’s a good idea to remind your kids (and yourself) that candy should be enjoyed sparingly.
Check out the table I made of the 10 most popular candies passed out during Halloween:
NAME
SIZE
CALORIES
FAT
SATURATED
FAT
CARBS
SUGAR
SODIUM
PROTEIN
SNICKERS
FUNSIZE (17g)
80
4.1g
1.5g
9.9g
8.6g
41.8g
1.3g
NERDS
SMALL BOX (13g)
50
0g
0g
13g
12g
0g
0g
TOOTSIE ROLLS
MIDGEES- each (7g)
20
.4g
0g
4g
2.5g
2mg
0g
LIFE SAVERS GUMMIES
SNACK SIZE (4 pcs)
52
0g
0g
13g
13g
2.5mg
1g
M&Ms FUNSIZE PLAIN (18g) 88 3.8g 2.4g 12.3g 11.5g 11mg .8g REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKIN SNACK SIZE (34g) 90 5g 2g 9g 16g 65mg 2g TWIZZLERS SHORT (2pcs, 9g) 32 .3g 0g 7g 7g 25mg 0g BUTTER-FINGER FUN SIZE (18g) 85 3.4g 1.7g 12.8g 8.3g 41.4mg 1g SKITTLES FUN SIZE (20g) 81 .9g .8g 18.2g 15.2g 3mg 0g CANDY CORN 11 pieces (15g) 50 0g 0g 13g 12g 30mg
0g
You will notice that the chocolate candies have fat, carbs and sugars, while the sugary candy treats have no fat, but more carbs and sugar. These treats get overeaten very quickly and contain few essential nutrients, so take note of the serving size. Chocolate does have some antioxidant properties, but should still be eaten in moderation.
Mix It Up
Here are a few ideas for Halloween treats that would be a healthier choice for the children in your neighborhood:
- Baked chips
- Pretzels
- Fruit snacks, ideally made from 100 percent fruit juice
- Toys — try the dollar store
- Trail mix
- Stickers
- Animal crackers
- Nuts
- Dried fruit — raisins, dried plums
- Mini toothbrushes, mini toothpastes, mini mouthwash or floss — growing up my neighbor was a dentist and she would pass these out.
Enjoy your Halloween safely and get that walking in. Keep an eye on and maybe even hold onto your children’s goodies, so they don’t overdo it. Remind them that candy is a treat.
My mom always made us eat our veggies before we could pick one thing from our Halloween bag. Do you have any special rules to help limit the candy intake after Halloween? Do you have any healthy Halloween treats that you pass out? What’s your favorite Halloween candy indulgence?
Photo Credit: Rochelle, just rochelle
