How To Make Healthy Choices This Halloween
The average American adult, teen or child consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day. However on Halloween, the average child consumes about three cups of sugar, which is about 144 teaspoons of sugar! Let’s face it, we parents are also tempted to “sample” some of that candy too, or take the ones that the kiddos don’t like or want!
Check out this list to see just how quickly sugar adds up in these “mini” versions of Halloween Candy and other fall treats:
Candy | Teaspoons of Sugar |
| Fun Size Snickers | 2.0 |
| Trolli Sour Bites | 2.0 |
| Dots (6 in a box) | 2.75 |
| Skittles (fun size) | 2.75 |
| Strawberry Nerds (treat box) | 2.75 |
| Tootsie Pop/Charms Blow Pop | 2.75 |
| Mini Butterfinger (3) | 3 |
| Sweet Tart Twists (2 tubes) | 3 |
| Haribo Gummy Bears (13 pieces) | 3.5 |
| Twix Mini (3) | 3.5 |
| Starburst (6) | 4 |
| Tootsie Froot Chews (5) | 4 |
| Candy Corn (10 pieces) | 4 |
| Caramel Apple (1 medium) | 5 |
| Apple Cider (8 oz) | 6.75 |
| Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Grande) | 12.5 |
Sometimes adult will avoid the candy and imbibe in “Adult” Halloween Trick or Treating, check out how fast the sugar adds up here:
| Adult Beverage | Teaspoons of Sugar |
| Fireball (1.5 oz) | 2.2 (108 calories) |
| Sour Apple Pucker (1.5 oz) | 2.2 (108 calorie) |
| Rumchata (1.5 oz) | 4 (140 calories) |
As you navigate fall and the upcoming festivities, keep in mind just how fast all these “mini” servings of candy and “treats” add up.
Set the stage for your children and neighbors as you head into Halloween:
- Hand out “non food” treats like squishies, pencils, funny erasers, pop-its, plastic rings or mini playdoh or putty.
- Opt for healthier food treats like trail mix, mini bags of pretzels, or popcorn.
- Feed children a healthy meal or snacks before and after trick or treat to help slow down candy consumption. A taco or chili bar can be great and last for before and after trick or treat.
- Stick to low calorie/low carb cocktails/seltzers and skip the sugary shots.
Try a new healthier recipe when invited to a party like one of these here: https://thishealthytable.com/blog/healthy-halloween-recipes/