It seems like everywhere you turn, there are bags of Halloween candy, all filled with spooky ingredients and scary amounts of sugars and fats. And as we anticipate a night filled with deliciously sweet candies, its important think about what our trick-or-treaters will be eating. Here are some food facts to keep in mind when rummaging through the Halloween night haul.
Please know that we’re not here to rain on anyone’s candy parade; enjoy some of the scary good sweet stuff, just keep moderation in mind. Most candies are made of sugar, sugar and more sugar, dressed up with artificial flavors and dyes. These types of candy provide a quick sugar rush since they’re uninhibited by fat or protein, which in turn, slows down their digestion and increases the rate becoming stored fats. It is also important to remember that when it comes to added sugars, the American Heart Association recommends no more than six teaspoons (25 grams) for women and kids ages 2 to 18 and no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) for men per day.
Finding the “worst candy” is hard to do because all candy lacks true nutritional value. But it is important to pay attention to the ingredients and nutritional labels on the candy we’re passing out. With that in mind, here are our five scariest:
- Candy Corn – 19 pieces (140 calories, 0 grams fat, 28 grams sugar)
Each serving contains the equivalent of 7 teaspoons of sugar which exceeds the daily recommended amount for a grown woman.
- Fun Dip – 1 packet + 1 stick (50 calories, 0 grams fat, 13 grams sugar)
Not much needs to be said considering the concept of this treat is to eat sugar with a sugar stick!
- Fun Size Sugar Babies – 1 pack (80 calories, 15 grams sugar, contains Trans fat)
Fitting for Halloween since the ingredients are scarier than the nutrition facts!
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin – 1 piece (170 calories, 10 grams fat, 16 grams of sugar)
You could eat a small apple and tablespoon of natural peanut butter for the same amount of calories but enjoy the perk of healthier fats and natural sugars (not added).
- Charm’s Blow Pop – 1 sucker (60 calories, 13 grams sugar)
Although not particularly high in calories, a sugar candy coating encases sugar bubblegum, which can cause very scary tooth decay.