Healthier Candy Options this Halloween

Written By Emily Ruffino
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Did you know candy doesn't have to be completely off-limits?

You just have to know what you're looking for when reading the ingredient list. That’s what I’m here to help you do!

Halloween is right around the corner, and whether or not it's your kind of holiday, the truth is there can be candy bowls at every corner.

  • As you may know by now, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is an ingredient that we try to avoid at all cost but can be found in most big brand candy items. You see HFCS increases inflammation in the body, increases our risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
    Let’s just say NO to HFCS.

  • Food dye is another very popular ingredient found in a LOT of candy. Food dyes are linked to behavioral issues in children, specifically with ADD and ADHD.

  • The great news is that, while there are MANY candies we should avoid, there's just about one swap for each unhealthy candy. This doesn't mean candy is all of a sudden good for us, but hopefully the effects from it won't be as harmful as the bigger corporations.

Let’s take a look at some candy-swap options!

Reese's Substitution for Cashew Butter

Reese’s Substitution

WHY?

TBHQ = can cause:

  • ADHD

  • Liver enlargement

  • Neurotoxic effect (brain poison)

  • Is also found in paint, varnishes and skin care products

Gummy Bear Substitution

Haribo Gummy Bear Substitution

WHY?

Food Dyes like Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 1 have been known to cause ADHD, ADD, & other allergies. Although the Smart Sweets aren't perfect, they are a much better alternative.

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Rice Krispie Treat Substitution

WHY?

SMASH Crispy's aren't perfect, I usually wouldn't recommend a product with cane sugar, sunflower lecithin, or Sunflower Oil, BUT it is a MUCH better alternative to the regular Rice Krispies.

Rice Krispies have:

  • Corn syrup (ie HFCS)

  • Vegetable oil

  • Dextrose

  • Artificial and natural flavors

Dum-Dums Substitution

Dum-Dums Substitution

WHY?

There isn't ONE single ingredient in Dum-Dums that I would be ok giving my kiddos.

The Yum Earth is colored with natural vegetable coloring and at least has organic cane sugar which means we aren't getting Glyphosate.

My goal is to give you some better options to have around this time of year instead of filling our kiddos up with terrible ingredients.

Keep in mind the yucky ingredients like sugar, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), food dyes, artificial and natural ingredients, and other preservatives also inhibit our immune systems… which is NOT what we want to do this time of year!


So friends… Stay healthy, make healthier swaps, and have them in moderation :)

Do you have a favorite candy that you'd love a swap for? Let me know in the comments so I can point you in the right direction!

Have a great week!
-Emily

Emily Ruffino
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