As Halloween approaches, it’s important for parents to be aware of what’s in the candy their kids are consuming. Besides the usual high sugar content, many candies and snacks also contain artificial colors, preservatives, allergens and modified sources. By taking these factors into consideration, parents can make better choices when it comes to providing healthier options for their children.
Dangerous chemicals in common candies
Many candies contain harmful chemicals that can cause allergic reactions or trigger headaches and pain. These chemicals and toxins can be found in:
- Artificial colors, which are made from coal tar and petroleum sources. They are linked to hyperactivity and ADHD in children, and some even pose a risk of cancer.
- Preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions and headaches in sensitive individuals.
- Allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and soy. Millions of children suffer from food allergies, which can range from mild to life-threatening.
- Modified food sources, such as high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. These ingredients can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Healthier options for Halloween treats
Instead of giving children typical Halloween candies full of chemicals, consider opting for healthier alternatives. Here are two companies that sell healthier treats made from real food sources and free of toxic chemicals:
- Yummy Earth: This company sells organic lollipops, candy drops, sour beans, jelly beans, and more. Their candies are certified organic, gluten-free, peanut-free, tree-nut-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and high fructose corn syrup. They use pure fruit for flavoring and sweetness. Visit their website here.
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Equal Exchange: This company offers fair trade, organic chocolate bars that support small-scale farmers and their families. They use organic cocoa from Latin America, fairly traded organic sugar from Paraguay, and fairly traded vanilla from Madagascar. With various flavors in milk and dark chocolate, these bars are made using Swiss chocolate standards. Visit their website here.
Making the best choices for Halloween treats
When deciding on what treats to give your children and other trick-or-treaters, consider the quality of the ingredients, rather than factors like size, tooth decay potential, or calorie and fat content. Halloween is just once per year, so children can indulge in treats they wouldn’t get at other times, but it’s important to ensure the treats they do get are free of harmful chemicals and toxins.
Embrace the fun of Halloween and encourage your kids to make the best treat choices they can. Offer them healthier alternatives and educate them about the potential dangers of consuming chemical-laden candies. With a little bit of effort and mindfulness, Halloween can be a safe, happy, and healthier celebration for everyone.
