Katie Moynihan, BS RDH
Halloween Sugar Facts
Happy Halloween! Although Halloween is a fun holiday to dress up in your favorite costume, it also comes with consuming large amounts of candy and sugar. According to the US Census Bureau, the average American eats 25 pounds of candy every year with most of that consumed during Halloween time. All that sugar hidden in a small piece of candy can add up quickly. If you or your child eats 12 treats, that is equivalent to about 30 packets of sugar. It is important to take a closer look at the nutritional facts before indulging as it is guaranteed to spook you!
Halloween Candy Comparison
- Almond Joy, Snack Size – 80 calories, 8 g sugar
- Butterfinger, Fun Size – 100 calories, 10 g sugar
- Gummie Bears (Haribo) – 8 pieces, around 65 calories, 21 g sugar
- Heath Bar, Snack Size – 76 calories, 9 g sugar
- Hershey Kisses – Average 25 calories, 2-3 g sugar each kiss
- Hershey’s Miniature Bars – Average 42 calories, 4 g sugar each bar
- Jolly Rancher – a serving of three Jolly Ranchers is 70 calories, 11 g of sugar.
- Kit Kat, Fun size – 60 calories, 6 g sugar
- Peanut M & Ms – Snack Sixe – 5 g of fat and 9 g of sugar.
- Almond Joy – Fun Size – 80 calories for a mini-Almond Joy or Mounds.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Snack Size – 110 calories, 11 g sugar per peanut butter cup
- Skittles, Fun Size – 60 calories, 11 g sugar
- Smarties – 1 roll, 25 calories, 6 g sugar
- Snickers, Fun Size – 80 calories, 4 g of fat and 8 g of sugar
- Sour Patch Kids, Mini Bag – 50 calories, 10 g sugar
- Starburst, Fun Size – 2 candies, 40 calories, 6 g sugar
- Three Musketeers Minis – 64 calories, 2 g of fat and 11 g of sugar
- Tootsie Pops & Charms Blow Pops – 60 calories, 13 g of sugar.
- Twix Minis, 1 bar – 50 calories, 5 g sugar
- Twizzlers (Strawberry Twists) – 2 pieces, 50 calories and 6 g sugar
We all know it is nearly impossible to avoid Halloween candy altogether; however, there are some simple ways in which you can minimize the sugar overload after trick-or-treating is over. Always be sure to brush away the treats! Whether your child eats one piece of candy or ten, it is important to brush properly to prevent tooth decay. Make a candy plan to avoid going overboard with candy consumption. Set a limit on the number of candy that can be eaten each day, or a limit on the number of houses that they can visit. A candy swap is a great way to let your child enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating without overloading on sweets. You can trade small amounts of candy for a non-sugar reward such as a toy or sticker. We hope these tips will get you on track to a happier and healthier Halloween!
Want to learn more? Visit us at
http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com
http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com
http://www.alamedadentalaz.com
http://www.dentistingilbert.com
Sources:
Where Dentistry is done differently 