Parents Want To Know What The “Healthiest” Halloween Candy Is For Their Kids
We all have our favorites when it comes to Halloween candy and stocking up for trick-or-treaters tempts some of us to eat more of it than we’d like to admit….
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 17: Halloween candy is for sale at a Harris Teeter grocery store on October 17, 2022 in Washington, DC. According to the most recent inflation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of Halloween candy is up over 13 percent compared to last year. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
We all have our favorites when it comes to Halloween candy and stocking up for trick-or-treaters tempts some of us to eat more of it than we’d like to admit. Unfortunately, the sweets don’t really offer much nutritional value, if any at all. But some candy is better than others, according to USA Today and registered dietitian Rose Britt.
While no candy is considered a “health” food, Britt says the “healthiest” Halloween candy is Peanut M&Ms. That’s thanks to the peanuts, which give it a little more substance than just corn syrup.
“It’s not a whole balance, but it will give us a little more sense of fullness compared to our more traditional, straight-sugar type candies,” Britt explains.
The nutrition expert says other complex candy that’s slightly better for us includes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers.
The Healthiest Halloween Candy
- A serving of Peanut M&Ms has a little less than one gram of fiber, two grams of protein and nine grams of sugar.
- Reese’s cups have a similar nutritional value, with a little more added sugar.
- Snickers don’t contain any fiber, have one gram of protein and nine grams of added sugar.
- Peanut M&Ms are also made of mostly milk chocolate, while Almond Joys, which are also made of nuts and chocolate, are mostly made of corn syrup.
- Aside from candy with nuts, the healthiest sugary sweets are Smarties. One serving of Smarties has just 25 calories and six grams of sugar, compared to Sour Patch Kids, which contain 110 calories and 24 grams of sugar in one serving.
Despite the sugar, Britt says indulging in sweets on Halloween can help create a healthier relationship with food for both kids and grown-ups. She explains, “I would not count the grams of sugar, I don’t recommend counting grams of sugar day-to-day anyways but don’t stress about that on Halloween night.” Instead, let the kids go crazy with candy that night and then limit them to one or two pieces a day after that.
Now after you sift out the "healthier" options for the kids, what do you do with the rest? Take it for yourself and pair it with wine of course!
8 Wine Trails and Vineyards to Sample in North Carolina
Cheers! Did you know North Carolina is the home of America's first grape? North Carolina is also the only place in the world where every major type of grape is grown. Visit NC curated a list of 8 wine trails and vineyards to visit across the state. With nearly 200 wineries in North Carolina, enjoy a great sip throughout the state.
North Carolina wineries and vineyards will truly have you sipping great energy across the state. North Carolina offers intriguing wine experiences including vineyards with llamas, a treehouse, and the country's most visited winery. Lucky for you, I took Visit NC's list and brought it here just for you!
Wine Peaks in the Valley
The Yadkin Valley area is one of the most prominent wine regions on the East Coast. While the valley is home to more than 40 vineyards and wineries, you can plan your trip by focusing on the dozen or so that stretch across the charming, neighboring towns of Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and Mount Airy.
Tastes of the World
Visit the Swan Creek Wine Trail and enjoy a good time! There are 4 vineyards all within 5 miles of each other. The wineries specialize in varietal wines and blends including a strawberry "shortcake" wine at Shadow Springs Vineyard.
Hanging With Furry Friends
Divine Llama Vineyards is home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast! Visit and pick your favorite vintage and take a short stroll to the llamas, who are perfect for photo ops and inducing laughs.
'Cue the Vino
Visit the Southern Getaway Wine Trail and enjoy not only great wine, but some great barbecue. Located in the central region, the city has its own style of barbecue, the aptly named Lexington-style for you to enjoy.
A Grand Tour
Head to the mountains and enjoy great sips with even better views! The Biltmore Winery is your chance to visit the largest private home in America and enjoy great wine. This winery is the country's most visited winery and one you will not forget.
Toast to the Coast
Visiting Rose Hill? Head to Duplin Winery and enjoy wine from the largest wine production facility on the East Coast. Head to the local wine stores and get some of your favorites including: Carolina Red, Hatteras Red, Magnolia and Scuppernong labels.
Overjoyed and Overnight
Spend the night at your favorite wineries and the fun never has to end. Banner Elk Winery and Villa is your chance to sip great labels and enjoy a night in the mountains. Or stay at the Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe near Charlotte and enjoy a unique wine filled experience.
An Apple (Drink) A Day
Hard cider is truly the secret spot in everyone's heart. Head to Mills River and visit Bold Rock Hard Cider near Asheville and enjoy a taproom, tasting bar, and patio for a great time.
