Halloween Candy: A Dietitian Mom’s Take

Halloween is one of my kids’ favorite days of the year — and honestly, it was one of mine growing up too. Costumes, excitement, and of course… the candy.

As a dietitian (and mom of three), I get asked all the time: “What do you do about candy on Halloween?” My answer: I let my kids enjoy it. Halloween isn’t the time to stress about sugar or “cancel candy.” It’s one day of the year, and food memories matter too.

Here are my thoughts and tips to make it enjoyable without the sugar crash lasting for weeks:

1. Candy is Part of the Fun

Restricting or forbidding candy often makes kids want it more. Allowing them to enjoy a few pieces freely on Halloween night helps remove the “forbidden food” factor.

2. Create Structure for the Days After

After Halloween, set a simple guideline. In our house, candy becomes part of snacks or dessert — not something to graze on all day. Having a set time for sweets helps kids feel balanced and still enjoy their stash.

3. Pair Candy with Nourishing Foods

A piece or two of candy alongside a protein-rich snack (like milk, cheese stick, or yogurt) helps steady blood sugar and avoid that post-sugar crash.

4. Don’t Make It a Big Deal

When candy isn’t treated as “good” or “bad,” it loses power. The novelty fades, and eventually kids stop obsessing over it.

5. Focus on the Memories

Halloween is about so much more than candy — it’s the costumes, the laughter, the excitement of trick-or-treating. Candy is just one piece of the bigger picture.

Takeaway:
Halloween is not the time to cancel candy. With a little structure and balance, kids can enjoy their treats without it turning into weeks of overindulgence. And as parents, we can enjoy the holiday too — without guilt.

👉 If you’re looking for more real-life, realistic nutrition support for your family, schedule a session with me today.