Is it us, or does Halloween candy pile up faster than you can say Oogie Boogie Man? After a night of trick-or-treating, those buckets are loaded to the brim with a terrifying amount of sugar! Much more than the safe amount of sugar for kids. Now let’s dive into all things sugar and candy overload.

What is Candy Overload?

It’s estimated that a child can collect between 3,500 - 7,000 calories of candy on Halloween! Now they won’t usually eat it all in one night (at least we hope not!), but still, that’s one major candy binge. And as with all binges, it can leave us feeling pretty yucky.

What happens during a sugar binge?

You probably already know what happens next: our little ones go haywire! They get the good ‘ol sugar rush that has them bouncing off the walls more than usual. But that doesn’t last long because after the rush is the sugar crash. We won’t get super science-ey, but that comes from a spike then drop in blood sugar. 

This causes all sorts of yucky feelings including upset tummies, nausea, and vomiting. 

So let’s go over a few tips on how to handle the dreaded, post-Halloween Candy Overload. 

Tips for Handling Candy Overload

  1.Choose Better Candy

This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are ways to choose better candy and avoid the sugar binge.

And one way is to avoid mixing multiple types of sugar. When we treat ourselves to candy that includes chocolate, caramel, cookies, etc., we get hit with a double (and even triple!) whammy of sugar. 

Another way we can avoid the candy overload is to have our kiddos stick to candy that takes longer to eat. As long as our little ones are still working on one piece, they won’t reach for another, right?

Here are a few better options to think about:

• Dark chocolate
• Jolly Ranchers
• Lollipops

    2. Get nutty' about it

Peanuts are a great helpers in avoiding candy overload. They provide protein that helps slow the absorption of sugar. Plus, they help you feel full so you won’t reach for that “just one more” piece. Think M&M’s with peanuts or Hersheys with almonds. 

We can’t always avoid sugar altogether (especially on Halloween), so choosing better options can go a long way in handling candy overload. 

   3. Hydrate

Have your kiddos drink plenty of water! It flushes out their digestive system and helps them feel full. 

If your little one is experiencing a tummy ache from too much candy, they may not be thirsty. But staying hydrated is important, and can help speed up the process. 

  4. Choose healthy, long-term energy

After a sugar binge, it’s best to choose foods that provide our kiddos with all-day energy. Stick to protein, healthy fats, and low-carb food that contain fiber. 

  5. Brush, Brush, Brush

Sugar is the scariest enemy for our kiddos teeth. When candy and treats get stuck in our teeth, it can lead to tooth decay. So after a candy overload, it is especially important to brush, brush, brush! Check out How to Avoid the Dentist with these Toddler Tips for Toothbrushing. 

6. Don't add more sugar to their day

If you're worried that your kiddos had more than enough sugar this past weekend, make sure to watch out for other sources of hidden sugar.

Artificial juices and gummy vitamins are usually usual culprits of loads of sugar that just add to the problem.

One quick fix? Switch to our sugar-free, delicious Melty Tabs that will keep your kiddo growing healthy and strong - without the unnecessary sugar.