Ellie WIlson
MS, RDN, CDN, FAND
BOO!
Here it comes again, the official (unofficial) holiday of Halloween! There is no doubt, it is beloved by children and adults alike. The costumes, decorations and freaky/fun tricks and treats are wickedly delightful for those who participate before colder weather kicks in. To ensure it is fun for everyone, set expectations – your goblins and ghouls should know the food safety rules ahead of time to set the stage for happy smiles versus scowls and howls. Here are some ‘tricks” for caregivers hoping for a howling good time!
- Eat before you treat – some great Halloween treat ideas to set the stage are right here (with spooky music!) on Price Chopper YouTube and Pinterest boards . That will make it easier to create the plan that parents/guardians must check items before eating. We have treats for adults too – pumpkin everything and fall favorites to fuel your fun is right here Fall Flavors – Price Chopper – Market 32!
- Children should only accept treats that are commercially wrapped. Throw away anything that is torn, has pinholes, or looks unusual in any way. Fresh fruit, if accepted, should be carefully checked and washed before eating.
- If your child has a food allergy, you already know that treats are tricky. Verify Epi-pens are not expired and are readily available. Always check the labels of each item. Some homes may have a teal-colored pumpkin (Allergy-Safe Tips for Trick-or-Treating – FoodAllergy.org) to signal they have some treats without some allergens, but adults must still check the individual items before eating. The same goes for gluten free candy – Celiac.com has published their 2024 Gluten Free Halloween Candy list – you can check it out
- Ages and stages – some candies are choking hazards for smaller children. Gum, hard candies, peanuts and even small toys could be a concern. Check treats are appropriate and stay present while they are enjoyed.
- Managing added sugars at Halloween doesn’t have to be tricky! How much and how often should be part of the plan and discussed ahead of time to keep the howls to a minimum. A national poll shows 78% of parents plan for about two pieces of candy per day. That helps children learn candy can be part of eating well. In 2017, the Partnership for a Healthier America and the National Confectioners Association partnered to help with portion control and front-of-pack labeling, resulting in over 90% of candy and chocolates labeled to help your goblins and ghouls enjoy treats. Learn more
- Enjoy the Halloween season – Top 10 ways to celebrate Halloween!
- Flashlights, candy, party supplies and more are all at your local Price Chopper/Market 32 waiting for you to create a “monster” good time. Happy Halloween!
BWAH HA HA HAAAAA!!!!!!!
Check out more Halloween recipes!
Assorted Halloween Cupcakes
Halloween Quesadillas
Pumpkin S’mores Bars
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