With Halloween right around the corner, you might be asking yourself, “As a diabetic, can I eat candy?” The good news is that you can, which is terrific for all diabetics, especially kids who shouldn’t feel left out from going trick-or-treating and enjoying the candy. However, there are guidelines you can follow so your blood sugar levels do not spike.
Yes, diabetics can eat candy, but it’s crucial to count candy as carbs and consider the portion sizes. This understanding and control over your diet can help you enjoy candy as an occasional treat without causing a significant blood sugar spike. Also, remember that candy does not offer nutritional value, such as vitamins or fiber.
With that said, you shouldn’t feel bad about wanting to eat candy as a diabetic. Research proves that we are programmed to seek sweets for quick energy in case there is a famine or we need energy to escape danger (https://thedaily.case.edu/why-do-we-love-sweets-understanding-the-science-of-sugary-foods/#:~:text=Some%20taste%20receptor%20cells%20are,burning%20building%20or%20a%20tiger).
Types of Candy
Fun-size candy is a good choice because most contain about 15 grams of carbs (one carb serving), which will not cause a massive spike in blood sugar levels (https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diet/best-diabetic-candy-mms-skittles-reeses-more/)
Fun-size treats like M&Ms and Snickers contain protein like nuts, which will help you feel full and will not raise your blood sugar levels too quickly. By contrast, cotton candy is pure sugar and contains no protein, which will quickly spike your blood sugar.
Nutritional Information
Check out this useful Diabetes Candy Exchanges from UR Medicine|Golisano Children’s Hospital (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/nutrition/candy.aspx)
The following servings of candy have 15 grams (1 serving) of carbohydrate:
| M&Ms, plain or peanut | 1 fun-size bag |
| Twix bar | 1 fun size |
| Starburst | 4 pieces |
| Mars, Milky Way, or Three Musketeers | 1 fun size |
| Hershey Kisses or Hugs | 5 pieces |
| Gummy bears | 8 pieces |
| Hershey mini chocolate bars (with almonds, Krackle, or dark chocolate) | 3 |
| Tootsie Pop | 1 |
| Tootsie Roll midgees | 3 |
| Charms Blow Pop | 1 |
| Kit Kat | 1/2 of large or 1 fun size |
| Baby Ruth | 1 fun size |
| Butterfinger | 1 fun size |
| Nestle Crunch | 1 fun size |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup | 2 small |
| SweeTarts | 8 pieces |
| Jujyfruits | 8 pieces |
American Diabetic Association (ADA) Recommendations
The American Diabetes Association does not recommend restricting children from trick-or-treating if they dose the correct amount of insulin for the carbs in the candy.
Additionally, the ADA recommends activities such as costume parties at home, carving pumpkins, and painting faces to take the focus away from sweets while still enjoying the occasion (https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/navigating-halloween-child-diabetes).
Sugar-Free Candy
You may think eating sugar-free candy is better than sugar-sweetened candy. I strongly advise against them for one reason—the sugar alcohols. Most sugar-free candies contain sugar alcohols such as maltitol, sorbitol, mannitol, erythritol, lactitol, and xylitol. Sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues such as gas and diarrhea because they are not absorbed in the small intestine and accumulate in the colon. Most of them have a warning stating excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Other artificial sweeteners such as saccharine, Equal, and Splenda aren’t any better. Instead, you can try candy with my two favorite natural sweeteners, Stevia and Monk fruit. Both are made from nature and considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Read more here: https://backtonaturediabetic.com/the-best-sugar-substitutes-for-diabetics/)
Eating Candy to Treat Low Blood Sugar
One way to enjoy candy occasionally is to use it to treat lows. However, do not eat chocolate candy to treat low blood sugar since the fat can slow digestion.
Other Treats Besides Candy
Kids will receive a lot of candy on Halloween, so I like to give goodie bags with a mix of candy and non-food fun items such as:
- Fidget toys
- Silly putty
- Hand squishies
- Jewelry
- Jacks and balls
- Stickers
- Playdough
- Vampire’s teeth
- Temporary tattoos
- Coloring books/crayons
- Mini slinkies
- Mini bubbles
- Slap bracelets
- Sticky hand toys
- Trading cards (Pokemon, baseball, etc.)
What to do with Leftovers
I tend to buy too much candy every year for fear of running out, but I don’t want the temptation of keeping them in the house. A way to beat temptation is to buy candy you don’t like. Or you can save a few favorites, then take the rest to work. Also, consider donating the rest. Here are a few places you can donate them to:
- Care package programs for troops (Treats for Troops, Operation Shoebox, and Operation Support our Troops)
- Halloween Candy BuyBack
- Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Food pantries
- Your church or place of worship
- Homeless shelters
In addition, you can save candy for next year. Hard candy will last one year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location. Caramel, jelly candy, and chocolate can last 8-10 months in a cool, dry place. Also, save leftovers for a birthday party to fill a pinata or goodie bag. You can also use the candies to decorate gingerbread houses for the holidays.
Conclusion
This Halloween, enjoy the candy. Savor it as an occasional treat but as part of your carbs. You can eat candy in moderation, and some types of candies, such as fun-sized Snickers, won’t raise your sugar significantly or too quickly. And remember that you can always donate leftovers.
Quote
“Halloween was confusing. All my life my parents said, ‘Never take candy from strangers.’ And then they dressed me up and said, ‘Go beg for it.’ I didn’t know what to do! I’d knock on people’s doors and go, ‘Trick or treat.’ ‘No thank you.'”
–Rita Rudner