Each year during the Halloween season, people opt for the “healthier” sugar-free candy options that line grocery store aisles. But are sugar-free candies really better for our stomachs?
Each year during the Halloween season, people opt for the “healthier” sugar-free candy options that line grocery store aisles. But are sugar-free candies really better for our stomachs? Some gastrointestinal experts suggest that reaching for the full-sugar options might actually be better in the long run.
Most candy is high in sugar and carbs but low in fiber, making it a nightmare for our digestive tracts. For this reason, gastro experts don’t generally recommend candy at all, but during Halloween, it’s hard to resist the temptation of chocolates, gummy bears, and candy bars. However, specialists have pinpointed a few of the worst candies for your stomach.
- Milk chocolate candy without nuts. This is one of the worst candies for your stomach because chocolate is a diuretic, meaning consuming too much of it could result in diarrhea. Eating milk chocolate with nuts will probably still cause GI tract issues, but the nuts provide some nutritional benefits.
- Sugar-free candy with sugar substitutes. Sugar alcohols, such as Sorbitol, in sugar substitutes usually act as a laxative, so while eating sugar-free candies may feel like you’re gaming the system, they could actually cause serious GI distress.
- Processed candies like licorice. Candies that contain a lot of processed sugar and artificial ingredients can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Candies with high fructose corn syrup, modified soy lecithin, or Tertiary Butylhydroquinone in the ingredient list should be avoided.
But do not fear, there are a few candies that gastroenterologists have deemed acceptable for Halloween night feasting.
- Dark chocolate with nuts. Nuts are a good source of fiber, and the higher the cacao percentage in your chocolate, the better for your body. Dark chocolate has even been found to produce a special enzyme in your stomach that reduces inflammation.
- Gummy bears and gelatin candies. Some gastro experts recommend gelatin as a beneficial treat for your stomach lining health. Just take care not to overindulge in these sugary treats.
- Jellybeans are low-calorie and low-sugar candies, so enjoying them in moderation won’t do any damage to your gut.
Contact a Gastroenterologist Today
Gastrointestinal problems may get worse around the Halloween season due to heightened candy consumption, but if you experience discomfort and bloating year-round, it might be a sign of an underlying problem. A call to the gastro experts at GastroCare LI is the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Call our office at (516) 265-7049 or fill out an online contact form to schedule an appointment today.
FAQs
Gummy bears and gelatin candies. Some gastro experts recommend gelatin as a beneficial treat for your stomach lining health. Just take care not to overindulge in these sugary treats. Jellybeans are low-calorie and low-sugar candies, so enjoying them in moderation won't do any damage to your gut.
What is the hardest candy to digest? ›
The worst candies for gastrointestinal health
- Milk chocolate and candies without nuts. Chocolate contains caffeine and works as a diuretic, so consuming too much chocolate can cause diarrhea and other GI issues. ...
- Sugar-free candy that contains sugar substitutes. ...
- Overly processed candies.
20 Healthier Halloween Candy Choices
- Hershey's Special Dark. This classic is easy to love thanks to the antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate. ...
- Twizzlers. ...
- Peanut M&Ms. ...
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures. ...
- Tootsie Rolls. ...
- 3 Musketeers. ...
- Tootsie Pop. ...
- Payday.
Starbursts. When you can't pronounce most of the product's ingredients, it's safe to say you probably shouldn't eat it. There is just no nutritional value here, friends — zero grams of dietary fiber, no protein and high in sugar.
Are Twizzlers bad for you? ›
But at 120 calories and 16 grams of sugar for three pieces, Twizzlers aren't a terrible choice if you eat less than the serving size. Cassetty suggests limiting yourself to one Twizzler (so that you stay at about five grams of sugar) and taking your time eating it.
What candy makes you gassy? ›
Lollipops are liquified and hardened sugar and since sugar is a carbohydrate, it is the cause of excessive gas in your body. This build-up of gas causes stomach cramps. This same reaction can come from apples and other types of hard candy. Be wary of those red, tempting candied applies.
What candy helps with an upset stomach? ›
“Ginger and peppermint hard candies can sometimes help, but avoid looking for relief when these ingredients are a part of cookies or candy.”
What's the healthiest candy to eat? ›
15 Healthy-ish Candy Options for Every Craving
- Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars. Read More. ...
- Alter Eco Chocolate. Read More. ...
- SmartSweets Sweet Fish. Read More. ...
- Justin's Peanut Butter Cups. Read More. ...
- YumEarth Sour Giggles. Read More. ...
- DOVE CANDY BAR. Read More. ...
- Red Vines Made Simple. Read More. ...
- Black Forest Gummy Bears. Read More.
Both candies have their drawbacks, but M&Ms take the victory with their peanut variety's protein content and the lower sugar content of their fun-size pack, making them a better choice for your sweet tooth.
What is the top 3 Halloween candy? ›
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- Regular M&M's.
- Tootsie Pops.
- Twizzlers.
- Hershey's Milk Chocolate.
- Sour Patch Kids.
- Candy Corn.
- KitKat.
- Starburst.
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| Rank | Product name | Sugar content per 100 grams |
|---|
| 1 | Nerds Candy | 93 |
| 2 | Sour Patch Kids | 80 |
| 3 | Swedish Fish | 77 |
| 4 | Candy Corn | 74 |
6 more rowsOct 30, 2023
According to the study, Americans hate to receive candy corn the most on Halloween. However, it's not that sticky treat that's the most dangerous to eat on Halloween. The Jawbreaker is actually the top candy American's admitted to not eating because of its potential dental impacts.
What is the most hated candy on Halloween? ›
According to the study, Americans hate to receive candy corn the most on Halloween. However, it's not that sticky treat that's the most dangerous to eat on Halloween. The Jawbreaker is actually the top candy American's admitted to not eating because of its potential dental impacts.
What is the number 1 candy on Halloween? ›
1: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. This perennial favorite easily finished first in the candy derby, earning the title of most popular Halloween candy in 18 states, including densely populated ones like California, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
What is the most fattening candy? ›
That being said, here are the top 10 maximum calorie winners:
- Skor: 149 calories/ounce.
- Mr. ...
- Kit Kat: 145 calories/ounce.
- Hershey's Chocolate Bar with Almonds: 144 calories/ounce.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: 144 calories/ounce.
- Peanut M&Ms: 144 calories/ounce.
- Twix Caramel: 143 calories/ounce.
Both candies have their drawbacks, but M&Ms take the victory with their peanut variety's protein content and the lower sugar content of their fun-size pack, making them a better choice for your sweet tooth.
