Pediatricians Set 25 Gram Limit for Halloween Candy
Northwestern Medicine dietician urges parents to focus on sugar totals rather than banning treats, citing a new AAP recommendation.
By Marco Graham ·
25 grams of added sugar is the daily maximum recommended for children ages two and older, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This specific metric serves as the primary guideline for managing Halloween candy intake this year, shifting the focus from counting pieces of chocolate to tracking total sugar consumption.
Megan Meyer, an advanced registered dietician at Northwestern Medicine, told NBC Chicago that candy is a standard component of the holiday diet. She advised that parents avoid rigid restrictions or labeling food as good or bad. Instead, the goal is to model healthy eating behaviors. Meyer suggested allowing children to select two or three favorite pieces to enjoy during a meal.
The recommendation emphasizes autonomy and moderation. Meyer noted that letting kids pick their own treats helps them understand portion control. She warned against using candy as a reward for eating other foods, a practice that can create a false hierarchy between healthy and unhealthy items. "There is no good or bad food, candy included," Meyer said.
Parents should integrate candy into the broader context of a child's daily nutrition. Meyer explained that showing children how sweets fit alongside nutrient-dense foods helps normalize the experience. This approach treats the holiday treat as one part of a balanced day rather than an event requiring special management. The advice applies to children starting at age two, aligning with general pediatric dietary standards.
The guidance aims to reduce parental anxiety about specific piece counts. There is no single correct number of candies a child should eat. Meyer stated that the amount is largely a matter of parent discretion, provided the total added sugar stays within the recommended limit. This flexibility allows families to adjust based on their specific dietary needs and schedules.
Meyer described sugar as a normal and enjoyable part of the holiday weekend. The objective is to allow children to participate in the tradition without disrupting their overall healthy eating lifestyle. By focusing on the 25-gram threshold, parents can offer structure while still permitting the fun associated with trick-or-treating.
