Health advocates warn of Halloween candy containing artificial dyes, corn syrup

As kids go out to collect candy on Halloween, advocates of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement warn that there may be more tricks than treats when it comes to candy.

Maryland-based dietitian nutritionist Kendall Mackintosh told Fox News Digital that she often hears the excuse that Halloween candy is “only once a year.”

“That’s not the point. What we feed our children still matters. Nobody wants to hand out filled candy. [synthetic preservatives]artificial dyes and corn syrup,” he said.

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The Global Health Forum council member added that “even occasional exposure to these additives contributes to inflammation, behavioral changes and gut imbalance.”

Mackintosh and Vani Hari, better known as the “Food Baby”, have revealed the candies they say are the worst choices for kids this Halloween.

1. M&Ms

“Most Halloween candy contains artificial dyes, but M&M’s are at the top of the list because the American version contains a lot of 10 dyes,” said Hari, who lives in North Carolina.

A spokesman for Wrigley, Illinois-based Mars, which owns M&M’s, declined to comment.

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“Artificial dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children and require a warning label in Europe, and some studies have linked them to immune system compromise and cancer,” Hari said.

According to some, artificial dyes are linked to hyperactivity in children. (iStock)

According to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, a review of 27 clinical studies found that approximately 64% of studies showed evidence of behavioral problems in children linked to artificial dye consumption.

2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Hari and Mackintosh also warned against Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

“Reese’s contains the synthetic preservative TBHQ [tertiary-butylhydroquinone]”It’s content that I avoid at all costs,” Hari said.

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“It can harm the immune system and promote allergies, and has been linked to increased incidences of tumors in animal studies. It is also banned for use in food in other countries, including Japan.”

Some candies have been flagged by MAHA advocates as containing artificial dyes and synthetic preservatives. (iStock)

In a 2019 Michigan State study, researchers found that TBHQ suppressed the body’s immune response when fighting the flu.

The mouse study found that the protector slowed the initial activation of T cells and reduced their ability to fight infection.

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Robert Freeborn, who led the study, said at the time that “TBHQ, when administered through the diet, affects certain cells that are important in ensuring an appropriate immune response against influenza.”

Hershey Co. of Pennsylvania did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s question seeking comment.

3. Dumb-Dums

Hari said he would “never eat” and would not allow his children to eat Dum-Dums lollipops.

MAHA advocates warn that some lollipops are full of corn syrup and artificial dyes. (iStock)

“They are full of corn syrup, artificial flavors and artificial dyes,” Hari warned.

Dum-Dums is made by Spangler Candy Co., based in Ohio. by and did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s question seeking comment.

4. skittles

Mackintosh also warned against Skittles.

Skittles owner Mars Wrigley told Fox News Digital in May that the candy would no longer be made from titanium dioxide, an additive often used to make foods appear whiter and opaque.

“There are plenty of clean sugar alternatives made without dyes, GMOs, or toxic preservatives.”

The MAHA Commission, chaired by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published a report earlier this year evaluating chronic diseases, especially in children.

The report lists additives of potential concern, including titanium dioxide, which it said “may cause cellular and DNA damage.”

Skittles owner Mars Wrigley told Fox News Digital in May that the candy would no longer be made from titanium dioxide. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

“Consumer demand is driving this change. When we stop buying these products, companies will have to change,” Mackintosh said.

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Hari called the wave of ingredient changes among major food companies “unprecedented.”

‘Better alternatives’

According to Mackintosh, there are healthier Halloween candy options available.

One MAHA advocate credits consumer demand for ingredient changes some candy companies are making. (iStock)

“You don’t have to be the fun house or handing out raisins,” he said.

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“There are plenty of clean sugar alternatives made without dyes, GMOs, or toxic preservatives, like Justin’s organic peanut butter cups, Unreal bars, Lily’s no-sugar-added bars, Amara fruit snacks, and YumEarth organic lollipops.”

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Hari acknowledged that no sugar is truly “healthy” but said there are “better alternatives.”

“For chocolates, I love Lake Champlain’s organic Halloween chocolate bars and Justin’s organic mini peanut butter cups,” she suggested.

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Hari also recommended the YumEarth brand, noting that they make “great mini-sized alternatives” to Skittles and Dum-Dums “without the dyes or corn syrup.”