In October, supermarkets overflow with sweets and chocolates for Halloween. While candy is part of the fun, it raises an important question about how all that sugar affects children’s health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that free sugars, those added to drinks and foods and naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices, should make up less than 10% of total energy intake and ideally less than 5%.
This translates to about 10 grams per day for children aged 1-2 years, 14 grams for children aged 2-3 years, 19 grams for children aged 4-6 years, 24 grams for children aged 7-10 years, and 30 grams for children aged over 11 years. In general, a small biscuit contains approximately 4 grams of sugar, a pack of treat-sized sweets about 13 grams, and a single lollipop contains about 10 grams. After a night of trick-or-treating, many children easily exceed their recommended daily limits several times over.
Parents have often heard that sugar causes hyperactivity in kids, energy spikes, or sleeplessness in children. However, studies show that the problem lies not in indulgence but in consistent overconsumption. Despite the popular myth, research has found no significant correlation between hyperactivity and the consumption of sugar. This misconception likely stems from expectation bias. In one study, parents who believed their children had consumed sugar rated them as more hyperactive, even when the drink was sugar-free. Since sugary treats are usually consumed at parties or festive events like Halloween, already exciting situations, the myth tends to reinforce itself.
The idea of a “sugar high” is also misleading. Although sugar provides fast energy, blood glucose levels are strictly regulated by the body; thus, there is no true high. Studies have not shown any regular mood or energy boost in response to eating sugary foods. There is at least a grain of truth in the notion of a sugar crash. After consuming sweets, there is a sudden increase in blood sugar levels followed by a slight decrease before stabilizing. These changes are normal and generally have only minor, short-term effects. In adults, carbohydrate consumption has been linked to short-term fatigue and reduced alertness; however, this differs between individuals.
The connection between sugar and sleep is less clear. A small study in children aged 8-12 years found more nighttime awakenings after a high-sugar beverage, whereas another study in toddlers did not have a short-term impact. In general, it cannot be concluded that one night of sugary food consumption influences sleep, but excessive sugar intake over the course of a long time was associated with decreased sleep and increased disruptions. Moreover, insufficient sleep may trigger cravings for sugary foods, creating a cycle that negatively impacts overall health.
The idea that restricting sugar makes children crave it more is only true when sweets are completely forbidden. Research suggests that children whose parents implement regular restrictions tend to consume less sugar in general. Parents play a major role in shaping eating habits by deciding what foods are available at home.
An occasional Halloween treat will not cause harm, but chronic high sugar intake can. Historical data from World War II suggest that lower sugar consumption in childhood was associated with reduced risk of diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. The findings of modern research also relate high sugar diets with obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Excess sugar contributes to tooth decay and displaces nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Parents can encourage balanced food by providing nutritious meals before parties or trick-or-treating, so children are less likely to overeat sweets. Limiting the number of treats or spreading them over several days also helps. Healthy eating habits develop gradually, and enjoying candy on one night of the year is nothing to worry about.
References: The Conversation. Five scary myths about sugar this Halloween – by a nutritionist. Published October 23, 2025. Accessed October 27, 2025. Five scary myths about sugar this Halloween – by a nutritionist
