Parents navigate candy consumption challenges during Halloween celebrations in Denmark

It’s a day for children to enjoy themselves, so no, I’m not worried about how much candy they get today, says Christine Byriel from Aabenraa, whose children will go trick-or-treating for Halloween. She believes it would be irresponsible to let them eat all that candy at once.

Halloween is traditionally a day that many children look forward to for sweets. However, parents can struggle to regulate how much candy their children consume. While most people recognize that excessive sugar is not beneficial for children, setting limits on candy intake can dampen the festive spirit.

Christine faces this challenge: “It’s tough to manage how much sugar they take in as they go from house to house.” She views conflicts over candy as learning opportunities for children—a safe space to learn how to cope with limits.

When her children return home tonight, Christine plans to divide their leftover candy: “I think we’ll save the rest for Friday night treats.” In contrast, Anne Lund Petersen from Tønder has established clear rules regarding her children’s candy consumption, asserting that although they will bring home a lot, allowing them to eat it all at once would be irresponsible.

Regardless of whether you let your children indulge in sweets or choose to portion their candy, child psychologist Heidi Kempel Hansen offers advice for discussing sweets with them. She suggests preparing children in advance about candy limits to avoid confusion during the celebrations. Once a sugar policy is set, it’s essential for parents to stick to it, despite potential conflicts—viewing these situations as important learning experiences for handling disappointment.

For children aged seven to 15, the Danish Food Authority recommends a maximum sugar intake of 45-55 grams per day, equivalent to a slice of cake or a small handful of candy.