Dietitians’ Top Halloween Treat Could Spell Trouble for Teeth

WHO:

NPR - David Branch is sector manager with the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute; Enna Grazier owns New Hampshire small-batch chocolate company Enna Chocolate.

NBC News - Registered dietitians Erin Palinski-Wade, Grace Derocha, Caroline Susie, Whitney Linsenmeyer and Natalie Rizzo shared their views on Halloween candy. Derocha is a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Rizzo is TODAY’s nutrition editor.

Fox News - New York City dentist Dr. Marc Lazare, who has practiced for nearly 30 years and focuses on biomimetic dentistry, discussed dental risks from Halloween treats.

WHAT:

Bloomberg Markets - Stew Leonard Jr., CEO of Stew Leonard’s, said bags of popular Halloween candy cost about 50 cents more than the previous year; some shoppers were trading down to cheaper options.

NPR - Candy and gum prices rose 7.7% in one year and more than 18% in two years, exceeding the average food-inflation rate over that period.

NPR - The National Retail Federation estimated Halloween spending at $13.5 billion, a 3% annual increase and a record $115 per person—55 cents more than the prior year.

NPR - Circana data showed chocolate candy sales had increased for several years, while shoppers bought less chocolate, paying more for less.

NPR - Candy companies have expanded gummy and sour offerings and introduced products that avoid pricier chocolate, including KitKat’s marshmallow-flavored Witch’s Brew and Reese’s White Ghosts coated in white creme.

NBC News - Dietitians said candy can fit into a mindful, healthy diet and need not be avoided; Palinski-Wade said avoiding it completely can increase cravings. Derocha described a balanced approach as “portion size, being present and taking pleasure.”

NBC News - Dietitians named Reese’s products as a consistent favorite. Linsenmeyer likes Reese’s when she wants savory and salty flavors; Susie likes classic peanut butter cups, Derocha likes mini cups, and Rizzo likes Reese’s Pieces.

NBC News - Other favorites included Skittles and Starbursts for Palinski-Wade; peanut M&Ms and mini Snickers for Derocha; York Peppermint Patties or Junior Mints for Linsenmeyer; and malted milk balls for Palinski-Wade. Derocha said she gets one Snickers a week.

NBC News - Susie said pairing candy with a meal containing fiber and protein “helps blunt blood sugar spikes” and makes eating it more satisfying. She said overall dietary patterns matter more than any single food.

Fox News - Lazare warned that hard candy can crack or split teeth, while sticky candy and caramels can pull out fillings or crowns. Chewy candy can get caught between teeth and prolong sugar exposure and an “acid attack”; sour candy can expose enamel to acid.

Fox News - Lazare said people with fillings, posts, crowns, existing cracks or teeth weakened by grinding are particularly vulnerable. He called raisins “probably one of the worst things you can have for your teeth.”

Fox News - Lazare recommended chocolate because it melts and dissolves quickly, with dark chocolate preferred for generally having less sugar. He cautioned against chocolate containing raisins or toffee.

Fox News - After eating candy, Lazare recommended rinsing with water, waiting about an hour before brushing, and maintaining regular brushing and flossing. He said sugar-free gum can help clear food and increase saliva.

Fox News - If a crown or restoration comes out, Lazare advised stopping chewing on that side, saving it, and contacting a dentist promptly; he said not to use household glue. Severe pain, swelling or significant bleeding warrants urgent dental care.

WHY:

Bloomberg Markets - Higher labor, energy and transportation costs are adding pressure to food prices, according to Bloomberg Markets.

NPR - Drought and heavy rains in West Africa damaged cocoa harvests and raised global prices. Although global cocoa production was rebounding and cocoa prices had fallen from recent highs, consumer chocolate prices remained “sticky” because of production delays, higher ingredient and fuel costs, and U.S. tariffs.

NPR - Grazier said a 50% tariff on some holiday packaging and ingredients she planned to buy from Canadian suppliers forced her to seek alternatives and change plans.

Fox News - Lazare said preventing damage is preferable to repairing it and advised avoiding all-day snacking to limit acid exposure.

HOW:

NBC News - Derocha suggested choosing fun-size portions, slowing down to taste candy mindfully, and enjoying it without guilt.

(UPDATED October 30, 2026 22:59 UTC)

Halloween candy prices are climbing, with chocolate up sharply as shoppers trade down and companies expand alternatives. Dietitians say candy can fit a balanced diet; smaller portions and mindful enjoyment help. Dentists warn hard, sticky and sour treats can damage teeth; chocolate is gentler.

(UPDATED October 30, 2026 20:00 UTC)

Halloween candy prices have surged, with chocolate costing more as cocoa disruptions and tariffs squeeze supplies. Shoppers are spending record amounts, while companies offer more gummies and sour treats. Dietitians say enjoy candy mindfully; dentists recommend limiting sticky, hard sweets and rinsing afterward.

(UPDATED October 30, 2026 19:07 UTC)

Dietitians say Halloween candy can fit a healthy diet; mindful portions help curb cravings. Dentists warn hard, sticky and sour treats can damage teeth or dental work. Chocolate is gentler; rinse with water after candy, and wait before brushing.