02/07/2023
Better options for Valentine's sweets & treats! 💝
If your kiddos are sharing candies with friends at school, or if you're looking for some better options to trade for their Valentine's party treats, here are some swaps!
💔 Many festive candies on store shelves contain some not-so-sweet ingredients that we should try to avoid.
5 big ones to look out for are:
🍬 Titanium Dioxide: Used for smooth texture and bright color in some candies like Skittles, Starburst, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish and Trolli gummies. It can accumulate in the body and lead to DNA damage and hormone disruption.
🍬 TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone): a food preservative that prolongs the shelf life of candies and snacks such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Pop-Tarts, Cheez-Its and more than a thousand other processed foods. TBHQ can harm the immune system, according to an EWG study published this year.
🍬 BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): Used in Rice Krispies Treats and Charms Blow Pops, has been listed by the FDA as generally recognized as safe. But some studies have shown it can cause cancer in animals and may act as an endocrine disruptor.
🍬 Artificial Colorings: are used in many candies to make them bright and colorful. Synthetic dyes have been linked to a wide array of health harms, including cancer and behavioral difficulties in sensitive children.
🍬 Artificial Flavors: Artificial flavors are produced synthetically in a laboratory and can be made up of pretty much anything except natural substances. It is best to avoid any added flavorings that are not explicitly derived from identifiable, whole food ingredients. Even "natural flavors" may not be all that natural. It is extremely difficult to find "perfect" products so your own research and best judgement is important here.
Learn to read labels in order to avoid ingredients you would rather stay away from. Do your own research and use your best judgement when it comes to your own families.
Life is short and should be enjoyed - make informed choices and treat in moderation! 😋