Halloween is one of those holidays that most kids can’t wait for and most parents loathe due to the high amount of unhealthy sugary candy. Many of the go-to candy brands are also loaded with genetically engineered (GE or GMO) ingredients. This year, make the switch to non-GMO and healthier Halloween treats. The Non-GMO Project and Green Halloween’s Guide to a Non-GMO Halloween is an excellent resource, which details the most common GE ingredients such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, and soybean oil along with many others.
The Natural Candy Store has a whole selection Non-GMO Project Verified snacks and candy. You can also check out our Green Business Network members for excellent offerings, like delicious organic Fairtrade chocolate from Equal Exchange or Alter Eco.
Along with concerns over GMOs in your children’s candy, it is also important to be conscious of food allergies of your children and other trick-or-treaters. As GMOs have become more prevalent in our food system, so have the pesticides used to grow them. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a report on the link between a rise in pesticide use and childhood allergies. Many popular Halloween treats also have some of the most common allergens such as peanuts, dairy, soy, and wheat. Parents should be extra vigilant in checking labels during the holiday season due to the fact that increased…
