Fitness Pudding - Where The Proof Is
Halloween Toys vs. Candy
Adults might believe that children will only like candy for Halloween. But, with the health concerns and risks of binging on that candy, Yale researchers investigated if non-food treats would work as a substitute for candy on Halloween.
Nearly 300 trick or treating children were presented with two identical plates: one with four different types of Halloween-themed toys and another with four different types of name brand candy - all 5 to 10 cents per item.
They found that children chose the toys as frequently as the candy, about half and half, showing us that many children like non-food treats as much as candy, and will actually forego candy more readily than adults might expect – something we can all remember this Halloween.
References
Schwartz, M. B., Chen, E. Y., & Brownell, K. D. (2003). Trick, treat, or toy: children are just as likely to choose toys as candy on Halloween. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 35(4), 207-209.
