What are some alternatives to candy for babies?
We love them, but still… candy isn't all good! Its main drawback? Obviously, the sugar it contains. And on this subject, the recommendations are clear: sugary products should be introduced as late as possible and in limited quantities. So, why not take advantage of Halloween to open our eyes wide and replace candy with something else?
Why is it necessary to limit candy consumption in babies and young children?
If there's one topic that's been a staple in pediatricians' offices for a long time, it's sugar! For about ten years now, limiting sugar consumption in children has even been one of the battles waged by the WHO. The World Health Organization regularly issues calls* to reduce sugar intake in children… This shows just how seriously the issue of sugar addiction must be taken**. Because let's not forget: a candy is, first and foremost, a piece of sugar. Overindulging in it promotes weight gain and can potentially lead to metabolic disorders that contribute to future illnesses (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc.). Sugar is also the enemy of teeth! The more sugary products a child consumes, the greater their risk of developing cavities, even in their baby teeth. All these good reasons led Public Health France to call for a ban on advertising for overly sugary food products of low nutritional quality.
Regularly, serious studies take up the subject to drive the point home! This is notably the case of " Exposure to sugar rationing in the first 1000 days of life protected against chronic disease | Science ", led by the University of Southern California, in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley and McGill University and published in the journal Science***: this British study insists in particular on the need to limit sugar consumption as much as possible during the first 1000 days (including pregnancy) to limit the risks of developing a chronic disease (type 2 diabetes, hypertension) in adulthood.
How to limit sugar consumption in children?
It cannot be stressed enough that, as parents, you must do everything you can to limit your children's sugar intake. The first thing to do, of course, is to eliminate sugary foods such as baby sweets, pastries, and processed products like ice cream or dairy desserts.
· Second avenue to explore: the sugar that we sometimes tend to add to yogurts or hot drinks… Doing without it allows your child to discover the true taste of food and avoids unnecessary grams of sugar.
• As for drinks: keep it simple! Just water (bye-bye sodas and fruit drinks).
Fourth tip for limiting children's sugar intake: hunt down hidden sugars! Sugar has a nasty habit of sneaking up where you least expect it: it's found in ultra-processed foods (even savory dishes!) which also often contain numerous additives. It's therefore important to always check the ingredient list and keep in mind that the shorter it is and the less it contains unusual ingredients (like glucose-fructose syrup, hydrogenated fats, artificial flavorings, colorings E102 or E129, or preservatives like sodium benzoate), the better! Limit products with a D or E5 rating as much as possible.
What can I use instead of candy?
Our 5 tips! What makes baby candy so appealing isn't just its sweet taste, but also its shapes and colors. To replace it, you'll need to draw inspiration from these and use your imagination! Basically, keep the good parts and get rid of the bad ones!
• Fruits in a fun version
Naturally sweet, fruit remains one of the best sugar substitutes. To make it appealing to children, don't hesitate to use original presentations: for example, try multicolored fruit skewers, dehydrated fruit (like crunchy crackers), homemade fruit jellies (made without sugar), or even Good Goût - Biostime Nos Marques organic fruit pouches for babies , which you can present in bowls shaped like clouds, hearts, or fruits… to make eating them more fun!
• Biscuits suitable for toddlers
Replace sweets with Good Goût organic baby biscuits and snacks with no added sugar – Biostime Our Low-Calorie Brands . The easiest way to find what you need is to choose recipes specifically for babies: without strange ingredients and low in sugar. Feel free to take them out of their packaging and store them in a small tin, like a treasure chest where they can dip in and out in moderation!
Nuts are popular
For a sweet treat, nuts are a great option. Almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds can satisfy children's hunger pangs. However, be careful: these foods pose a high choking hazard for young children. It's therefore essential to ensure they are used to chewing properly and to adapt the form (for example, offering them crushed, blended, or incorporated into other foods).
For a safer and equally delicious alternative, consider nut butters (such as almond, hazelnut, or cashew butter). They can be easily used in many homemade recipes.
• Dark chocolate pieces, not before age 3
To replace baby sweets and chocolate, you can opt for a delicious alternative to candy that's also suitable for toddlers: Round Cocoa Biscuits - Organic First Baby Biscuits for Babies from 10 Months - Good Goût – Biostime Our Brands ! Their delicious cocoa taste and organic ingredients make them an ideal option for a little treat without excess.
• Tangy-tasting herbal infusions for children
On paper, they might seem far from candy, but… some children's herbal teas have that slightly tangy taste that our little ones love! When a sugar craving rears its ugly head, offer them a magical drink made from fruits, flowers, or plants.
What can you use instead of Halloween candy? Here's a recipe for homemade candy for kids, quick to make, healthy and fun!
What if you made your own baby candy? This option, which isn't always top of mind, has many advantages: you can make seasonal sweets, experiment with new flavors, have fun with original shapes, and, a major plus: you'll know exactly how much sugar is in your homemade treats! And homemade candy means a family cooking session! For an even better treat, it's always more fun if everyone puts on an apron.
>> Discover our sugar-free Halloween candy recipe
