Here’s How Much Exercise It Takes to Burn Off Your Halloween Candy

Author Mo On The Radio

November 1st, 2023 5:45 PM

The one day of the year when everyone can enjoy a good scare is Halloween. But for a lot of people, what happens next on Halloween is actually the scariest part. Consuming a large quantity of Halloween candy in a little amount of time might have negative impacts on your physical well-being, including your waist size. Candy businesses release themed versions of their delicious delights around holidays like Halloween, making it easy to forget just how unhealthy sugar really is. Additionally, during coronavirus and flu outbreaks, when food can offer much-needed solace, it can be particularly difficult to avoid confectionery all the time.

24/7 Tempo put up a list of common Halloween candy, their calorie counts, and the amount of time needed to burn them off. They utilized exercise duration data based on an individual weighing 140 pounds, taken from the food and nutrition database Nutritionix. Because it takes them more energy to do the same activity, heavier people may burn calories faster. On the other hand, smaller persons can require more time.

The primary issue with candy, and the reason it’s so unhealthy, is its high sugar content. Sugar is high in calories and low in nutritional value.

For instance if you have just ONE Hershey mini bar (and who can have just one), you’ll have to work out this much to burn it off:

Hershey’s Mini Bars
> Size: 1 piece (7 g)
> Calories: 37 (calories from fat: 19)
> Walking: 10 minutes
> Running: 4 minutes
> Biking: 5 minutes

To see all of the most common halloween candy and how much exercise it takes to burn each of then, click here.

9 Worst Trick or Treat Handouts for Halloween

Halloween is the time of year when spookiness takes center stage, and creative costumes rule the streets. It’s also the day of the beloved tradition, trick-or-treating. Whether you’re a kid dreaming of a candy jackpot or an adult admiring the neighborhood’s costume creativity while handing out treats, it’s a highlight of the year.

However, you’ll always find that one neighbor who likes to shake things up by handing out something other than candy. It’s not always a bad thing, though. Some people do it for a good reason, like considering kids with dietary restrictions. But if you’re considering going outside the box, you should avoid certain trick-or-treat handouts.

Let’s talk about the Halloween horrors, the stuff no one wants in their trick-or-treat bag. First on the list are those infamous toothbrushes or dental floss packs. Halloween is the one night a year when kids can indulge in a sugar frenzy, and suddenly, you’re handed a dental hygiene product. It’s like being told to eat your veggies at a birthday party. Then there are the homemade treats. While some homemade goodies can be delicious, receiving unlabeled, homemade treats can make even the bravest trick-or-treater think twice; also, most parent’s won’t feel comfortable with that and may dispose of them. All of your hard work will go to waste! Safety is paramount on Halloween, and unwrapped or unlabeled edibles can raise concerns.

Another item to avoid is pennies. They’re not even worth the trip to the store, and they make you question if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a time machine back to the 1950s. If you’re going to give out money on Halloween, make it worthwhile if you can swing it. While Halloween is all about surprises, pennies are definitely not the kind of surprises anyone hopes for.

Take a look at some of the worst trick-or-treat handouts for Halloween.

Key Chains
Keychains are handy, but they’re not exactly the kind of treasure kids hope to find in their candy haul. They want stuff that’s sweet, not stuff for keys they don’t have. Save yourself some money and pass on key chains.

klyaksun/ Getty Images
Hygiene Products
We all know cleanliness is important, but getting soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer in your treat bag on Halloween is not what kids look forward to. It’s a treat, not a trip to the pharmacy. It’s like getting socks for Christmas. While practical, it’s not exactly exciting.

onsuda/ Getty Images
Loose Change
Coins may have been an acceptable treat decades ago, but nowadays, they’re seen as disappointing. Kids prefer candy. Or maybe small toys (if they’re exciting/cool enough). Unless, you’re giving away the big bucks, steer clear of this one.

Max Zolotukhin/ Getty Images
Trail Mix
Healthy snacks are great, but Halloween is all about the sugar rush. Kids aren’t exactly thrilled to find a mix of fruit and nuts in their bag. They’re hoping for chocolates and gummies, not something they associate with after-school snacks.

dbvirago/ Getty Images
Coupons
Adults may appreciate coupons for discounts at local businesses, but they don’t make for a fun Halloween treat for kids. Saving money is cool, but Halloween is all about instant gratification. And coupons for discounts don’t really make the cut.

ichico/ Getty Images
Brochures or Pamphlets
Halloween is not the time to distribute religious or informational materials. Kids are looking for fun and treats, not pamphlets. Consider giving those away another day that’s not Halloween.

Wirestock/ Getty Images
Toothbrushes and Dental Floss
Halloween is all about the candy, right? So, if you toss a toothbrush or dental floss into a kid’s stash of treats, you’re basically inviting disappointment. Plus, it’s safe to assume that the trick-or-treater already has a toothbrush. Do they truly need another one?

egal/ Getty Images
Unwrapped Candy
Throwing unwrapped candy into a plastic pumpkin? That’s just asking for a sticky mess. Plus, it’s not the cleanest option. And given the concerns these days, it’s just another worry for parents who fear someone might mess with their child’s candy.

LeventKonuk/ Getty Images
Homemade Treats
Those fancy homemade snacks that look like they came straight from Pinterest can be cute, but if you don’t really know the kids or their parents, they might wonder about your intentions. Sticking to pre-packaged treats is your best bet on Halloween, especially if you’re trying to keep trick-or-treating simple and sanitary.

13-Smile/ Getty Images