Every October, the same question pops up: What about all that candy? And this year, there has been a heavy focus on food dyes! Are they dangerous? Should you be worried about letting your kids dive into their trick-or-treat stash? In this episode, we’ll break down the science behind food dyes, how much it actually takes to reach concerning levels, and—most importantly—how to approach Halloween through the lens of Empowered Eating. Spoiler alert: it’s less about fear, and more about values, biofeedback, and joy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
👻 The Science of Food Dyes
How your body (and your child’s) actually processes artificial colors—hint: the liver is your detox hero.
The acceptable daily intake levels (ADIs) set by the FDA (U.S.) and EFSA (Europe)—and why your kid would need a mountain of candy to get close.
Real-life examples:
A 44-lb child would need about 22 oz of Kool-Aid Burst or 4+ servings of Skittles to hit the Red 40 ADI.
A 66-lb child? Closer to 32 oz of Kool-Aid or 6+ servings of Skittles.
Why moderation and label awareness still matter, especially if multiple dyed foods/drinks are eaten across the day.
How to shift from fear-based nutrition to values-based choices.
Why one of Jess’s core values is making sure celebrations (like Halloween!) are joyful, not stressful.
How to align candy decisions with what matters most to your family—whether that’s faith, fun, balance, or creating happy core memories.
How candy can actually become a teaching tool.
A personal story about Jess’s oldest son learning to connect candy intake with how he feels later.
Why giving kids space to connect food → feelings helps build self-trust for the future.
The most important takeaway: it’s not about whether you do or don’t let your kids go big on Halloween candy—it’s about making a choice that aligns with your family’s values.
Empowered Eating = confidence, trust, and joy, not fear.
Closing Thought:
So whether you let the candy flow freely or take a more structured approach, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s alignment. Here’s to an empowered Halloween filled with joy, core memories, and maybe even a few Skittles.
