Is Candy Corn Bad For You?
Short answer
Candy corn is bad for you. It is mostly sugar or high fructose corn syrup with no nutritional value and often has artificial colors and ingredients added.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Candy corn is a popular Halloween candy vaguely resembling corn. Most candy corn recipes consist of sugar, corn syrup, confectioner's wax, artificial coloring, and synthetic or natural binders. Sugar is by far the most prominent ingredient - and with around 12 grams of sugar per serving (about 7 pieces), candy corn is pretty bad for you. The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugar intake to fewer than 25 grams daily. This means a single serving of candy corn would account for about half of your total added sugar for the day.
High sugar diets, and especially the spikes in blood sugar level associated with "sugar rushes", increase the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The sugar and sticky texture of candy corn also contribute to tooth decay and the development of cavities. Consuming candies like candy corn, hard milk caramel, or nerds can have negative effects on your dental health after just one consumption, including an almost immediate toothache. Additionally, artificial color like yellow 5 and yellow 6, which are common in candy corn, can have adverse effects for some people, and synthetic binders are often linked to gastrointestinal distress.
If you are going to eat candy corn, just keep in mind that you are essentially eating pure sugar with no nutritional value. While a few pieces once a year on Halloween aren't going to do much damage, making a habit of eating candy corn could lead to more serious health problems.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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diabetes
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obesity
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heart disease
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cavities
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
- homemade candy corn
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dark chocolate
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