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Most Unsafe Halloween Candy For Kids

Author Gina Birch

We know that too much sugar is not good for kids. It’s not good for adults either. Last week, Fort Myers pediatrician Dr. Annette St. Pierre-MacKoul shared some tips for parents and guardians on how to reduce that consumption. Story is here if you missed it. However, it’s not just the sugar that can be a problem.  Here is a list of some of the most unsafe Halloween candy for kids.

Three little girls laughing in fancy Halloween dress in the open, with plastic pumpkins full of candy

Health officials advise parents and guardians to always go through their kids trick or treat bags. Do this before allowing them to eat the treats, inspect for things that don’t look right and that could be dangerous.

The report is from the folks at BabyCenter. They worked with a pediatric hospitalist to determine the candies that are the most high risk for choking. They also categorized candies that are safe treats for kids of all ages. These get the green light to enjoy.

  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • Twix
  • Snickers and candy bars
  • Animal Crackers
  • Prepackaged cookies and cupcakes

Next, here is the list of the most unsafe Halloween candy for kids under four years old.

  • Reese’s Pieces
  • M&M’s
  • Twizzlers
  • Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms
  • Milk Duds
  • Lollipops
  • Candy Corn

Here is why these made the list. Round candies are choking hazards. Chewy and gummy candies are difficult for kids to break down and are also chocking hazards. These are some of the best candies. Now you have a legitimate excuse to remove them from your kids bags…and keep them for yourself.

It’s not just about the candy. In addition, parents are advised to check the toys that often show up in trick or treat bags. Things such as small bouncy balls, marbles, temporary tattoos and the likes. Finally, if your child is coughing, watch closely. If they stop making noises and are struggling to breathe, take action immediately. Those are signs of choking. Call 911 or begin life saving maneuvers.

The Best Zip Codes In Southwest Florida For Trick Or Treat

Trick or Treating in Southwest Florida is not something to be taken lightly. As the kids know, you get roughly 2 hours a year, once a year, so you have to make it count. You’ll want to watch facebook for church or community groups holding Trunk Or Treats on the Saturday before, but the real action is on Tuesday. That’s Halloween, Trick Or Treat night in Southwest Florida.

Last year’s Trick Or Treat was heavily affected by Hurricane Ian. It’s hard to buy candy for the kids when you’re not sure if insurance is going to buy you a roof. But this year is different. This year people are ready – and eager – for Halloween. So how will we know the best places for Trick or Treat in Southwest Florida?  Like we always do. Analytics. We take a look at shopping trends to see which areas spend the most on Halloween. That’s where you’re likely to score the best candy.

For the data, we used Instacart. They examined Halloween-related purchase data, crafting a custom score for every zip code. then they put together a “Scare Score” based on purchases of candy, costumes, and decor. For candy, they went by weight. Lol. How many pounds of candy did someone order?

So, going from north to south, let’s break down the local zip codes of Southwest Florida for Trick Or Treat.

What’s the best (or worst) zip code to Trick or Treat in. We’ll also cover the top selling candy in that region. If you’re looking for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, you don’t need to be hitting up houses that are passing out Tootsie Rolls. I live in Estero, so I can vouch for some of the accuracy in this study. The top 3 candies listed for Estero really were the top candies in my neighborhood last year.

 

  • North Port

    The areas in North Port had similar rankings, but 34286 had a slightly higher “Scare Score” than the others at 61. Expect to score big with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twizzlers, and Skittles. If you’re closer, however, it may make sense to hit up 34293 in Venice. They have a Scare Score of 71. North Port puts on a pretty decent event the Saturday before.

    Trick or Treat at City Center

    Join in on the fun for the annual Trick or Treat at City Center, presented by Suncoast Credit Union! This North Port tradition will be held on Oct. 27 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd.

     

  • Port Charlotte

    Looks like the west end of the harbor is a little more generous. 33981 comes in with a Scare Score of 62.7. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Haribo Goldbears, and Sour Patch Kids are the big ones here. Zip code 33980 however, had a much lower score of 33.8 and their number one give was Candy Corn.

    Halloween Festival | Halloween Notte | Port Charlotte

    Halloween Festival | Halloween Notte | Port Charlotte

  • Punta Gorda

    The best spot in Punta Gorda appears to be 33983 with a score of 67. M&M’s, Peanut M&M’s, and Baby Ruth were the top candies here, including the area of Harbor Heights. 33955 is the low score in PG at 54.9. Still a respectable score, but they hand out Dove Dark Chocolate and Candy Corn. Hmm.

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  • North Fort Myers

    Area code 33917 has a solid Scare Score of 57. Expect to get Peanut M&M’s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Hershey’s bars in the Suncoast Estates area.. 33903 is a little bit better with a 62.8 with M&M’s and HARIBO bears as the fave. That’s the west end of No Fo.

    Halloween Dog trick or treating

  • Cape Coral

    Cape Coral is a clear winner here with a 74.7 score in the zip code of 33914. South of Veterans and west of Santa Barbara. Expect to get Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, and Peanut M&M’s. 33909 is also a good spot with a score of 71.5. All of the other zips in Cape scored in the upper 60’s, meaning there really isn’t a bad place to go.

    https://gatormikes.com/attractions/frightmare-on-78/

  • Fort Myers

    I think we’ve found a real hot spot here. Zip code 33913 in Fort Myers has a Scare Score of 78.3. Gateway does Halloween big. Those houses feature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut M&M’s, and Twizzlers. Even Lemonheads show up in their purchases. 33966, however, scores a 57.4 and you’re likely to get York Peppermint Patty’s and Dum Dum suckers. I just had a coworker confirm that his kids do get a lot of Dum-Dums in their neighborhood.

    Fort Myers Beach is hard to judge. I’d definitely ask around first before committing your evening. I really just don’t know.

    https://96krock.com/event/96k-rock-at-sidelines-sports-bar/

  • Lehigh Acres

    The big winner in Lehigh Acres is 33976 with a 69.4 score. Solid neighborhoods + they got all of our favorites with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut M&M’s, and M&M’s. On the other side of Gunnery at 33973 they only score a 48.4. C’mon Westminster!

    halloween ghost dog trick or treating

  • Immokalee

    Zip code 34142 is a big area, with Ave Maria in here too, but score low with a meager 48.5. Their top handouts are Peanut M&M’s, Candy Corn, and Twix. In a note to that score, it appears they spend a lot on decorations, but much less on candy.

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  • Estero

    Zip code 33928 comes in with a solid score of 71.1 That’s basically all of Estero. Expect to see Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, and Peanut M&M’s. As an Estero resident I can confirm. Those are exactly the candies I’m buying. My motto is to buy candy that you like so if you have extra you’re good. I’m not buying candy corn.

    Unicorn and Addy

  • Bonita Springs

    It looks like the candy is better on the east side of 41. 34135 scores a very respectable 71.7. Peanut M&M’s, Twizzlers, and M&M’s are the main ones. 34134 only scores a 54.6. Similar candy, but it appears they buy less.

    Only 4 More Days left for the Haunted Maze! Get your tickets [online] before they’re gone. (Link below)Remember: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm there are no tickets required to enter the farm. You have access to the pumpkin and sunflower fields as well as the kids area and our Farm Store. There is NO corn maze or hayrides during the week. Festival Hours: [which requires a ticket] Fridays 6pm to 10pm Saturdays 9am to 10pm Sundays 9am to 5pm🎟️🎟️ https://www.farmermikesupick.com/home_blocks/farmer-mikes-9th-annual-fall-festival-and-corn-mazes/

    Posted by Farmer Mikes U Pick of Bonita Springs on Wednesday, October 18, 2023

  • Naples

    Let’s get to the real money in Southwest Florida. Where’s the best zip code in Naples, and really, all of Southwest Florida for Trick Or Treat? Port Royal? Nope. One of those high end gulf communities? Nope. It’s Golden Gate. 34120 wins with a score of 79.8. The top 3 are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut M&M’s, and Twizzlers. Certain houses may even have Mamba and Dum Dums. And it’s not just on Halloween that Golden Gate shines, Collier Parks and Rec holds some Trunk Or Treat events, too. Hit up these events for extra candy.

    34119 which is right next to 34120 on the other side of Collier Blvd. also scores high with a 78.0.

    https://www.paradisecoast.com/event/fifth-avenue-south-halloween-spooktacular/8369

  • Marco Island

    The Marco Island zip of 34145 did not fare well, with a score of only 48.1. The “good” houses will have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, along with peanut and regular M&M’s.

    https://www.cityofmarcoisland.com/parksrec/page/halloween-spooktacular-3

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.

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