New candy limits for kids: How much is too much?

New guidelines have been issued on how much candy children should eat. Experts stress that sweets should be limited, even for healthy kids. The advice varies by age group, with strict daily maximums to prevent overconsumption.

For the youngest children, aged three to six, the recommendation is clear: no more than one small piece of candy or a tiny cookie each day. Ideally, this treat should come after a main meal. Experts also suggest that sweets should only be given two or three times a week, not daily.

Industrial candies are strongly discouraged for children under three. For those aged seven to ten, the limit rises slightly to one or two small candies per day. Even then, parents are advised not to make it a regular habit.

Older children, over ten, can have up to two or three candies daily. However, the focus should be on mindful eating and understanding the effects of sugar. After any sweet treat, rinsing the mouth with water is recommended to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) supports these limits, advising that free sugars should make up less than 10% of daily energy intake. Cutting this to below 5% brings added health benefits. The new figures represent the absolute maximum for a healthy child—not a daily target.

The guidelines aim to curb excessive sugar intake in children. Parents are encouraged to treat sweets as occasional rather than everyday snacks. Following these limits could help reduce long-term health risks linked to high sugar consumption.