In case you’re wondering if you’ve got the right blog, fear not… no, I don’t think there’s such a thing as healthy sweets!
By “healthy” I mean “better than the alternatives.” This means they are made with real food ingredients, without artificial colors, additives, artificial sweeteners, or all the other junk found in typical candy. Plus you can even make your own “sweets” that are actually healthier.
I still prefer candy-free gifts or experiences whenever possible, even on Halloween. But thanks to companies that make candy with better ingredients, our family can participate in neighborhood trick-or-treating festivities (without having to hand out seaweed snacks…although I think they’re delicious too!).
Wait… Healthy sweets are good for you?
Given the negative health effects of sugar… no, certainly not! Treats like hard candies and gummies with added sugar (and even those labeled sugar-free) aren’t the healthiest.
I have received some criticism for my stance on sugar. (But hey, I can’t help what science says). There were quite a few years where we even skipped parties and trick-or-treating altogether.
I’ve experimented with different approaches to Halloween (the ultimate candy palooza) over the years. As my kids got older, I decided that instead of opting out, I could use Halloween as an opportunity for my kids to practice making good food choices.
Now that more companies are making better candy options (with ingredients I can actually recognize), I’ve been able to find some favorites that my kids love and that I can live without. Mixing them (in moderation) with plenty of non-candy alternatives creates a fun, creative, and healthy Halloween that I think is better than the original tradition.
Healthier candy (and non-candy) alternatives to trick-or-treating
I usually make my own candy or chocolate bars when we’re going to eat them, but that doesn’t work for trick-or-treating. If you’re looking for healthier store-bought candy, these are the ones that passed the test for us.
Of course, you won’t find many of these at your local supermarket. I often use my Thrive Market membership to stock up. The prices are low, it’s convenient, and I love the selection. Amazon is another good place to find them. I’ve even seen candy options with less sugar and more health benefits at local health food stores.
All of the following treats are individually wrapped for trick-or-treating. Plus, the neighborhood kids will probably like them more than the junk stuff. You can help them satisfy their sweet tooth with healthier options.
Start with a healthy meal
First the good and then the trash? This holds true in my house on Halloween. These are our favorite Halloween-themed meals and snacks that are high in protein and have healthy fats and fiber. These low-sugar ingredients help fill everyone up and keep the sugar rush at bay.
Organic Spooky Fruit Snacks
These gummy packets get their color and flavor from real food ingredients, like pear juice and carrot juice. A far cry from most store-bought candy, these gummy bears are organic and gluten-free.
Fruit leather strips
Remember these from school lunch days? This version uses real fruit and omits the corn syrup. They are also plant-based and vegan for those who don’t want the gelatin found in many gummies (although I like gelatin!).
Grain-free cookies
Give the kids a break from all the sweets with these delicious grain-free crackers. They will never know that they are also nutritious. These are also individually wrapped for easy trick or treating distribution. Keep in mind that they are made with almonds if you need to worry about nut allergies.
Popcorn Snack Packs
We don’t make popcorn often, but when we do, we choose gluten-free and non-GMO products. Kids and adults alike will love the “buttery” goodness of coconut oil and a pinch of pink Himalayan salt. They are also low in calories, at only 50 calories per bag.
Peanut Butter Cups (no peanut butter)
No Halloween trick-or-treat list could be complete without peanut butter cups. These dark almond butter cups are a delicious alternative and (in my opinion) even better than the classic treat. If you need an allergen-friendly version that’s nut-, soy-, and dairy-free, try these Dark Chocolate Sunflower Butter Cups. They also come in mint or milk chocolate flavors.
Torie and Howard sweet
These chewy fruit candies look exactly like the popular Starburst candies, but use organic ingredients and contain no artificial flavors or colors. Plus, its creative flavors will tempt even adults: Meyer lemon and raspberry, pomegranate and nectarine, and blood orange and honey. They are also high in antioxidant vitamin C. Torie & Howard also offers bulk hard candies that are non-GMO and organic.
Best Buy: Natural Lollipops
I know that buying natural or organic products can be a real budget cut, but this time there is no excuse. I saved the best for last with these Yum Earth Natural Popsicles… 250 organic, real fruit flavored popsicles in a bag for less than 20 cents each!
Non-candy treats for trick-or-treating
Again, I offer them only as occasional alternatives for special occasions where candy is unavoidable (like Halloween), not as weekly or daily meals for kids.
To avoid making candy the center of the holiday, mix in plenty of non-edible treats and treats. They are still affordable and the kids love them! Here are 26 ideas for what to give for Halloween besides free candy.
Other Healthy Halloween Snacks and Treats (Kids Like These!)
One strategy for limiting sweets is to offer children plenty of nutritious food before going trick-or-treating. Instead of our usual dinner, we made some Halloween-themed appetizers to share. I make sure they are high in protein and fiber (and low in sugar).
While there are a million healthy Halloween party food ideas, I’ve only tried a few that are simple and easy to prepare. I’m no Martha Stewart, but I’m happy to report that most of these turned out very well with little time and effort. In most cases, the kids begged to take charge and do it themselves (I let them!).
Here are some of the favorite Halloween party snacks and treats we’ve tried:
I also keep some homemade treats on hand along with some non-candy treats for after trick-or-treating. Kids trade in some of their less-ideal candy for fun Halloween jewelry, trinkets, or toys. They usually have no problem with this and, in fact, look forward to it.
Have a happy Halloween!
The bottom line is that sharing in community with our friends and neighbors is an absolute priority for us. These options are as close to healthy candy as you can get and have made it possible for our family to participate in the trick-or-treating program. By providing some better alternatives to the usual Halloween candy fest, I hope my kids will have a positive outlook on healthy eating and focus on simply having fun.
What do you give on Halloween? Have you found sweets with better ingredients? Please share!
