In case you're wondering if you have the right blog, never fear… no, I don't think there is such a thing as healthy candy!
By “healthy” I mean “better than the alternatives.” This means they are made from real food ingredients, no artificial colorsadditives, artificial sweeteners and all the other junk found in typical candy. Plus, you can even make your own “candy” which is actually healthier.
I still prefer gifts or experiences without candy whenever possible, even on Halloween. But thanks to companies that make candy with better ingredients, our family can participate in the neighborhood festivities (without using seaweed snacks… although I think those are delicious too!).
Wait… Is healthy candy good for you?
Considering negative health effects of sugar… no, of course not! Treats like hard candy and candy with added sugar (even those labeled sugar-free) aren't the healthiest.
I've gotten a little carried away with my attitude towards sugar. (But hey, I can't help what the science says.) It had been years since we'd skipped the holidays 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 giving up, I could use Halloween as a chance for my kids to practice making good food choices.
Now that more companies are making better candy options (with ingredients I can recognize), I've been able to find some favorites that my kids love and I can live with. Mixing these (sparingly) with lots of non-candy alternatives makes for a fun, creative, and healthy Halloween that I think beats the original tradition!
Healthier (and non-candy) alternatives to trick or treating
I usually make my own cookies or chocolate candy when we're going to eat them, but that won't do. If you're looking for healthier store-bought candies, here are the ones that passed the test for us.
Of course, you won't find many of these at your local grocery store. I will be using mine often Thriving market membership to reserve. 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 the treats below are individually wrapped for handling. Bonus, the neighborhood kids will probably like it more than the junky stuff! You can help them satisfy their sweet tooth with healthier options.
Start with a healthy meal
First the good stuff, then the junk? This applies to my house on Halloween. These are our favorites Halloween themed foods and snacks that are high in protein and have healthy fat, and fiber. These low-sugar ingredients help keep everyone full and keep the sugar rush at bay.
Organic Fruity Snacks
These rubber packs get their color and flavor from real food ingredients like pear juice and carrot juice. A far cry from most store-bought treats, these gummy bears are organic and gluten-free.
Fruit leather strips
Remember these from your school lunch days? This version uses real fruit and skips the corn syrup. They're also plant-based and vegan for those who don't want gelatin to be found in many savory foods (although it does happen to me like gelatin!).
Wheat-free crackers
Give the kids a break from all the sweets with these delicious grain-free crackers. They will never know they are nutritious to begin with. These are also individually wrapped for easy decoy distribution. Note that they are made with almonds if you have 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. Kids and adults alike will love the “buttery” goodness of coconut oil and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt. They are also low in calories with only 50 calories per bag.
Peanut Butter Cups (no peanut butter)
No Halloween trick-or-treating list is complete without peanut butter cups. These Dark Almond Butter Cups they are a delicious alternative and (in my opinion) even better than the classic treat. If you need an allergen-friendly version that's nut-free, soy-free and dairy-free, then try this dark chocolate cups of sunflower butter. They also come in a peppermint or milk chocolate flavor.
Torie and Howard Candy
THESE chewy fruit candies look just like the popular Starburst candies, but use organic ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors. Plus, their creative flavors will entice adults too: Meyer lemon and raspberry, pomegranate and nectarine, blood orange and honey. They are also high in the antioxidant vitamin C. Torie & Howard also deliver hard candy to the extent that they are non-GMO and organic.
Best Buy: Natural Lollipops
I know that buying natural or organic products can mean a real bite out of the budget, but this time there is no excuse. I saved the best for last with these naturals Delicious gelatos of the Earth… 250 organic and real fruit flavored drinks in a bag for less than 20 cents each!
Non-candy goodies for trick or treating
Again, I only offer these as occasional alternatives for special occasions where candy is unavoidable (like Halloween), not as weekly/daily meals for the kids.
To keep candy from being the center of the party, mix in lots of food and non-edible prizes. They are still cheap and kids love them! Here they are 26 ideas for what to give on Halloween besides free candy.
Other Healthy Halloween Snacks and Treats (Kids Love It!)
One strategy to limit sweets is to offer children plenty of nutritious snacks before they go to bed. Instead of our usual dinner, we make 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 food ideas out there, I've only tried the ones that are simple and easy to make. I'm no Martha Stewart, but I'm happy to report that most of them turned out pretty well with a little time and effort. Most of the time, the kids begged to take them and make them themselves (I let them!).
Here are some favorite Halloween treats and snacks we've tried:
I also keep some homemade cakes along with some prizes not candy on hand for after trick or treating. Kids cash in some of their less-than-ideal treats for jewelry, trinkets, or fun Halloween toys. They usually don't mind this and actually look forward to it.
Happy Halloween!
The bottom line is that sharing in the community with our friends and neighbors is a top priority for us. These options are about as close to healthy candy as you can get, and they've made partaking in cheats possible for our family. By offering some better alternatives to the usual Halloween candy party, I hope my kids will have a positive outlook on healthy eating and just focus on the fun!
What do you give on Halloween? Have you found candy with better ingredients? Please share it!
