8 healthy alternatives to Halloween candy

When it comes toHalloween, candy is king. But for some, handing out candy to all the kids in the neighborhood might leave a sour taste in the mouth. Between the one-fifth of kids now affected by obesity and the one-thirteenth of kids affected by food allergies, buckets of candy can put lots of stress on parents trying to keep their kids healthy.

This isn’t to say that every house on the block needs to dump the candy for dental floss instead—just that mixing in some healthier items will likely be appreciated. Plus, if those alternatives stay as tasty as the ones on this list, kids will often be just as happy, and you won’t be labeled the dreaded “dud” house on the block. Keep reading to find eight healthy Halloween snack ideas to share with your favorite trick-or-treaters this October.

8 healthy or allergy-friendly Halloween snacks

1. Clementine oranges

If you’re thinking of going the fruit route, considerclementinesinstead of more easily bruised fruit like apples. They come with their own built-in protection in the form of their skin, and they’re a sweet treat with huge health benefits like vitamin C. They’re also easy to peel compared to full-sized oranges (and not as heavy), making them perfect for kids to carry and eat all on their own.

2. Granola bars

If you want to maximize your health impact,granola barsare a great way to do it. They’re an energy-boosting snack that can be enjoyed in between kids’ handfuls of candy, and they taste good too. We’re partial to the Clif Kid Z Bars. The name sounds like something sweet that offers the fun that kids are after, while still providing solid health benefits in every bite.

3. Fruit snacks and fruit leathers

Fruit snacks and fruit leathers closely resemble candy, and they offer the sweetness kids crave without being totally unhealthy in other areas.Bear Real Fruit Snacksare a great option for this, as they offer health benefits that parents love while also being delicious snacks that kids look forward to eating. There are also fruit roll varieties that will remind kids of their favorite candies while being significantly more nutritious to eat.

4. Honey sticks

When it comes to sweet stuff, honey is a great healthy snack that can give kids a sugar rush without the added chemicals of many man-made sweets.Honey sticksare a creative and mess-free way to provide a little sweetness that easily travels in a trick-or-treat bag. They also come in a variety of fun flavors.

Ideally you should get honey sticks nearby from farmer’s markets or other local stores, as local honey can offer great benefits and protection against allergies. However, there are also some great bee farms you can support online, such asPearl Honey Spreads, a women- and minority-owned business.

5. Pretzels

Pretzels are a salty treat that offer savory relief from candy without taking the fun out of snacking. These popularUtz pretzelsare individually wrapped in Halloween styles and feature pretzels shaped like bats and jack-o-lanterns, making them fun and seasonal. Getting a packet will feel very similar to getting candy for most kids and will be very appreciated by parents, too.

6. Freeze-dried fruit

While most raw fruit can get bruised while it’s bumped around in a trick-or-treat bag,freeze-dried fruitholds up remarkably well. It offers the same health benefits as your store-fresh favorites in a mess-free container that’s pre-packed and ready to go. Crispy Green is a popular brand with kids and parents alike and is a great one to hand out if you’re looking for something both parties appreciate.

7. Goldfish

When it comes to fun snack foods,Goldfishhave long been a kid-approved favorite. These cheddar-flavored crackers from Pepperidge Farm provide the fun of play, with their fish shape, and have a delicious taste that people of all ages love. While they’re not the healthiest snack on this list, they’re a nice break from sweet candies. Plus, because these are Halloween-themed, they feel seasonal without any extra effort on your part.

8. Lollipop alternative

For those who can’t stand the idea of skipping the candy, there’s a great healthy treat worth trying inYumEarth Organic Fruit Pops. These pops are allergy-friendly for most allergies, gluten-free, vegan, and they avoid artificial dyes and flavors. They’re also a great source of vitamin C. Kids love that these fruit pops have the flavor and sweetness of their favorite candy, while parents approve of the healthy ingredients they contain.

Lollipops are also a great way to get crafty with pre-packaged foods. With just a coffee filter, some string, and a marker, you can easily turn them into adorable ghosts that are sure to be the hit of the neighborhood.

What to consider when picking out healthy Halloween candy alternatives

There are no explicit rules that dictate what you can or can’t hand out when it comes to Halloween treats, and for most, good intentions are what matter most. If you want to stay on your trick-or-treaters’ good side (as well as that of their adult supervisors), here are some tips for what to try and, just as importantly, what to avoid.

Aim for:

• Losing the bad stuff but keeping it tasty: Just because you aren’t handing out candy doesn’t mean you have to default to boring adult-focused foods. Look for treats kids already love with a Halloween spin.
  
• Treats that travel mess-free: If you’re considering fruit or snacks that aren’t pre-packaged, make sure you have them individually wrapped in a way that protects them in a busy trick-or-treater’s bag. No one wants to eat a deeply bruised apple or completely smushed pastry. And the last thing a kid is going to worry about on Halloween is being careful with their bucket.
  
• Non-food treats: When in doubt, offering some non-food treats is a great way to make sure any kid can trick-or-treat at your house.Glow sticks,toys,stickers, and more are all great ways to ensure kids have a fun Halloween without any food in the mix. It’s also a great way to join the Teal Pumpkin Project and support kids with allergies.

Avoid:

• Heavy items: Candy bags get heavy even with small items, but add a couple bulky treats in there, and there’s a good chance parents will be carrying the bucket the rest of the night.
  
• 自制的食物:这可能是有趣的,让你忙ite healthy Halloween recipe, but the reality is that many parents won’t let their kids eat something made by a stranger. Plus, for any kids with allergies, many parents rely on the allergen lists on pre-packaged foods. If you don’t know the kids coming to your house, skip the homemade treats to avoid wasting your time and giving kids something that may cause an argument back at home.
  
• Trashy trinkets: Halloween-themed trinkets can be loads of fun, but many end up going straight in the garbage. Before buying a cute Halloween-themed trinket, consider how much use a kid can realistically get out of it on Halloween and after, and whether it’s likely to get tossed or become another thing cluttering up the house. Interactive items like toys can be great fun long after Halloween, but uncomfortable themed rings may be less of a hit.