Healthy alternatives for Halloween Candy
As parents, we always worry about what our kids eat. We obsess over the number of vegetables they consume and the amount of sugar in candy. Halloween is a time that just about makes us crazy.
While we want our kids to have fun, we don’t want them to be unhealthy. Swapping out sugar-loaded candies with nutritious treats is a fantastic way to ensure that they have a good time without consuming junk.
So, where do you start? If you’re stumped for ideas and need some inspiration, check out the healthy alternatives below.
Fruit
There are many varieties of fruit that are just as sweet as candy that kids will love. Clementines, for instance, are a perfect option because they’re delicious, easy to peel, and won’t spoil in a candy bag. Fruit cups decorated in Halloween themes are also ideal as they’re not hard to carry around.
Remember to choose fruit cups with no added sugar or syrup. You could also consider fruit leathers or roll-ups, which resemble candy but are much healthier and available to purchase in bulk at some stores.
Juice Boxes or Water Bottles
Juice boxes and water are much healthier alternatives to traditional treats. Most kids love juice boxes and, while some may not be thrilled about getting water, they’ll appreciate a refreshing drink while out trick-or-treating.
Cheese Sticks
Cheese is a favorite snack for many kids, so why not add cheese sticks or string cheese to the trick-or-treat bag? It’s delicious and high in protein, which makes it healthy. Add low-fat or non-fat varieties to your bowl of treats.
Popcorn
Popcorn might not be a traditional Halloween snack, but anyone can enjoy it with their favorite spooky movies. It’s high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, and low in saturated fat, making it the perfect alternative to traditional crisps.
Crackers
Sneak a whole-grain snack into Halloween goodie bags by adding crackers to your treat bowl. There are plenty of individually wrapped options available, and they come in various flavors, too.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is usually made with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips. These superfoods are packed with nutrition and taste just as good as regular candies. The nuts and seeds are rich in protein, and the fruits and chocolate chips add sweetness to the mix.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are low-sugar, high-fiber snacks that come in various flavors, including chocolate or yogurt. Skip traditional chocolate and opt for them instead – you’ll be surprised at how much kids will love them.
Hot Cocoa Packs
It’s the perfect time of year to add one of these to a goodie bag. Families can enjoy the warm drink once they’re home from trick-or-treating. You can usually find all sorts of flavors, too. You could get a few different ones to make things interesting.
Honey Sticks
While this is still a sweet treat, it’s an ideal alternative. High-quality honey is packed with antioxidants and comes with a range of other health benefits. You should be able to find these sticks from your local beekeeper, but you can also buy it online.
Non-Food Treats
Halloween treats don’t always have to be edible. There are plenty of small toys and gifts that kids can play with long after trick-or-treating is over.
Bouncy Balls
Bouncy balls are always a superb option, whether for party packs or Halloween. This is an item most kids love but never have at home. It’s also something that you’ll find in bulk and on which you can save money.
Bubbles
Bubbles are another favorite of which kids can’t seem to get enough. You’ll be able to buy them in bulk from various stores or online.
Stickers
This is a fantastic, inexpensive gift that kids will love, especially if it’s Halloween-themed. You can even find environmentally-friendly options.
Themed Pens and Pencils
Halloween-themed stationery is a unique and exciting trick-or-treat surprise. Think mini notebooks, crayons, pens, or pencils.
Slap Bracelets
A favorite among 90s kids, the slap bracelet is making a comeback. It’s an inexpensive item that kids enjoy.
Mini Playdough Containers
You can either make your own playdough or buy ready-made mini containers. It keeps kids entertained for hours and unlocks their imaginations. Stick to Halloween-themes and colors for a spooky surprise.
Wikki Sticks
Wikki Sticks are another excellent way to encourage creativity and keep kids entertained. They’re environmentally-friendly as they’re made from natural wax and yarn. The mess-free aspect is an added extra.
Themed Jewelry
This might appeal more to girls than boys, although there are many creepy rings and bracelets that all genders will find exciting.
Key Rings
Keyrings are a useful item that kids will adore – especially if they’re spooky.
Glow Sticks
Kids can use glow sticks to make themselves more visible while out trick-or-treating. They also create an eerie atmosphere – perfect for this time of the year.
Temporary Tattoos
Most kids love getting temporary tattoos, and many will offer to decorate their loved-ones arms. This is another inexpensive item to give out on Halloween.
Now You’re Ready For a Healthy Halloween
As you can see, swapping traditional Halloween candy for healthier options doesn’t have to be hard. From fruit, cheese sticks, and juice boxes, to popcorn, trail mix, and granola bars – the list is endless.
You can even get hot cocoa packs or honey sticks for something different, or opt for small gifts like bubbles, stationary, or glow sticks for a unique Halloween treat.
