As Halloween approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of costumes, decorations, and, of course, candy. But for parents who want to offer healthier options, finding alternatives to traditional Halloween candy can be a fun way to celebrate the season without overloading on sugar. Whether you're preparing treats for a Halloween party, handing out goodies to trick-or-treaters, or simply looking for healthy fall snacks for your family, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best alternatives to Halloween candy and other healthy fall treats:
1. Non-Candy Halloween Treats
Handing out non-candy treats can be a great way to delight trick-or-treaters while avoiding sugary sweets. Kids love fun, small toys, and creative alternatives that make the holiday memorable. Here are some ideas:
- Glow Sticks or Bracelets: These are always a hit with kids and can help keep them visible while trick-or-treating.
- Stickers or Temporary Tattoos: Halloween-themed stickers or tattoos are exciting for little ones and can be enjoyed long after Halloween night.
- Mini Activity Kits: Offer small packs of crayons, coloring pages, or puzzle books for kids to enjoy.
- Bubbles: Mini bottles of bubbles are a fun, safe, and candy-free option.
- Halloween-Themed Pencils, Erasers, or Notepads: School supplies with spooky designs make for a fun and useful treat.
2. Healthier Candy Alternatives
If you want to offer candy but keep it on the healthier side, there are plenty of lower-sugar and natural options available that can satisfy a sweet tooth without all the additives:
- Dark Chocolate: With a lower sugar content and higher antioxidant levels, dark chocolate is a healthier option than traditional milk chocolate. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
- Fruit Snacks (100% Real Fruit): Fruit snacks made from real fruit with no added sugars or artificial ingredients can be a fun and healthier alternative to typical gummy candies.
- Yogurt-Covered Raisins: These still feel like a sweet treat, but they come with the added benefit of fruit and a little extra calcium from the yogurt coating.
- Natural Fruit Leathers: Look for brands that offer fruit leather made from whole, real fruit with no added sugars or preservatives. Want to make it even healthier? Look for organic versions.
- Mini Trail Mix Bags: Make your own or buy pre-packaged trail mix bags with a mix of dried fruit, seeds, and nuts (be sure to check for nut allergies if giving to trick-or-treaters).
3. Healthy Fall-Themed Snacks for Parties
If you’re hosting a Halloween party or looking for healthy snacks to celebrate the fall season, these nutritious and creative ideas will keep everyone happy without the sugar crash:
- Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Slice up apples and pair them with almond or peanut butter for a simple, delicious snack. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fall twist.
- Pumpkin Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with pureed pumpkin, a dash of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. Top with granola or nuts for a crunchy finish.
- Spooky Veggie Tray: Arrange vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into a Halloween-themed shape, like a jack-o’-lantern or ghost. Serve with hummus or guacamole.
- Popcorn Hands: Fill clear plastic gloves with popcorn, and add a candy corn at the tip of each finger for a fun, festive treat. Popcorn is a whole grain, making it a healthier choice.
- Banana Ghosts and Clementine Pumpkins: For a fun, spooky snack, peel bananas, cut them in half, and add chocolate chip “eyes” to make ghost faces. For pumpkins, peel clementines and stick a small piece of celery in the top as the pumpkin “stem.”
4. Warm Fall Treats
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting snacks that are both healthy and festive. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Baked Apple Slices: Slice apples and bake them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup for a warm, naturally sweet treat.
- Pumpkin Muffins: Make a batch of whole wheat pumpkin muffins sweetened with a little honey or maple syrup. You can even add oats or chia seeds for extra fiber.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy and savory butternut squash soup is a comforting fall treat packed with vitamins A and C. Serve it as an appetizer at a fall gathering or as a light meal.
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: After carving pumpkins, roast the seeds with a little olive oil and seasoning. They’re a crunchy, nutritious snack that’s rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Make a warm batch of apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, and a little honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweet and festive drink.
Checkout Pinterest for tons of recipes like these and more, and while you are there don’t forget to follow our page as we post a lot of great content on all things health and wellness relate.
5. DIY Halloween Treats for Kids to Make
If you want to get your kids involved in creating their own healthy Halloween snacks, here are some easy, kid-friendly recipes:
- Monster Fruit Faces: Use fruits like apples, oranges, and grapes to make funny monster faces. Let your kids arrange the fruits and use nut butter or yogurt to “glue” them together.
- Witch Broomsticks: Create mini broomsticks by using pretzel sticks as the handle and string cheese as the bristles. Cut the string cheese into strips and wrap them around the pretzel stick to make a fun and savory snack.
- Spider Crackers: Use whole wheat crackers, nut butter, and pretzels to create spider-shaped snacks. Spread nut butter between two crackers, stick pretzel “legs” into the sides, and use raisins or chocolate chips for eyes.
Candy is not Needed to get Into the Halloween Spirit
Offering healthy alternatives to Halloween candy doesn’t mean missing out on the fun of the season. With a little creativity, you can provide your kids and trick-or-treaters with treats that are both festive and nutritious. Whether it’s non-candy options, healthier candy alternatives, or homemade fall snacks, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween while supporting your family’s health.
If you’re looking for more tips on healthy eating for your family or want to discuss any dietary concerns, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help your family stay healthy and happy year-round!
Have concerns around your child’s weight? Checkout our articles, “Healthy Weight for Children” and “Childhood Obesity Facts” for more information.