In case you’re wondering if you’ve got the right blog, never fear… no, I don’t think there’s such a thing as healthy candy!
By “healthy” I mean “better than the alternatives.” This means they’re made from real food ingredients, without artificial dyes, additives, artificial sweeteners, and all the other junk found in typical candy. Plus you can even make your own “candy” that really is healthier.
I still prefer candy-free gifts or experiences whenever possible, even at Halloween. But thanks to companies making candy with better ingredients, our family can take part in neighborhood trick-or-treat festivities (without resorting to handing out seaweed snacks… although I happen to think those are also delicious!).
Wait… Is Healthy Candy Good for You?
Given the negative health effects of sugar… no, certainly not! Treats like hard candy and gummy candy with added sugar (and even ones labeled sugar-free) aren’t the healthiest.
I’ve taken some flack for my stance on sugar. (But hey, I can’t help what the science says.) There were quite a few years 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 rather than opt out, 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 actually recognize), I’ve been able to find some favorites that my kids love and I can live with. Mixing these in (sparingly) with plenty of non-candy alternatives makes for a fun, creative, and healthy Halloween that I think is better than the original tradition!
Healthier Candy (& Non-Candy) Alternatives for Trick-or-Treating
I usually make my own candy or chocolate candy bars when we’re going to have it, but that won’t fly for trick-or-treating. If you’re looking for healthier store-bought candy, here are the ones that passed the test for us.
Of course, you won’t find many of these in your local grocery store. I’ll 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. Bonus, the neighborhood kids will probably like them better 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 holds true at my house on Halloween. These are our favorite Halloween themed meals and snacks that are high protein and have healthy fat, and fiber. These low-sugar ingredients help fill everyone up and keep the sugar rush at bay.
Organic Spooky Fruit Snacks
These gummy packs get their color and flavor from real food ingredients like pear juice and carrot juice. A far cry from most store-bought candies, these gummy bears are organic and gluten-free.
Fruit Leather Strips
Remember these from the 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 the gelatin found in many gummy snacks (though I happen to like gelatin!).
Grain Free Crackers
Give kids a break from all the sweet treats with these yummy grain-free crackers. They’ll never know they’re nutritious to boot. These are also individually wrapped for easy trick-or-treat distribution. Be aware that they are made with almonds if you need to worry about nut allergies.
Popcorn Snack Packs
We don’t do popcorn often, but when we do we choose gluten-free and non-GMO. Kids and grown-ups alike will love the “buttery” goodness of coconut oil and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt. They’re also low-calorie at only 50 calories per bag.
Peanut Butter Cups (Without Peanut Butter)
No Halloween trick-or-treating 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 tree nut-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, then try these dark chocolate sunflower butter cups. They also come in a peppermint or milk chocolate flavor.
Torie & Howard Candy
These chewy fruit candies look exactly like the popular Starburst candies, but use organic ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors. Plus, their creative flavors will tempt even grown-ups: Meyer lemon & raspberry, pomegranate & nectarine, and blood orange & honey. They’re also high in the antioxidant vitamin C. Torie & Howard also offer hard candies in bulk that are non-GMO and organic.
Best Buy: Natural Lollipops
I know shopping for natural or organic products can mean a real bite out of the budget, but this time there’s no excuse. I saved the best for last with these natural Yum Earth lollipops… 250 organic and real-fruit flavored pops in a bag for less than 20 cents each!
Non-Candy Goodies for Trick-or-Treating
Again, I offer these only as occasional alternatives for special occasions where candy is unavoidable (like Halloween), not as weekly/daily foods for kids.
To keep candy from being the center of the holiday, mix in plenty of non-edible treats and prizes. They’re still inexpensive and kids love them! Here are 26 ideas of what to give out at Halloween besides free candy.
Other Healthy Halloween Snacks & Treats (Kids Like!)
One strategy to limit candy is to offer kids plenty of nutritious food before heading out to trick-or-treat. Rather than our usual dinner, we make some Halloween-themed appetizers to share. I make sure they’re heavy on protein and fiber (and low on sugar).
While there are a million ideas for healthy Halloween party food, I’ve only tried ones that are simple and easy to prepare. I’m not Martha Stewart, but I’m happy to report most of these turned out very well with little time and effort. In most cases, the kids were begging to take over and make them themselves (I let them!).
Here are some favorite Halloween party snacks and treats we’ve tried:
I also keep some homemade treats along with some non-candy prizes on hand for after trick-or-treating. The kids cash 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 a top priority for us. These options are about as close to healthy candy as you can get, and they’ve made participating in trick-or-treating possible for our family. By providing some better alternatives to the usual Halloween candy-fest, I hope my kids will have a positive outlook on healthy eating and get to focus on just having fun!
What do you hand out at Halloween? Have you found candy with better ingredients? Please share!