With Halloween just around the corner, there’s going to be lots of candy flowing. If you’re looking for healthy candy alternatives, here are a few ideas…
I love candy, but I don’t really love it for my kids. I know it tastes good – even the ones that don’t taste that good at all (looking at you, Dots). But when kids are growing and active, candy doesn’t do much and I hate wasting money and tummy space on these sweets.
Hence why every year, we have a candy exchange. Some years are more elaborate than others. Sometimes it’s just a few alternatives, other times there are tons. Regardless, I always have a way to exchange some of the less desirable candies for something a little healthier.
What are the healthiest Halloween candies?
The healthiest candies you can give and get are usually those with dark chocolate (because of the antioxidants) and those with nuts (for the protein and fiber). The chocolates with nuts are also good because there is less chocolate to make space for the peanuts, almonds, etc. Twizzlers also make the list as a healthier fruity candy. And Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops.
What is the least healthy Halloween candy?
It’s best to avoid those with straight sugar and corn syrup, sugar coating, and caramel (more sugar). This includes candy corn, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Smarties, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids.
These have little in the ways of nutrition, are high in sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and contain dyes to get their bright colors.
What are good candy substitutes?
There are a lot of great candy substitute that can be used during Halloween, both for giving to trick or treaters and to your own kids in an exchange. These include fruit, snack bars, chips, pretzels, nuts, toys, and experiences. Healthier candies that are homemade or use less sugar are also good substitutes for sugary Halloween candies.
With more and more kids developing allergies to dyes, gluten, dairy, and nuts, having an allergen-friendly alternative is the way to go.
7 Healthy Alternatives for Candy this Halloween
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Fruit
Fruit is a great alternative to Halloween candy because it’s sweet, inexpensive, and easy to access. Small oranges, bananas, apples, and strawberries are my kids’ favorites when we are exchanging candy at our yearly auction (read more about our Halloween traditions here).
Snack bars
Granola bars, Lara bars, trail mix, protein bars, Kind bars, and Nutrigrain bars are all tasty alternatives that offer nutrition as well as sweetness. Most kids love these bars and snacks, so they work well for trick or treaters and your own children. Some are even gluten-free and vegan, making them safe for kids with food allergies.
Chips/Pretzels
If you prefer salty to sweet for Halloween, then switch out the candies for pretzels, potato chips, or popcorn. You can use homemade or store-bought, salted or unsalted. The flavor varieties are endless, so you have lots to choose from and the kids will love it.
Dollar store toys
Whether you do a gift bag in exchange for sweets or just a straight swap like we do, these inexpensive toys are fun and a nice healthy alternative. Glider planes, lego sets, art materials, and stuffed animals are all great substitutes.
Experiences
My kids know they are not going to get anything expensive in exchange for a Snickers bar, but experiences are still a great healthy alternative to Halloween candies with your own kids. Trips to the park, a library event that interests them, a mini golf course set up in the backyard, or movie night are all options. Get their input beforehand and decide how many pieces of candy the experience is worth to them.
“Healthier” candy
I put healthier in quotes because this depends on your point of view. I’m referring to candy that uses less sugar or avoids corn syrup or replaces sugar with a somewhat healthier alternative. The most known of these is Justin’s, Lily, and Unreal. Check them out and see if they’re right for you and your family.
Homemade candy
There are lots of recipes out there if you want to make your own sweets. These are healthier because you control the amount sugar, the dyes, and the type of chocolate used. If you want to make them allergen-friendly, half the sugar, and use dark chocolate for a healthier alternative, you can. Some great recipes to check out can be found here and here.
I hope this post has given you some good ideas for how to offer healthy alternative to sweets this Halloween. This can be a really fun holiday, and not just because of the candy. Let’s enjoy it in the healthiest way possible.
What are your tips for healthy alternatives to sweets at Halloween? Do you do candy exchanges, the “switch witch,” or other things to lessen how much candy your kids get? Let me know, I’d love to hear!
Looking for more on Halloween? Check out these popular posts:
12 Best Family-Friendly Halloween Movies
5 Ways to Handle Halloween Candy so Everyone is Happy
How to Celebrate Halloween WITHOUT Trick or Treating
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