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It seems that with the rise of known reactions to food dyes, the increasing rates of food allergies, and an overall push towards better health, the need for healthier Halloween candy options is pertinent. To be sure, no candy nor processed snack is really HEALTHY, but an occasional indulgence isn’t so bad, especially if you choose from some of the great, health-conscious sweets and treats on the market. This Halloween, perhaps consider handing out a treat not typically found in the drugstore aisle. Here are some of my favorites. (Click on each picture to buy online! Contains affiliate links.)
You can also check out a post on my all-time favorite candies (which includes vintage photos!), and my picks for healthier candy options (more photos!) from last year. Also be sure to consult the Candy Cheat Sheet printable at Green Halloween.
Annie’s Fruit Snacks
Gummy candies are my absolute favs. These sweet bunnies from Annie’s are organic and vegan.
Chocolate Coconut Raw Revolution Bars
When I have a chocolate craving, I like to pick up a Raw Revolution bar, made of dates, nuts, and chocolate. No hidden ingredients here–just whole-food deliciousness.
UNREAL Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bar
Just like your childhood favorite, Snickers, but free of hydrogenated oils and funky additives.
(Read my take on UNREAL candy bars HERE.)
Yummy Earth Vitamin C Pops
A lollipop with an added bonus: Vitamin C! The kiddos will never know the difference, and you’ll get points for passing out the fruitiest of lollipops on the block.
Other Options:
Annie’s Bunny Grahams & Cheddar Bunnies
Instead of sweets, why not pass out an adorable (and delicious) snack that ISN’T of the candy genre? I love this variety pack of Annie’s favorites:
Utz Halloween Pretzel Packs
I can’t vouch for whether Utz uses GMO wheat, but pretzels are a simple snack with few ingredients that are a good alternative to all the sugar.
Make Your Own
Check out my “Treats & Sweets” Pinterest board for recipes and links to everything from Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts to Homemade Jelly Candies.
Consult a Book
I came across this book, entitled, Healthy Halloween Treats, while writing this post. I haven’t read the book, but it promises healthy recipes and tips for taking the focus off of food and candy while creating lasting rituals and traditions for Halloween. Sounds right up my alley.
When I was a kid, I had a neighbor who gave out pomegranates from their tree on Halloween. It was always one of our favorites and all the kids made sure to stop by that house every year!
Great ideas! My kids would love everything you listed.
Thanks for dropping by, Brittney 🙂
Great list! A few of these were on mine too, but I love some of your other suggestions like the vitamin C pops! Great idea.
Love your list, too, Amanda!
We don’t celebrate Halloween but I love a good list of healthier alternatives!
Thanks, Brittany! I think these ideas could work for any situation where candy and kids are involved.
Thanks for sharing the ideas! I wish I could get our whole community on board.
Yes! Wouldn’t it be great if everyone thoughtfully passed out treats for kiddos? This is the first year our son will really trick-or-treat and understand what’s happening, and we’re definitely going to have to have him trade-in most of his candy for something more appropriate to our liking.
Love these treats! So much better than the ones with HFCS. I put a few of the Unreal “m&m’s” in my sons’ yogurts for lunch and that got them to love yogurt 🙂