The air is getting colder, the leaves are starting to change color, and slowly but surely the days are getting shorter. That means that before we know it the holidays will be here. And the first one to start us off? Halloween!

While we personally have not taken our kids trick-or-treating yet (although this year we plan to take our 2 year old!), we love passing out candy and treats. I have always thought that it is so fun to see all the kids dressed up and excited! 

I think one concern that many parents share about Halloween though is all the sugar! Not to mention artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives…That is why this year, I wanted to be more intentional about sharing fun, not-so-unhealthy treats with our neighborhood kids and families.

That is not at all to say that my daughter wont be having a couple pieces of “normal” candy if she wants to. Just as I will most definitely be having a Reese’s peanut butter cup.. or two 😜 It is truly all about moderation and enjoying celebrations with family and friends- not living in fear about certain ingredients. Just being aware and making better, healthier choices the majority of the time. 

This list is full of healthy halloween treats that are perfect for your halloween party, without the sugar crash! And there are even options that are great for families with food allergies!

What’s even the problem with sugar? 

Did you know that the current recommendation is that kids 2 years old and older consume less than 25 grams of sugar per day? But in a study of preschool children, they were eating on average 86 grams of total sugar per day! Excess sugar not only increases the odds of obesity, diabetes, and chronic illness but it has also been shown to affect behavior in school and learning. In addition, sugar intake (and subsequent sugar crashes) can make for huge mood swings, irritability, and poor sleep. 

Not to mention artificial dyes and preservatives! In Europe, red dye 40 has been banned because studies have shown it is potentially harmful to your health- especially in children.

Nowadays we have so many healthier options that make it easy to avoid these ingredients while still having fun on a special occasion.

20 Healthier Options for Halloween Treats

Unfortunately, a lot of these options are not available at your normal grocery store, and even at health stores, they are really great for buying in bulk. Everything I have linked is great snack sizes that are sold in multiples or bulk options. Whether you are planning for school parties, a treat bag, or trunk or treats, these are all fun halloween treats that are a bit healthier for the whole family. (they are also great snacks for every day life too!)

Here are tasty Halloween treats without any high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, or junk.. just all the fun!

1. That’s It Fruit Bars - I love having these fruit bars on hand as a a healthy snack while on the go for my toddler! They have no added sugar and are literally only made of fruit.

2. That’s It Crunchables- Another That’s It brand favorite! These one’s are dehydrated fruits and again- made of just fruit. Prepackaged snacks like this make such easy halloween treats.

3. BEAR Real Fruit Snack Mini Packs- unlike popular fruit snacks that are full of corn syrup and added sugars and natural coloring, these fruit snacks are all natural with only 4 ingredients! 👏

4.  Savor Gluten-Free Pretzels- This is a great option for families that are gluten free! These pretzels are made with cassava flour and only a handful of other ingredients that are all easy to read and pronounce.
   5. Clementines- Such an easy, healthy option! I have also heard of people drawing cute jack-o-lantern faces on them with edible markers, if you really want to get fancy and use a little creativity! A lot of fresh fruit also makes a great alternative including apples and bananas!
   6. Skout Bars- These mini snack bars for kids would make great Halloween treats. They are so tasty and have just a couple of all natural ingredients. (I love buying these from Thrive Market when they are on sale- if you are a new user, you can shop this link for 40% off your first order!!)
   7. Lesser Evil Lil Puffs- We are a big fan of Lesser Evil products in my fam. We nearly always have their himalayan pink popcorn in our pantry, and my daughter loves their line of lil puffs. One of my favorite parts is that they don’t use inflammatory oils and instead use coconut, avocado or olive oil!
   8. Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups- these are my personal favorite! I love a good peanut butter chocolate cup and dare i say- I think if given the choice between these and a classic Reese’s, i’d pick Justins. There is none of that weird aftertaste you get with artificial sweeteners and the peanut butter is so smooth! The dark chocolate version is the best!
   9. Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn- Like I mentioned before, we are big lesser evil fans around here. This is our absolutely favorite popcorn to have on hand for a snack. The ingredients are organic coconut oil, sea salt, and organic popcorn- it doesn’t get much better than that!
   10. YumEarth Organic Lollipops- These lollipops are so much better than a lot of other options you’ll find. Instead of using artificial colors they have natural coloring from things like blackcurrant, carrot, and turmeric.
   11. Mini Lara Bars- For any whole30 families that are wanting a treat, these are great! They have so many different flavors and most of them are whole30 compliant.
   12. Rx Bars- Another great snack bar option!
   13. Hu Chocolate Bars- Maybe you are wanting to be thaat neighbor. You know, the one that hands out the big candy bars? Or maybe just have some on backup for the adults.. 😉 This chocolate is the best- milk from grass-fed cows, fair trade, organic. They even have a pumpkin spice flavor that is 🤌🏻
   14. Solely fruit jerky- if you have never tried these before, think of something like a dehydrated fruit bar. We love having these for snacks while on the go, and they would be great for trick or treaters!
   15. Apple Sauce Pouches- these GoGoSqueez pounches have no added sugars. They also have a tasty apple cinnamon option!
   16. Baked Apple Chips- Both the original and the green apple variety both are great options with only apple for the ingredients
   17. Organic juice boxes- most juice boxes are full of added sugars (even a lot of “natural” brands). I love this whole foods brand juice because it is only apple juice concentrate, water, and ascorbic acid for freshness. 
   18. Mini chomps beef stick- If you have been around here for awhile, you know i’m all about trying to balance carbs and sugars with some healthy fats and proteins. Get those kids some protein with these mini beef sticks!
   19. Unreal Coconut Chocolate Bars- I feel like people either love Almond Joys, or hate them. I’ve personally always been a fan. But then level it up with an option that has only 6 whole food, natural ingredients?! Yes please!
   20. Unreal Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups- Another healthier alternative for peanut butter cups! 
   21. Organic Trail Mix- This variety pack is filled with healthy fats from nuts. The only part that I don’t love is that they do have added sugar to the cranberries.. I never understand when companies add sugar to fruit. Fruit is already sweet! But it is definitely a better option than most!
   22. Good Crisp Company- Think of an all natural alternative to pringles! 

Non-Food Halloween Treat Ideas

While healthier halloween treats are a great place to start, there are also many fun non-candy ideas for halloween! No sugar overload included.

1. small toys like cars, slinkies, or bouncy balls

2. temporary tattoos

3. small coloring pages, crayons, or pencils

4. mini puzzles

5. stickers

6. glow sticks

7. slap bracelets

8. these super cute Halloween rubber duckies

There you have it! 30 halloween treats that are lower in sugar and a little bit healthier. And if you want to enjoy a snickers bar or another candy, go for it! Remember a healthy lifestyle is not about obsession, but moderation.

Kaelyn

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