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What are Some Healthy Halloween Treats?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Too often, Halloween means loads of cavity-creating candy and trips to the dentist later. However, there are some healthy Halloween treats that taste good but don't have hefty fat and sugar content. If you're greeting Halloween trick-or-treaters, you might try giving things like prepackaged pretzels and popcorn. These snacks are far healthier than candy and sugary treats, and many manufacturers package them in orange and black, with spooky decorations on the bags in recognition of the holiday.

You might also try giving out fruit as healthy Halloween treats. However, keep in mind that some parents are leery of allowing their children to consume trick-or-treat snacks that are not manufacturer sealed. Raisins, packages of hot chocolate, juice boxes, and prepackaged cheese and crackers are also good ideas. Individual packages of pumpkin seeds and peanuts also fit the bill as tasty and healthy Halloween treats.

Granola bars are a healthy Halloween treat option.
Granola bars are a healthy Halloween treat option.

Sugar-free candy and sugar-free gum can be healthy Halloween treats. There are some varieties that taste just as good as the sugar-filled alternatives. As an added bonus, chewing sugar-free gum actually helps to prevent tooth decay. When you're brainstorming ideas for healthy Halloween treats, don't overlook things like popcorn balls, granola bars, and even cereal bars. These snacks do have sugar in them, but they also provide a bit of nutrition to balance it out. You could even give out trail mix in Halloween-themed mini-bags.

Individual cheese rounds are a healthy alternative to potato chips at a Halloween party.
Individual cheese rounds are a healthy alternative to potato chips at a Halloween party.

If you're having a Halloween party or distributing snacks to kids you know well, you might try baking up a batch of homemade soft pretzels, manipulated into skeleton, broomstick or pumpkin shapes. You can even twist pretzels to look like cats or individual bones.

For a fun, tasty treat for a Halloween gathering, you might do well with caramel apples. You can make your own caramel coating at home or buy one of the caramel apple kits available at your local grocery store. Allow the kids (big and little) to help you make the apple treats, and then provide them with mini marshmallows, raisins, carrots, assorted nuts, shredded coconut, and other tasty add-ons. They can use these add-ons to create scary (or cute) Halloween faces on the caramel apples.

Pre-packaged popcorn makes a healthy Halloween treat.
Pre-packaged popcorn makes a healthy Halloween treat.

It's also a good idea to think about what you can serve to wash down all those healthy Halloween treats; water is always a good idea, but party guests usually want something a bit tastier. Instead of serving dye- and sugar-filled punch or soda, consider offering hot apple cider. Simmer apple cider in a pot on your stove for about 30 minutes. Add in 1 to 2 teaspoons (4.92 to 9.85 milliliters) of cinnamon to taste as well as a pinch of cloves. This tastes good and offers a healthy dose of antioxidants.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

sobeit

@rosequartz - I have to agree with you about the sugar-free candy, it affects some people badly.

I like giving out little packages of cheese & crackers or chocolate-covered nuts for Halloween snacks. I also like to offer mini juice boxes and bottled water in the small sizes. Some kids are so thirsty, they'll choose a drink instead of junk food.

The other things I like giving out on Halloween can be found at the dollar store, like cute little spider rings or earrings, or other Halloween toys and jewelry. It doesn't always have to be about candy on Halloween. That's a concerned mom talking, lol.

rosequartz

We should be more careful about the kinds of Halloween treats for kids we give out. Sugar-free candy gives my kids gassy stomachs and even diarrhea. I would never hand out this kind of candy to other kids for Halloween. It affects me the same way when I eat more than just one or two small chocolates.

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    • Granola bars are a healthy Halloween treat option.
      By: alexghidan89
      Granola bars are a healthy Halloween treat option.
    • Individual cheese rounds are a healthy alternative to potato chips at a Halloween party.
      By: Ewa Brozek
      Individual cheese rounds are a healthy alternative to potato chips at a Halloween party.
    • Pre-packaged popcorn makes a healthy Halloween treat.
      By: coffeemill
      Pre-packaged popcorn makes a healthy Halloween treat.