In case you’re questioning in the event you’ve obtained the appropriate weblog, by no means concern… no, I don’t assume there’s such a factor as wholesome sweet!
By “wholesome” I imply “higher than the options.” This implies they’re made out of actual meals components, without artificial dyes, components, synthetic sweeteners, and all the opposite junk present in typical sweet. Plus you possibly can even make your individual “sweet” that basically is more healthy.
I nonetheless favor candy-free gifts or experiences every time attainable, even at Halloween. However because of corporations making sweet with higher components, our household can participate in neighborhood trick-or-treat festivities (with out resorting to handing out seaweed snacks… though I occur to assume these are additionally scrumptious!).
Wait… Is Wholesome Sweet Good for You?
Given the negative health effects of sugar… no, definitely not! Treats like laborious sweet and gummy sweet with added sugar (and even ones labeled sugar-free) aren’t the healthiest.
I’ve taken some flack for my stance on sugar. (However hey, I can’t assist what the science says.) There have been fairly just a few years we even skipped events and trick-or-treating altogether.
I’ve experimented with totally different approaches to Halloween (the last word candy-palooza) through the years. As my youngsters obtained older, I made a decision that moderately than choose out, I might use Halloween as an opportunity for my youngsters to follow making good meals decisions.
Now that extra corporations are making higher sweet choices (with components I can really acknowledge), I’ve been capable of finding some favorites that my youngsters love and I can reside with. Mixing these in (sparingly) with loads of non-candy options makes for a enjoyable, inventive, and wholesome Halloween that I believe is healthier than the unique custom!
More healthy Sweet (& Non-Sweet) Options for Trick-or-Treating
I often make my very own sweet or chocolate sweet bars after we’re going to have it, however that gained’t fly for trick-or-treating. In the event you’re searching for more healthy store-bought sweet, listed here are those that handed the take a look at for us.
After all, you gained’t discover many of those in your native grocery retailer. I’ll typically use my Thrive Market membership to replenish. The costs are low, it’s handy, and I like the choice. Amazon is one other good place to search out them. I’ve even seen sweet choices with much less sugar and extra well being advantages at native well being meals shops.
The entire following treats are individually wrapped for trick-or-treating. Bonus, the neighborhood youngsters will most likely like them higher than the junky stuff! You’ll be able to assist them fulfill their candy tooth with more healthy choices.
Begin With a Wholesome Meal
First the great things, then the junk? This holds true at my home on Halloween. These are our favourite Halloween themed meals and snacks which are excessive protein and have wholesome fats, and fiber. These low-sugar components assist fill everybody up and hold the sugar rush at bay.
Natural Spooky Fruit Snacks
These gummy packs get their colour and taste from actual meals components like pear juice and carrot juice. A far cry from most store-bought candies, these gummy bears are natural and gluten-free.
Fruit Leather-based Strips
Keep in mind these from the college lunch days? This version makes use of actual fruit and skips the corn syrup. They’re additionally plant-based and vegan for many who don’t need the gelatin discovered in lots of gummy snacks (although I occur to like gelatin!).
Grain Free Crackers
Give youngsters a break from all of the candy treats with these yummy grain-free crackers. They’ll by no means know they’re nutritious besides. These are additionally individually wrapped for simple trick-or-treat distribution. Remember that they’re made with almonds if you have to fear about nut allergy symptoms.
Popcorn Snack Packs
We don’t do popcorn typically, however after we can we select gluten-free and non-GMO. Youngsters and grown-ups alike will love the “buttery” goodness of coconut oil and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt. They’re additionally low-calorie at solely 50 energy per bag.
Peanut Butter Cups (With out Peanut Butter)
No Halloween trick-or-treating listing could possibly be full with out peanut butter cups. These Dark Almond Butter Cups are a scrumptious different and (in my view) even higher than the traditional deal with. In the event you want an allergen-friendly model that’s tree nut-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, then strive these darkish chocolate sunflower butter cups. Additionally they are available a peppermint or milk chocolate taste.
Torie & Howard Sweet
These chewy fruit candies look precisely like the favored Starburst candies, however use natural components and no synthetic flavors or colours. Plus, their inventive flavors will tempt even grown-ups: Meyer lemon & raspberry, pomegranate & nectarine, and blood orange & honey. They’re additionally excessive within the antioxidant vitamin C. Torie & Howard additionally provide hard candies in bulk which are non-GMO and natural.
Finest Purchase: Pure Lollipops
I do know looking for pure or natural merchandise can imply an actual chunk out of the price range, however this time there’s no excuse. I saved one of the best for final with these pure Yum Earth lollipops… 250 natural and real-fruit flavored pops in a bag for lower than 20 cents every!
Non-Sweet Goodies for Trick-or-Treating
Once more, I provide these solely as occasional options for particular events the place sweet is unavoidable (like Halloween), not as weekly/each day meals for youths.
To maintain sweet from being the middle of the vacation, combine in loads of non-edible treats and prizes. They’re nonetheless cheap and youngsters love them! Listed below are 26 ideas of what to give out at Halloween besides free candy.
Different Wholesome Halloween Snacks & Treats (Youngsters Like!)
One technique to restrict sweet is to supply youngsters loads of nutritious meals earlier than heading out to trick-or-treat. Slightly than our regular dinner, we make some Halloween-themed appetizers to share. I be certain that they’re heavy on protein and fiber (and low on sugar).
Whereas there are one million concepts for wholesome Halloween social gathering meals, I’ve solely tried ones which are easy and straightforward to organize. I’m not Martha Stewart, however I’m comfortable to report most of those turned out very nicely with little effort and time. Most often, the children had been begging to take over and make them themselves (I allow them to!).
Listed below are some favourite Halloween social gathering snacks and treats we’ve tried:
I additionally hold some selfmade treats together with some non-candy prizes readily available for after trick-or-treating. The children money in a few of their much less superb sweet for enjoyable Halloween jewellery, trinkets, or toys. They often haven’t any drawback with this and in reality look ahead to it.
Have a Blissful Halloween!
The underside line is, that sharing in group with our pals and neighbors is a prime precedence for us. These choices are about as near wholesome sweet as you will get, and so they’ve made taking part in trick-or-treating attainable for our household. By offering some higher options to the same old Halloween candy-fest, I hope my youngsters could have a constructive outlook on wholesome consuming and get to concentrate on simply having enjoyable!
What do you hand out at Halloween? Have you ever discovered sweet with higher components? Please share!