Best candy choices for a healthier Halloween

Let’s face it, for many people, Halloween is all about the candy. Rather than arguing why sugar should be avoided, the focus of this article is to arm you with the best choices for healthier Halloween candy.

Lowest sugar options

• Endangered species bug bites– bite-sized organic chocolates. Available at New Leaf, Whole Foods and online.
• Dove dark chocolate promises
• Hershey’s dark chocolate with almonds
• Hershey’s dark chocolate kisses with almonds

Click here for a candy comparison of 40 candies listed from lowest to highest sugar content.

No corn-syrup

• Endangered species bug bites
• Dove promises
• Hershey’s miniatures
• Hershey’s kisses
• Yummy Earth lollipops and gummy drops
• Indie Candy
• Honey sticks

Eco-friendly, organic

• Endangered species bug bites
• Yummy Earth-lollipops and gummy drops with no food coloring or artifical additives, gluten free, no corn syrup
• Indie Candy-gluten free, no food coloring, no corn syrup

Homemade goodies

If you know your neighbors and want to make treats to hand out, here are some suggestions:

• Candied apples
• Chocolate dipped banana slices
• Spiced cider (invite neighbors to come over with a mug)
• Chocolate covered coconut
• Chocolate covered nuts
• Spiced nuts
• Cookies
• Brownies
• Hot cocoa (invite neighbors to come over with a mug)

Candy alternatives

For those willing to forego candy altogether, here are some fun alternatives:

• Glow sticks or glow strands: These are great because kids can put them on right away and it makes them easier to see in the dark
• Stickers
• Temporary tattoos
• Clay or dough
• Bubbles
• Pocket change
• Nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Balloons

Now is the time to decide what you’re going to hand out this Halloween (and what you want to have leftover in the house). Choosing a healthier alternative may mean the difference between your treat being enjoyed by someone rather than being bought by the parents/dentist and donated to the dumpster.