50 Healthy Halloween Treats for Trick-or-Treaters
If you’re looking for healthier Halloween treats to hand out to trick-or-treaters, there are plenty of options beyond the standard candy bowl.
We’ve rounded up healthier candy made with simpler ingredients, individually packaged snacks, and fun non-candy Halloween treats. Whether you’re avoiding artificial dyes, accommodating food allergies, or simply looking for a little more variety, these are easy options kids will still be excited to find in their bags.
Halloween can be a challenge for natural parents. High fructose corn syrup, sugar, cheap chocolate, and all those dyes are scary in our book! The good news is – there are healthy Halloween treats you can offer your own kids and your trick or treaters.
The reasons for choosing a less commercial Halloween are many. So, this year, why not give it a much-needed upgrade with non-food treasures and healthier Halloween treats?
Non-Candy Halloween Treats
We’re usually the first to say no thanks to throwaway toys and party favors. But non-candy Halloween treats can be a fun way to add some variety to the trick-or-treat bowl — especially for kids with food allergies or families looking for alternatives to candy.
The trick is choosing things kids will actually use or enjoy rather than tiny plastic trinkets destined for the trash. Stickers, art supplies, bookmarks, and other simple treats can all be good options. When possible, look for reusable, low-waste, or consumable choices.
- Stickers
- WikkiStix party packs
- LEGO minifigures (in bulk)
- Temporary tattoos
- Finger puppets
- Whistles
- Glow-in-the-dark bracelets
- These adorable Harry Potter magnetic bookmark clips
- Friendship bracelets (handmade can be a fun project)
- Joke cards
- Nontoxic or homemade play dough
- Mini colored pencils or crayons
- Fun erasers
- Mini notepads or activity books
- Sidewalk chalk
- Origami paper or simple origami kits
- Seed packets
- Polished stones or tumbled gemstones
- Small wooden tokens or charms
- Mini puzzles
- Glow-in-the-dark stars
- Bubbles
- Temporary nail stickers
- Mini fidget toys
- Homemade friendship bracelets
- “Coupons” for something fun, if you’re making treats for kids you know
Think of this as your guilt-free teachable moment and perhaps your kids will one day carry on this healthier Halloween tradition.
Healthier Halloween Snack + Candy Options
We’re big fans of the 80/20 approach to healthy eating. Halloween is meant to be fun, and for most kids, that includes enjoying some candy.
If you’d also like to have a few options on hand with simpler ingredients, fewer artificial colors and flavors, or allergy-friendly options, there are plenty to choose from. Here are some healthier Halloween candies and treats that still feel worthy of the trick-or-treat bag.
All of their chocolate is certified by Fair Trade USA. Natural ingredients such as beetroot, carrot, and red cabbage juices are used to color the candy coatings.
USDA Certified Organic and non GMO (bioengineered food). Also free from the top 8 allergens. Each lollipop is individually wrapped.
USDA Certified Organic, these protein bars contain no artificial flavors or synthetic preservatives. And most kids love the options.
These are Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA Certified Organic. The fruit bites are made with Fair Trade-Certified sugar. They’re also gluten-free and vegan.
PUR GUM
No Artificial Sweeteners, Vegan, Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Nut & Peanut Free, Swiss Made
Non-GMO Project verified, Dairy-free bite-size mini chocolate bars, offer allergy-friendly Halloween chocolate candy.
Available in Halloween treat packs of 20, they are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project verified. This great option is also free of the 10 most-common allergens.
JUSTIN’S DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
These are made with organic, fair trade chocolate and locally sourced ingredients. The company donates part of its proceeds to worldwide hunger relief and poverty relief.
Made with organic Fair Trade sugar, certified gluten free, vegan, and kosher. No high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or colors.
More Healthy Halloween Treat Ideas
Most of these healthy candy alternatives will work for trick or treaters, while others might be better for Halloween parties where all of the kids know your family. Offer homemade items only to kids or parents who know you.
- Mini raisin boxes
- Organic fruit leathers
- Mini popcorn packs
- Mini granola bars
- Cuties or Mandarin oranges
- Organic freeze dried fruit (we love apple or mango)
- Trail mix with chocolate chips
- Plantain chips
- Applesauce containers
- Annie’s Whole Wheat Bunnies
- Snack sized pretzels
- Mini carrot packs
- Sunflower seeds
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- String cheese
- Gum with xylitol instead of sugar
- Mini Fair Trade chocolate bars
- Almond butter and dark chocolate bars
- Homemade popcorn balls
- Homemade caramel apples
Serve a Healthy Dinner Before Trick or Treating
Sugar on an empty stomach depresses the immune system. “Too much sugar in your system allows the bacteria or viruses to propagate much more because your initial innate system doesn’t work as well. That’s why diabetics, for example, have more infections,” explains Dr. Michael Roizen, MD.
Make sure your family eats a healthy dinner with plenty of protein and fiber to counteract the impending sugar fix. It’s also a nice chance to connect with your kids in between the school day and the busy-ness of trick or treating or a Halloween party.
Having a nourishing and filling meal beforehand can also curb the urge to overeat sweets. We love a hearty lentil soup or chili for an early Halloween dinner. If you don’t have time for a meal first, make sure everyone has a healthy snack with plenty of protein. Try these easy Halloween veggie tray ideas for a healthy and filling snack. They also make great party food!
Every year, you read all the articles on Halloween candy and exactly why it’s so bad for you. Chock-full of GMOs (now called bioengineered foods), sugar, dyes, artificial ingredients, and plain old crap, there’s certainly a case to be made for skipping out on the stuff.
More Halloween Fun
If you’re looking for more ideas to enjoy the spooky season, try these:
DIY Halloween Costumes Inspired by Nature
Halloween Veggie Tray Ideas
How to Host a Costume Swap
Halloween Coloring Pages
Eco-Friendly Halloween Decorations
Go Green This Halloween
