Talker Research just released the results of their Halloween survey on behalf of HI-CHEW, and their report states, “the average American polled purchases 4.5 bags of candy per season, with most (48%) opting for the large or party size (more than 20 ounces).” This averages out to a staggering statistic: “132.60 million American households purchase around 745.8 million pounds of candy during the Halloween season every year.” Needless to say, that’s a lot of sugar. Yes, we’re all for our kids enjoying a KitKat or two, but is there anything else you can hand out that won’t add to the “bouncing-off-the-walls” sugar high (and subsequent sugar crash)? Here are some healthy alternatives:
Snack Packs & Fruit Treats
- Spooky fruits
If you’re looking for a way to “spin” fruit, look no further than FruitGuys—their farm-fresh fruit boxes are the perfect way to deliver seasonal flavor right to your doorstep. (They get to your house spooky fast!) Plus, they donate at least 20 percent of their annual profits to relieve hunger and support small farms. If you want to show off some “spooky” fruit, here are a few ideas: dragon fruits, Kiwano melons (or “horned” melons), passion fruit, or star fruit. Then again, you can always draw a jack-o’-lantern face on a banana, orange, or apple peel. If you’re hosting a party instead of trick-or-treating, you can make some yummy fruit kabobs! Use cutie slices if you’re going for that Halloween orange.
- Mini apple bags or mandarins
- Fruit leather rolls (100% fruit, no added sugar)
- Harvest Snaps Kids Crispy Fruit Snacks
- Raisins or dried fruit boxes (like mini Sun-Maid boxes)
- Applesauce pouches — easy to hand out and mess-free
Savory Bites
Gotta love a good crunchy snack!
- Mini pretzel bags (pumpkin- or bat-shaped if you can find them!)
- Popcorn bags — lightly salted or air-popped; either way, they’re delicious.
- Cheese sticks or Babybel minis (draw little monster faces on them!)
- Goldfish or Pirate’s Booty snack packs
Protein & Energy Options
Consider fueling your trick-or-treaters with food that will keep their bodies going—sugar may be delicious, but it tricks your body into feeling like it’s got lots of energy before hitting that classic “sugar crash.”
- Trail mix pouches (nuts, seeds, and a few dark chocolate chips for fun)
- Granola bars (look for lower-sugar or whole-grain ones)
- Roasted chickpeas or edamame packs
Fun “Better-for-You” Store-Bought Treats
Because sometimes you’re at the store at, erm, 5:45 p.m. on Halloween and all the candy is gone anyways and you need some yummy but healthier treat ideas:
- Annie’s Organic Bunny Grahams or Fruit Snacks
- MadeGood mini granola bars (allergy-friendly)
- Smart Sweets gummies (lower sugar)
- LARABAR minis or RXBar Kids
- Kind Minis
Non-Food Alternatives
If you want to skip food entirely, you can put together fun little goodie bags filled with:
- Halloween stickers
- Glow sticks
- Spider rings
Temporary tattoos - Mini bubbles
Regardless of what you hand out, we hope you have a magical Halloween! We hope it’s sweet—just maybe not too sweet… (wink wink).
