In case you’re questioning when you’ve acquired the correct 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 created from actual meals elements, with out synthetic dyes, components, synthetic sweeteners, and all the opposite junk present in typical sweet. Plus you’ll be able to even make your personal “sweet” that basically is more healthy.
I nonetheless want candy-free presents or experiences each time attainable, even at Halloween. However because of corporations making sweet with higher elements, 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 detrimental well being results of sugar… no, actually not! Treats like arduous 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 a number of years we even skipped events and trick-or-treating altogether.
I’ve experimented with totally different approaches to Halloween (the final word candy-palooza) over time. As my children acquired older, I made a decision that fairly than choose out, I might use Halloween as an opportunity for my children to follow making good meals selections.
Now that extra corporations are making higher sweet choices (with elements I can really acknowledge), I’ve been capable of finding some favorites that my children love and I can dwell 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) Alternate options for Trick-or-Treating
I normally make my very own sweet or chocolate sweet bars once we’re going to have it, however that received’t fly for trick-or-treating. For those who’re searching for more healthy store-bought sweet, listed here are those that handed the take a look at for us.
After all, you received’t discover many of those in your native grocery retailer. I’ll usually use my Thrive Market membership to refill. The costs are low, it’s handy, and I really like the choice. Amazon is one other good place to seek out them. I’ve even seen sweet choices with much less sugar and extra well being advantages at native well being meals shops.
All the following treats are individually wrapped for trick-or-treating. Bonus, the neighborhood children will in all probability like them higher than the junky stuff! You may 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 might be excessive protein and have wholesome fats, and fiber. These low-sugar elements assist fill everybody up and preserve the sugar rush at bay.
Natural Spooky Fruit Snacks
These gummy packs get their colour and taste from actual meals elements 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
Bear in mind these from the college lunch days? This model 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 children a break from all of the candy treats with these yummy grain-free crackers. They’ll by no means know they’re nutritious in addition. These are additionally individually wrapped for simple trick-or-treat distribution. Bear in mind that they’re made with almonds if it’s essential fear about nut allergic reactions.
Popcorn Snack Packs
We don’t do popcorn usually, however once we can we select gluten-free and non-GMO. Children 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 checklist may very well be full with out peanut butter cups. These Darkish Almond Butter Cups are a scrumptious various and (for my part) even higher than the traditional deal with. For those who 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 in a peppermint or milk chocolate taste.
Torie & Howard Sweet
These chewy fruit candies look precisely like the favored Starburst candies, however use natural elements 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 supply arduous candies in bulk which might be non-GMO and natural.
Greatest Purchase: Pure Lollipops
I do know looking for pure or natural merchandise can imply an actual chunk out of the funds, however this time there’s no excuse. I saved the perfect 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 supply these solely as occasional options for particular events the place sweet is unavoidable (like Halloween), not as weekly/day by day meals for teenagers.
To maintain sweet from being the middle of the vacation, combine in loads of non-edible treats and prizes. They’re nonetheless cheap and children love them! Listed below are 26 concepts of what to offer out at Halloween apart from free sweet.
Different Wholesome Halloween Snacks & Treats (Children Like!)
One technique to restrict sweet is to supply children loads of nutritious meals earlier than heading out to trick-or-treat. Quite than our standard dinner, we make some Halloween-themed appetizers to share. I ensure they’re heavy on protein and fiber (and low on sugar).
Whereas there are 1,000,000 concepts for wholesome Halloween social gathering meals, I’ve solely tried ones which might be easy and simple to arrange. I’m not Martha Stewart, however I’m pleased to report most of those turned out very effectively with little effort and time. Normally, the youngsters have 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 preserve some home made treats together with some non-candy prizes available for after trick-or-treating. The youngsters money in a few of their much less excellent sweet for enjoyable Halloween jewellery, trinkets, or toys. They normally haven’t any drawback with this and actually look ahead to it.
Have a Comfortable Halloween!
The underside line is, that sharing in group with our mates and neighbors is a prime precedence for us. These choices are about as near wholesome sweet as you may get, they usually’ve made taking part in trick-or-treating attainable for our household. By offering some higher options to the standard Halloween candy-fest, I hope my children could have a optimistic outlook on wholesome consuming and get to give attention to simply having enjoyable!
What do you hand out at Halloween? Have you ever discovered sweet with higher elements? Please share!