Halloween candy is pretty frightening. Most of it’s made with artificial flavors, colors (some of which are so unhealthy they are banned in other countries), preservatives, dyes, and GMOs. Don’t be tricked into buying drug store candy this year when there are plenty of healthyish treats you can buy or make at home.
No, we aren’t going to tell you that Halloween candy is healthy (even the healthier stuff listed below), because it’s loaded with sugar, but eating it just one night of the year probably won’t hurt you. Mwahahaha!
MAKE YOUR OWN
The best Halloween desserts are the ones you make a home. Here are a few of the classics.
CARAMEL APPLES
Making caramel apples is even more fun when you find an organic “pick your own” apple farm (use this link to help find one). Too busy to make your own caramel? Try one of these.
King’s Cupboard Organic Caramel Sauce
Fat Toad Farm’ Vanilla Bean Goat’s Milk Caramel
SCARY FACT: one conventionally grown apple can have up to 47 pesticide residues you can’t wash off. Be sure to use organic apples.
POPCORN BALLS
Popcorn balls are yummy and make really fun gifts. Start with organic popcorn and try a no butter or refined sugar, baked, or vintage recipe.
CANDY BARS, FUDGE BITES AND TRUFFLES
It takes a little more effort, but homemade chocolate treats are SO worth it.
WHERE TO BUY TRICK OR TREAT CANDY
If you’re passing out drug store candy, stop terrorizing the neighborhood! You can find healthier options at Target, Whole Foods Market, or online at the Natural Candy Store, Vitacost, or Thrive Market. Search “Halloween Candy” and you’ll find what you’re looking for.
No one said you have to pass out candy. Other affordable options to drop in the “trick or treat” bag are Halloween themed toys (spiders rings or jumping spiders), stickers, ghost balloons, bubbles, glow bracelets, or coloring books.
SCARY INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Processed White Sugar (GMO/pesticide residue)
High Fructose Corn Syrup (GMO/pesticide residue)
Corn Starch (GMO/pesticide residue)
Soy Lecithin (GMO/pesticide residue)
Soybean Oil (GMO/pesticide residue)
Modified Food Starch (GMO/pesticide residue)
Cottonseed Oil (GMO/pesticide residue)
Canola Oil (GMO/pesticide residue)
Artificial Colors
Artificial Flavors
Food dyes (many are banned in other countries)
Preservatives
Too many ingredients you can’t pronounce!
Allergens
HALLOWEEN CANDY
Candy isn’t healthy, but these brands are organic, which means they don’t have scary artificial ingredients!
CANDY CORN
LOLLIPOPS
Yum Earth Organic Pops
Wholesome Organic Lollipops
HARD CANDY
Go Organic Hard Candies – Honey-lemon, Pomegranate, Cherry, Apple
Torie & Howard Hard Candies in Meyer Lemon & Raspberry, Pomegranate & Nectarine, and Orange & Honey
Clean Candy – Root Beer Float, Lemon Drop, Watermelon Wheel, Peppermint Swirl, Orange Slice, Butterscotch Button, and, Chocomint
SOFT CANDY/CARAMELS
Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels, Original, Sea Salt, Vanilla
Torie & Howard Chewie Fruities (think Starburst)
GUMMY BEARS & JELLY BEANS
Surf Sweets Gummy Bears & Jelly Beans
CHOCOLATE
Ocho Organic Chocolate Candy Bars – a variety of bars including caramel & peanut, coconut, dark caramel, dark peanut butter
Coracao Halloween Box Set includes Pumpkin Spice Caramel Ghost, Salted Caramel Cup, Raw Almond Butter Cup and a Fudge Truffle – organic, gluten, soy & dairy-Free, vegan and Paleo.
Enjoy Life Halloween Dark Chocolate Mini’s
M&M type candy
Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems &
Dark Chocolate Crispy Quinoa Gems
Peanut Butter Cups
Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
& Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Justin’s Organic Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter CupsFree2b Dark Chocolate Sun Cups
Sjaaks Organic Peanut Butter and Almond Cups & Bites
The bites come in a large tub, which makes them perfect for trick-or-treaters.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
MORE INFO
Healthline – “10 Reasons Why Sugar is Bad For You”
Dr. Axe – “Is Sugar Bad for You? Here’s How It Destroys Your Body”
American Dental Association – “Halloween Candy: Your Dental Health Survival Guide”
Feature image Jenifoto @iStock