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.