If you’re wondering whether you’ve stumbled onto the wrong blog, don’t worry—I’m here to tell you there’s no such thing as truly healthy candy! By “healthy,” I’m referring to options that are better than what you usually find out there, made from real ingredients without artificial dyes, additives, and sweeteners. You can even whip up your own candy at home that’s healthier.
Personally, I opt for candy-free gifts or experiences when possible, even during Halloween. However, thanks to companies making candy with better ingredients, my family can join in on neighborhood trick-or-treating (without handing out seaweed snacks—even though they’re tasty, too!).
I acknowledge the adverse effects of sugar. Hard candies and gummies with added sugar, or even those labeled sugar-free, aren’t the healthiest choices. I’ve faced criticism for my stance on sugar, but that’s where the science points. For some years, we even skipped parties and trick-or-treating altogether.
Over the years, I’ve tried different approaches to Halloween—a candy extravaganza. As my kids grew older, I decided to use Halloween as an opportunity for them to learn how to make healthier food choices. With more companies offering better candy options made from recognizable ingredients, I’ve found some favorites that my kids enjoy and I can tolerate. Mixing these in moderation with non-candy alternatives creates a more enjoyable, healthier Halloween experience, which feels better than the usual tradition.
I typically make my own candy or chocolate bars, but that doesn’t work for trick-or-treating. If you’re seeking healthier store-bought options, here are some we’ve tried and liked. They might not be available in every grocery store, so I often stock up using my Thrive Market membership for its low prices and convenience, or check Amazon and local health food stores.
All of the following treats are individually wrapped for easy trick-or-treating and may even be more appealing to neighborhood kids than standard candy. These alternatives can satisfy their sweet tooth in a healthier way.
Starting with the good stuff before the sugary treats is a rule at our house on Halloween. Here are our favorite Halloween-themed meals and snacks, which are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep everyone full and avoid sugar spikes.
These gummy packs get their color and flavor from real ingredients like pear and carrot juice, unlike most store-bought candies. They’re organic and gluten-free. Remember those fruit snacks from school? This version uses real fruit and skips corn syrup. They’re plant-based and vegan, for those avoiding gelatin (though I like gelatin!).
Give kids a break from sweets with tasty, grain-free crackers. They’re nutritious and individually wrapped for trick-or-treating, but check for almond allergies. We choose gluten-free, non-GMO popcorn for a rare treat, with coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt for “buttery” flavor—only 50 calories per bag.
No trick-or-treat list is complete without peanut butter cups. Try these dark almond butter cups—delicious and, I believe, even better than the classic. For allergen-friendly options, try dark chocolate sunflower butter cups, available in peppermint or milk chocolate flavors.
Chewy fruit candies that look like Starbursts use organic ingredients without artificial colors or flavors. Their flavors, like Meyer lemon & raspberry, are tempting even for adults, and they offer vitamin C. Torie & Howard’s hard candies in bulk are non-GMO and organic too.
Shopping for natural or organic products can hurt the budget, but we end on a high note with Yum Earth lollipops—250 organic, real-fruit flavored pops for less than 20 cents each! These options are reserved for special occasions, like Halloween, not for regular consumption.
Mix in lots of non-edible treats and prizes to keep candy from being the center of the holiday. They’re affordable and fun for kids! Here are 26 ideas for non-candy Halloween treats.
One strategy for limiting candy is serving nutritious food before trick-or-treating. Instead of a regular dinner, we prepare Halloween-themed appetizers with high protein and fiber, and low sugar. There are countless ideas for healthy party food, but I stick to simple, easy-to-make choices. I’m no Martha Stewart, but these snacks mostly turned out great with little effort, and the kids often wanted to make them themselves!
Here are some Halloween party snacks and treats we’ve tried: homemade goodies mixed with non-candy prizes. After trick-or-treating, kids can trade some of their less desirable candy for Halloween jewelry, trinkets, or toys—they usually love this!
Ultimately, sharing time with friends and neighbors is our top priority. These options are as close to healthy candy as you can get, allowing us to participate in trick-or-treating while promoting healthy eating and having fun.
What do you give out at Halloween? Have you found better candy options? Let’s share our discoveries!
