Healthy Halloween Treat Alternatives

By Audrey Lee

Halloween is the time of year when kids go door to door receiving handfuls of sugar-loaded candy and other treats. While this may be a right of passage for some, other families may feel it is time to change what kind of treats their kids should ingest for their health. Here are some healthy alternatives trick or treaters can enjoy this spooky holiday.

Fresh Fruit

Handing out fruit to the neighborhood kids is a healthy option that also will not break the bank. Bags of Halloween candy can cost up to $30 while buying apples or oranges can be as little as $3 for a four-pound bag. Fresh fruits are also packed with vitamins, fiber and other nutritional values that help kids boost their immune systems, especially around this germ-filled time of year. Stay away from soft fruits like bananas and plums as they may get squished in the trick or treater’s bags.

Granola Bars/Packets of Oatmeal

Crunchy, sweet and sometimes chocolate-y, granola is an alternative kids can chow down on and not ruin their teeth. Be careful of the brands you select. Some granola bars can be loaded with sugar, making them almost as bad as candy. Same thing goes for oatmeal packets. While it can be a nutritious breakfast food, some oatmeal is packed with unneeded sweeteners. Before purchasing either item, check the labels. If you see the sugar content is too high or the brand uses ingredients you can barely pronounce, try another option.

Popcorn

This fibrous snack can be a great replacement to candy. Whether it is pre-popped or in a microwave bag — still in the plastic packaging — popcorn is a whole grain loaded with nutritional value like iron, potassium and B vitamins. While choosing what kind to hand out, look for popcorn brands low in fat, with less butter and ideally 100 calories or less. Children can enjoy their bag of popcorn while watching their favorite Halloween movies.

Non-Food Items

Treats do not always have to mean food. Kids love items they can play with and actually use. Plastic jewelry, like bracelets, rings, and necklaces, are fun accessories children can wear all year-round. School supplies, like brightly colored pencils and erasers, are useful for their studies the next day. Washable tattoos, yoyos, bubbles, chalk and bouncy balls are all fun little surprises that will stand out amongst the sea of candy they will receive.

You can purchase these items and so much more in bulk with Oriental Trading. Some of these items even glow in the dark, making it the perfect accessory to walk around dark streets. Handing out these trinkets can also make children who may have allergies to certain foods or are on a restricted diet feel included in the Halloween fun.