Healthy Halloween Goodies

It is almost October 31st. Halloween candy is appearing and about to linger for months! This year try some healthy candy alternatives for yourself and your neighbors!

The holiday season starts in October with Halloween candy and lingers all the way through February with Valentine’s chocolate. If you eat sweets the whole way through, you are sure to gain weight! However, there are many healthy alternatives to sugary candy so let’s take a look.

Individually Packaged Goodies
Halloween candy should be individually packaged goodies for trick-or-treaters and parties. This helps with food safety and also allows for storage. Throw out the chocolate KISSES and Butterfingers and pick up mini boxes of raisins that are nutrient-rich and high in fiber. Other healthy alternatives include 100 calorie packs of whole grain trail mix and low-fat favorites like graham crackers, Teddy Grahams and Goldfish.

Toss the chocolate bars and grab some whole grain, individually packaged granola bars. Quaker® makes a variety of oat-based granola bars with chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Fiber 1®, Kashi® and Nature Valley® also have healthy choices for crunchy and chewy whole grain granola bars.

Other sweet, yet healthy favorites might include low-fat pudding cups (not already refrigerated), natural apple sauce cups and even whole fruits. Even healthy fats can be a Halloween treat. Try 100 calorie packs of almonds and peanut butter crackers.

So the key here is to think outside the box, look for some healthy options at the grocery store and provide your family and neighbors with some nutrient-rich Halloween goodies this season!

- Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD

Registered Dietitian