Healthy Halloween Treats: Alternatives to Candy
While children across the U.S.A. first think of candy when it comes to Halloween, many parents are trying to put a stop to this. They think there is simply too much candy and treats out there on this holiday for kids. There are alternatives to candy for Halloween if you think creatively.
It used to be if you gave kids raisins or apples for Halloween, you were setting your house up to be “egged” on Halloween! Now many of these kids parents would be pleased to see some type of healthy treat handed out.
On Halloween, treat safety is of utmost concern. Do not hand out opened or uncontained treats unless to children you know closely and that their parents are there when you give them these treats. Parents: always inspect any treats before your children eat them.
Nuts look like an excellent choice as a treat to give out, but unfortunately, this is one healthy treat to avoid as many kids today have peanut allergies. It is suggested to give out another type of healthy treat on Halloween.
Granola bars are an ideal healthy treat. While many granola bars do have some sugar in them, they certainly have far less sugar than a candy bar or other types of sweets that will be handed out on Halloween. A granola bar is still a treat that a kid enjoys. You do want to hand out a treat that kid will actually want to eat — not simply something “good for you” that the kid will push to the side and never eat. This truly defeats the purpose.
Giving children non-food treats like fun shaped erasers or Halloween themed stickers is also a great alternative. Many boys and girls collect stickers. Lots of children use erasers for math problems and other school subjects. This is an ideal treat that children will enjoy. It is key to think of a treat that children of many ages will like and also one that both boys and girls will be happy to receive.
Fun packs of raisins or other types of dried fruit can be a great sweet snack. Fruit leathers are also very popular with kids and make a great Halloween trick or treat snack. They come in many flavors and colors and are terrific to pop into a lunchbox. These snacks are perfect in kid-sized portions that will fit nicely into a kid’s lunch for during the week or as an afterschool snack.
Gum can also be a great healthy alternative treat instead of candy. Many kids like gum — it can be lots of fun to blow bubbles! Sugarless gum in moderation is a great treat for many kids to enjoy. This is also a treat that is low cost and easy for many of a moderate budget to buy and know they are purchasing something that is healthy for children and still very fun for Halloween.
