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Like so many other holidays, Halloween is one of those times when it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and stuff our faces with gobs of sugar. On the one hand, who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up like a cat and play with pumpkins? On the other hand, chowing down on ultra-processed, sugar-packed candy is a one-way ticket to cavities, hormone imbalances and a mean case of the grumps. Conventional candy is loaded with artificial colours, ‘natural’ flavours, refined sugars and hydrogenated oils. The good news? There are plenty of homemade healthy Halloween treat options!
But What About the Kids?
We worry about the kids, though, right? We don’t want them missing out. I can hear you now: “But I only buy Halloween candy for the kids!” Right. Despite your good intentions, you know that jumbo pack of mini chocolate bars is going to disappear long before the trick-or-treaters come knocking. Besides, don’t the little ones deserve some superfood-filled, health-promoting goodies, too? YES!!!
There may have once been a time when Halloween was the one time of year that kids ate junk. Now, treats are everywhere. Birthday parties, school events, chocolate or candy from well-meaning grocery stores or local businesses, sports and activities – the list goes on. Even the ‘healthy snacks‘ are basically treats.
Excess sugar in our children’s diets is linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease risk, dental cavities and can affect their mental health. This probably isn’t news to you – the dangers of excess sugar have been making headlines for years. It’s time to stop the processed candy cycle and there’s no time like the present!
Instead of stocking up on store-bought candy, try making these healthy treats for yourself and your family.
And there are some non-food treat suggestions for you, too!
Note: Please know I don’t mean for you to hand these out at your door. The intention behind these Halloween treats are for situations where it’s safe to interact with family and friends.
Kid-Friendly Healthy Halloween Treats
Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Once you try these, you won’t be able to go back to peanut butter cups.
Easy Baked Apples
Bonus: These will make your kitchen smell incredible!
Homemade Fruit Rollups
You will love these easily customizable fruit rollups, with both dehydrator and oven directions.
Spicy Sweet Potato Brownies
If your family is sensitive to cayenne, you can just leave it out.
Grain-Free Fruit Crumble
There are so many options for this recipe – make it with any seasonal fruit.
Hazelnut Coconut Fudge
This brain-fuelling fudge makes a great mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack and has very little sugar in it.
Vegan and Paleo Chocolate Cream Pie
This recipe is always a hit at small gatherings!
Chocolate Turtles
A delicious gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free alternative to the Turtles chocolates you know and love.
Caramel Fudge Chocolate Bar
This extra-special chocolate bar is gluten-free, dairy-free and absolutely divine.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Licorice
Yes, you can make licorice yourself! This is a 3-ingredient recipe that both kids and grownups will adore.
Dairy-Free Maple Cream Custard
These are packed with protein and nutritious fats, plus if you have any leftovers, this recipe freezes well.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can’t go wrong with a classic.
Grain-Free Raw Coconut Cookies
The best part of these cookies is that they require no cook time so you can enjoy them immediately!
Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons
These simple treats are infused with fermented protein powder and have a healthy dose of fat and fibre.
Gluten-Free + Vegan Cinnamon Buns
You’ll want to drizzle that coconut butter icing over everything!
Chocolate-Covered Figs
Chocolate and figs: two aphrodisiac ingredients for a romantic treat after the kids fall asleep.
Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free Lemon Poppyseed Muffins/Cupcakes
A completely unprocessed and delicious gluten-free, dairy-free lemon poppyseed muffin with lemon cream frosting.
Non-Food Healthy Halloween Treats
Don’t want to be the hippie parents giving out dried fruit? Consider handing out some of these fun things:
- Stickers
- Fun pencils, pens and erasers
- Crayons
- Yo-yos
- Non-toxic removable tattoos
What are you making this year to have a healthy Halloween?
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Meghan Telpner
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