Halloween is near and the pumpkins and skeletons are out! Children are excited about that one day out of the year where they can trick for as many treats as they can get their hands on. As kids debate on who they want to dress up as for Halloween, parents have a more pressing concern; how to substitute all that sugar-filled candy with healthier halloween treats. Cavities, hyperactivity and lowered immune function are all potential problems that come with the sugar overload of Halloween season.
Easy healthy halloween treats for kids and adults
In this article, we will go over simple ideas for healthy halloween treats including a healthy halloween treat recipe.
Raisins & Dried Fruits
Raisins are dried grapes. They are sweet, tasty and come in convenient snack size boxes that are easy to hand out during the trick or treat rush. Raisins are also high in fibre, iron, and other minerals like boron and calcium which supports bone health and helps to fight against tooth decay. Other pre packaged dried fruit include figs, dates, apricots and apple/ mango slices. Naturally occurring sugars give the same sweet treat taste and helps to eliminate the refined sugar and empty nutrients that are in common treats. Dried fruits are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help to boost the immune system and ward off the Fall sniffles.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a tasty blend of dried fruit and nuts in the form of raisins or cranberries, along with a combination of peanuts, almonds, cashews and/or pumpkin seeds. The nutrient content is packed with vitamins, fibre, protein and healthy fats, which makes it great for balancing blood sugar levels and hyperactivity. Trail mix is the perfect sweet and savoury halloween snack but be sure to ask if there are any allergies present before distributing.
Gummy’s Vitamin Mix
The sweet chewy texture of a gummy never gets old. A great way to turn regular gummy treats into a healthy halloween snack is to add Noo-tropics vitamin gummies for kids to the existing gummy’s and Voila! The easiest way to sneak and blend in a vitamin rich treat. Noo-tropics gummy’s are so tasty, children won’t be able to tell the difference if they were to eat it on its own! Vitamin gummy’s are the one the best and most convenient ways to ensure kids are getting a healthy daily dose of nutrients.
Crispy Baked Vegetable Chips
Vegetable chips have gained lots of popularity over the years. They are usually a combination of sliced beets, taro, rutabaga, summer squash and sweet potatoes. They are super easy to make on your own or you can purchase pre packaged ones from your nearest grocers. Kale chips are also a great idea and very easy to make as there are tons of recipes online. Overall, vegetable chips are a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vegetables in a tasty and convenient way, not to mention the loads of fibre, minerals and vitamins that come along with it.
Candied Apples
Apples with a twist! Candied apples are by far one of the most popular halloween treats! Although they are usually reserved for parties and halloween hunts, candied apples made with natural alternative ingredients make for a great healthy halloween treat idea! Apples are high in fibre, which helps to relieve constipation and balance blood glucose level. They are also loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients that help to boost the immune system and as they say “keep the doctor away”.
The candy over the apple doesn’t have to be unhealthy either. Below is a Candied Apple recipe using healthier alternatives.
Ingredients
- 12 small red and green apples
- 12 lollipop or possible sticks
- 3 cups of Monk Fruit (sweetener)
- 1/2 cup of brown rice syrup
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 tsp of Beet Root food colouring (optional)
Equipment: Candy Thermometer
Directions
- Get a cookie sheet and line with wax paper, coated with cooking spray and set aside
- Wash and dry the apples. Firmly insert the popsicle sticks into the apples pushing about half way through and set aside on the cookie sheet
- Combine the brown rice syrup, monk fruit and water in a pot. Cook over medium heat until it reaches 300 Fahrenheit. Use candy thermometer to check temperature. Remove from heat at 300 F and slowly stir in the food colouring.
- Moving quickly, dip each apple in the mixture, fully coating the apples. Set aside on cookie sheet and allow to cool. Once candy hardens and cools, wrap it up in your favourite halloween packaging and your treats are ready!
Healthy halloween treats to hand out
Staying healthy for Halloween doesn’t mean taking the fun out. Enjoy gory costumes, haunted houses, and candy with moderation. While we can’t avoid sugary snacks during Halloween, adults can offer tasty and nutritious alternatives to children during trick-or-treating. Go the extra step this year and provide healthy halloween treats for your trick or treaters. Have a happy and healthy Halloween.
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