How to Choose Better for You Candy This Halloween
THE FOOD MATTERS TEAM
Halloween is a fun and festive time, but it’s also synonymous with mountains of sugary treats that can wreak havoc on your health. While indulging is part of the fun, you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being for a sweet celebration. With a bit of planning and awareness, it’s possible to enjoy Halloween treats that are not only delicious but also healthier.
Here’s how to choose better-for-you candy this Halloween while still keeping the spirit of the holiday alive.
1. Look for Natural Ingredients
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your Halloween candy is by opting for treats made with natural, whole ingredients. Many traditional candies are packed with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that can contribute to inflammation, digestive issues, and even behavioral changes in children. Instead, seek out candies that use natural alternatives, like fruit-based colorings or natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
Brands that focus on organic or non-GMO ingredients often produce candies with fewer harmful additives, offering a more wholesome option for your trick-or-treaters.
You would be shocked to find out how some of the most popular candies are made. Read more about it here.
2. Choose Dark Chocolate Over Milk Chocolate
If chocolate is your weakness, opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants, like flavonoids, which can support heart health and lower inflammation. It also has less sugar and dairy compared to milk chocolate, making it a healthier option.
Look for dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa to maximize the health benefits. Some options even include added superfoods like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, making them a better-for-you indulgence that also satisfies your sweet tooth.
3. Avoid High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common ingredient in many candies, but it’s been linked to weight gain, metabolic disorders, and increased risk of heart disease. This highly processed sweetener spikes blood sugar levels and offers zero nutritional value.
When choosing candy, read the labels and avoid those containing HFCS. Many healthier brands now use alternatives like organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, or agave nectar, which are lower on the glycemic index and less processed.
4. Opt for Candy with Fiber and Protein
While candy isn’t typically known for its nutritional profile, some healthier options do incorporate ingredients like nuts, seeds, or coconut that add a boost of fiber and protein. These macronutrients help to slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, preventing the blood sugar spikes and crashes that often come after consuming traditional candy.
Look for energy bites or snack bars in bite-size portions that combine dark chocolate, nuts, and seeds for a sweet treat with some added nutritional benefits.
5. Moderation Is Key
Even when choosing healthier candies, moderation is still important. Whether it’s organic, gluten-free, or free from artificial sweeteners, candy should be enjoyed in small amounts. Instead of encouraging a Halloween candy binge, portion control and mindful eating can help kids and adults alike savor their treats without overdoing it.
One idea is to create a Halloween “candy bank” where kids can exchange their candy for small rewards or experiences over time, helping them learn the value of moderation while still enjoying the holiday.
6. DIY Halloween Treats
If you prefer full control over your Halloween treats, making your own can be a fun and healthier option. Homemade candy allows you to select high-quality ingredients, and you can reduce or eliminate refined sugar. Ideas like dark chocolate-covered fruit, energy balls, or coconut macaroons can provide a healthier yet festive option to hand out or serve at parties.
Plus, DIY treats can be a great activity for kids, teaching them about food ingredients and healthier choices. You can find some of our favorite Halloween treat recipes here.
Halloween doesn’t have to be synonymous with sugar overload and artificial ingredients. By making mindful choices, you can provide better-for-you candy options that align with your health goals without taking away from the fun of the holiday. Whether you’re handing out treats to the neighborhood kids or enjoying some yourself, it’s all about balance and choosing options that nourish as well as delight.
You can find some better for you candy options on Thrive Market if you’re in the USA HERE.
You can find some better for you candy options on Part & Parcel if you’re in Australia HERE.
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The Food Matters Team is made up of foodies that love getting in the kitchen and experimenting! When we aren't spreading our message with the world, that's where you will find us and just like you, we don't always succeed with our recipes, but that's part of the fun, right?