Scary Good Halloween Snacks

Delicious treats without the sugar crash!

Halloween is synonymous with candy—jack-o'-lantern buckets overflowing with sweets, sugary treats at every turn, and spooky-themed snacks loaded with artificial ingredients. But as a parent, how can you let your kids enjoy Halloween without the sugar overload? The good news is, it’s possible to strike a balance between fun and healthy. By offering guilt-free snacks that appeal to both kids and adults, you can enjoy the festivities without the sugar crashes or lingering guilt.

Rethinking Halloween Treats: It’s Not All About Candy

Halloween doesn't have to revolve around candy, and with a little creativity, you can offer festive, nutritious alternatives that still feel fun. Here are a few guilt-free snack ideas that are sure to be a hit:

·       Apple Slice Monsters:  Transform apple slices into spooky monsters using natural peanut butter as “glue” and toppings like sliced almonds (for teeth) and mini dark chocolate chips (for eyes). Apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, and peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats.

·       Veggie Skeleton Tray:  Create a “skeleton” using a variety of colorful vegetables. Carrot sticks can be the bones, cucumbers can be the spine, and sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets can form the ribs and organs. Use hummus as a dip. This snack is fun, interactive, and a great way to sneak in extra veggies.

·       Ghost Bananas and Clementine Pumpkins:  Dip halved bananas into plain Greek yogurt and freeze them to make "ghosts." Add dark chocolate chips for eyes. For mini pumpkins, peel clementines and place a small piece of celery in the center for a stem. These treats are naturally sweet, packed with fiber, vitamins, and much lower in sugar than traditional Halloween candy.

·       Popcorn Trail Mix:  Make a homemade popcorn trail mix by combining air-popped popcorn, unsweetened dried fruit, and nuts or seeds. Popcorn is a whole grain, and adding dried fruits and nuts provides extra fiber, vitamins, and protein to balance the snack.

·       Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:  Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and when paired with fresh strawberries, this treat becomes a more nutritious Halloween indulgence that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Published October 1, 2024