It’s almost time for ghosts and ghouls to roam the streets in your neighborhood. What this means for some parents is days of having students on a candy-fuelled bender. Of course you want your kids to experience the joy of trick or treating, but there are healthier options that are still good to eat. Here are some options for you to consider at home or in the classroom.
Dark chocolate covered nuts
Dark chocolate contains less vegetable fat and the high cocoa content is filled with healthy anti-oxidants. Nuts are just plain healthy and good brain food too! These healthy snacks can be found at your local organic and health food stores.
Mini Microwavable Popcorn
This can be a fun snack that students can make for themselves. Popcorn is filling and packed with healthy fiber. Opt for varieties that do not have artificial flavours or added preservatives. Students can add their own flavouring like lemon juice or hot sauce.
Granola bars
These are filled with healthy ingredients like dried fruits and nuts, but are still delicious. You can even splash out and go for the full size bars or stick to the mini ones if you prefer. Granola bars help to fill your students up so they eat less candy.
Fruit leathers
These are popular with students and when they are made with 100% fruit, they can be a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Small packs of sugar-free gum
Some brands help to eliminate bacteria and keep teeth healthy. Avoid brands that use aspartame to sweeten the gum.
Organic hard candies
You can find these in the health food aisle or online here. Organic hard candies are great tasting and contain no artificial colours or flavours and are 100% natural and healthy. These are not suitable for trick or treaters which orthodontic braces.
Trail mix and nut snack packs
Get these in small snack pack bags. With nuts and sunflower seeds, opt for the low sodium varieties. You can also throw in some small boxes of raisins.
Crackers
Graham crackers, small snack pack crackers and goldfish crackers are all good alternatives to candy. Wholegrain crackers would be even better if you can find them in small packs.
You don’t even have to go for candy at all. Your students will be getting enough candy from the neighbours, so go for something completely different.
You can get small toys from the dollar store. Buy packs and break them open to give each trick or treater their own toy surprise. Toys can be Halloween-themed like small skulls, fake teeth or fake blood. You can go for yo-yos and bouncy balls too. Stationary like pens and pencils, or small decks of cards are also fun. Temporary tattoos and costume jewelry are always big hits!
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