With Halloween coming up you’re likely dreading all the candy your children will be bringing home! We’ve already given you ideas on how to moderate their candy consumption, but what if there was another way to help? Start at the root of the problem by passing out healthier treats, both for your children and the ones who come trick-or-treating! We will give you some great alternatives to sugary Halloween candy here!
Why is Sugar Bad for Teeth?
Besides candy just being bad for health in general, from weight gain to lethargy, candy is especially bad for little teeth! Eating a lot of candy leaves sugar on the teeth which often leads to cavities, and little mouths are particularly susceptible. There’s a reason doctors recommend eating less sugar and candy daily and replacing them with healthier (but still sweet) alternative treats. Whether you want to make them yourself or buy them from the store, try a few of these healthier treats this Halloween and feel better about your little superheroes health.
Store-Bought Alternatives to Halloween Candy
Bags of Granola, Candied Nuts, or Trail Mix
Before you hand out bags of trail mix and nuts, make sure you mix them in with other little treats like M&Ms, raisins, or chocolate chips. This will help children still feel like they’ve gotten a treat rather than a trick! You can get these options at Walmart:
- KIND Granola
- Bear Naked Granola Bites
- Great Value Praline Pecans
- Planters Trail Mix
- Great Value Trail Mix
Make them extra cute and Halloween-esque by putting your mix into these cute baggies!
Fruit Leathers & Fruit Snacks
What kid doesn’t love fruit snacks? We recommend Mot’s for a little less sugar. As far as fruit leather, try Stretch Island as a great fruity alternative!
Marshmallow Baggies
Marshmallows are an easy treat that have a lot less sugar! Fill Halloween baggies with colorful marshmallows and send those little monsters on their way!
Candied or Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Butter With a Side of Bread has a great recipe for candied pretzels, but you can also easily buy these from the store! Mix and match with marshmallows and other candies to make store-bought a little sweeter!
Make or Bake Alternatives to Halloween Candy
Candied or Caramel-Dipped Apples
Caramel apples are a staple of Halloween! What better way to get your kids to eat a little less sugar and a little more fruit, by handing them a caramel apple? Make it even easier to eat by dipping the individual apple slices. Check out this recipe from the Idea Room.
Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favorite! Whip them up the classic way or make them extra cute by turning them into Halloween monsters!
Caramel Popcorn Baggies
Though this awesome recipe by Brit.Co uses cups, switch them out for baggies and you’ve got yourself a sweet treat that doesn’t sugar overload!
Burg to the Rescue!
Did your kids still receive a lot of candy this Halloween? Don’t fret! To really protect their teeth have them come in for a checkup within a few weeks of Halloween. We’re always happy to make sure the Halloween damage is minor at most, and we’ll help your little superheroes learn to love brushing and flossing their teeth! Visit any of our location pages or fill out the form at the top of this page to schedule an appointment with one of our awesome offices!
