Halloween Treats: A Healthy Twist for Your Sweet Tooth

Everyone loves Halloween candies, but how many are too many? This year, the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests we add a health twist to our spooky festivities.

Want a healthier Halloween? Here's how the AHA recommends you do it:



  1. Healthier Treat Alternatives Instead of the usual candies, why not offer healthier treats to the little ghosts and goblins at your door? Some ideas:
    • Pretzel packs
    • Fruit snacks
    • Fun vampire teeth toys
    • Raisins
    • Juice boxes
    • Glow sticks Offering these also caters to kids with food allergies. And if you're throwing a Halloween party? Serve healthy snacks in spooky packaging.
  2. Switch Up the Candy Bag Ditch those enormous pillowcase candy bags. They just encourage kids to collect (and eat) too much candy. Try theme-related smaller containers that complement the Halloween costumes, like a honey pot for a Winnie the Pooh costume. Plus, the AHA suggests kids pick just one candy from each house - this makes the fun last longer as they can visit more homes.


  3. Handle Extra Candy Smartly Overflowing with candies post-Halloween? Discuss with kids about candy consumption moderation. Some ideas for extra candy:
    • Keep for holiday baking or Valentine's Day treats.
    • Use in arts and crafts or gingerbread house decorations.
    • Donate to homeless shelters, children's hospitals, or even troops overseas.

Remember, Halloween's fun lies in the spooky spirit, not just in the candies. So, let's make it a healthier one!

#HealthyHalloween #AHA #CandyAlternatives #TrickorTreatHealthier



Pro-tip: Engaging in a post-Halloween candy trade or "buy-back" with kids can teach them about value and moderation. Maybe they trade in a certain number of candies for a toy or book they've been wanting.