Not all Hallowe’en treat have to be filled with food coloring and copious amounts of sugar. I know, I know, it’s once a year and the sugar they consume isn’t the end of the world. But there are a number of these “once a year” events and they add up.
The thing with sugar is that the more you eat the more you crave, making for a harder cycle to break. Hallowe’en is great—my girls get to dress up as their favorite movie character, animal or scary ghost. The amount of candy they get after a few hours can last them weeks and for many kids who are allergic to popular treats at Hallowe’en may get very little treats to enjoy. There are lots of alternatives to hand out or trade in for your children. These are some of our family favorites.
Xylitol Lollipop
Out of all the candies, the one I just cannot stand to hear my kids ask for is a lollipop or sucker. All I can think of is how sticky lollipops are and how my kids are just sucking on pure sugar (and normally not even real cane sugar). Well these lollipops are still sticky but they are sweetened with Xylitol. Xylitol is actually good for your teeth making this treat easy choice.
Organic Jelly Belly
Who doesn’t like a good jelly bean. We all know Jelly Belly’s from the mixed bag of flavours; some amazing and some taste like poop. But now they have an organic Jelly Belly line and they are tasty. You can be happy knowing your favorite jelly bean is now USDA-certified organic made with non-GMO ingredients.
Annie’s Bunny Gummies
These fruit snacks are delicious and fun. Parents can be happy about the 100% daily value of Vitamin C in many of the flavors, made with real fruit juice, NON-GMO verified, certified organic, gluten-free, with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Even better is that they are vegan- friendly as they use pectin and not gelatin.
Smart Sweets
Kick Sugar and Keep the candy. Smart Sweets are high in fiber, naturally sweetened and free from artificial sweeteners and colors, peanut, tree nut, dairy, lactose and soy. These tasty gummies check all the boxes.
It is hard to feel good about giving kids candy, but with these choices parents and kids alike will be happy! If you didn’t read the ingredients you would never know that these sweet alternatives are healthier than the alternative.