10/30/2024
Try these five less-scary candy alternatives this Halloween so you can stay mindful about managing your weight and still enjoy all of the spooky celebrations.
When you think of Halloween, one of the first things that comes to mind is candy. Typically, Halloween sweets pack a punch in calories, added sugars and unhealthy fats which pose a risk to your waistline and offer little nutritional value. If you love celebrating Halloween but you are trying to be mindful of your weight, do not fear. Here are five less-scary Halloween candy alternatives that can satisfy your sweet tooth without making you feel spooky!
Learn more about the comprehensive weight management program at Nuvance Health
A brief history of Halloween
The celebration of Halloween and the candy that comes with it has evolved over many decades. Halloween’s main origin story began 2,000 years ago in the United Kingdom and in Ireland with the Celtic tradition of Samhain which marked the end of summer and the beginning of the harvest season. The Celtic people believed that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead was at its thinnest during this time. But where does candy fit into all of this, you may be asking?
Related content: 5 Halloween treats that can play tricks with your heartburn
Trick-or-treating for Halloween candy
The idea of trick-or-treating originally comes from the Samhain tradition known as “souling” in which groups of less fortunate people or children traveled door to door collecting trinkets or small bites to eat in return for prayers for the departed souls of the person’s relatives’ who gave out the treats.
Related content: 3 Trick-or-treat safety tips for a healthy Halloween
Irish immigrants eventually brought the traditions of Samhain to the United States and thus modern Halloween was born. In post WWII America it became very popular to hand out cookies, nuts, cakes, toys and even coins to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. The purpose was to deter children from participating in mischievous acts — also a long-time-tradition of Halloween. Rather, the new post war movement focused to promote Halloween’s better half by emphasizing treats and rewarding children for good behavior.
By the 1970s, wrapped candy became the go-to method of distributing treats on Halloween and so the modern tradition was born.
5 less-scary Halloween candy alternatives
You may think that Halloween is just for kids but think again because adults love it too! According to a 2024 consumer survey from Ferrero North America, 67% of adults with children in their household say they planned to buy extra candy during Halloween, “just in case” they run out, but secretly plan to keep a stash for themselves after the holiday. And another 69% of adults say they plan to buy candy this year even if they don’t expect trick-or-treaters.
Related content: Bariatric surgery helps woman achieve dream of having a family
If this sounds like you, don’t fear! Here are five healthy Halloween candy alternatives you can enjoy without feeling scared about spooking out your health this Halloween!
Dark chocolate: Enjoy dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate this Halloween. Dark chocolate has gained popularity due to its numerous health benefits which include; immune system boosting properties, protection against cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and brain-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The bioactive components found in dark chocolate such as polyphenols and flavonoids, contribute to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, making it a functional food that supports weight management and improves lipid blood profiles in your body. Choose dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa. Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate and less added sugar that makes a satisfying Halloween treat!
Related content: Understanding the difference between natural sugar and added sugar
Real dried fruit or fruit-based snacks: Choose real fruit-based teats such as dried fruit or fruit leathers. Snacks such as raisins or apricots are loaded with natural sweetness and fiber. Fruit leathers are a nutritious and sweet candy alternative because they contain dietary fibers, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Make sure to choose dried fruit with no added sugar!
Forget the candied and caramel apples on Halloween and just go straight for the apple! There are hundreds of varieties of apples to choose from and they are delicious as they are sweet!
Related content: Discover the sweet health benefits of apples and an easy recipe
Popcorn balls: Both sweet and salty, popcorn balls are a staple Halloween treat but they are usually coated in a thick sugary syrup containing corn syrup or molasses. Instead, try making your own using almond or another nut butter along with honey as a binder. You can get creative and even use pieces of dark chocolate, cocoa nibs or raisins to craft your healthy popcorn balls!
As a standalone snack, popcorn is quite healthy, containing fiber and antioxidants that have been linked to better blood circulation and digestive health as well as a potential for lowering your risk of certain cancers. Popcorn even has some weight lowering properties compared to other snack foods. Popcorn's high fiber content makes it low in calories and its low energy density makes it a snack food that can aid in weight loss.
Related content: How fiber can help manage your weight and feel full
Pumpkin seeds: If you have ever carved a Halloween jack-o-lantern then you know you are usually left with a lot of pumpkin seeds. But don’t throw them out! Did you know that pumpkin seeds are a significant source of nutrients for your body? Seeds from pumpkins contain nutrients such as carotenoids, a potent antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases and tocopherols which have anticancer properties and may help with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Related content: Discover foods that boost metabolism and promote weight loss
Pumpkin seeds also make a very tasty low-calorie snack! Try making them at home by roasting them in the oven with salt and pepper. You can get creative with the seasonings, adding everything from cinnamon to cayenne pepper!
Trail mix: Trick-or-Treat! Throw everything on this list inside a bowl and voilà, you have trail mix! Add dark chocolate, dried fruit, popcorn ball bits and pumpkin seeds or create your own mix using other healthy ingredients! The varieties are endless.
Related content: Learn what makes this homemade trail mix recipe so healthy
The bottom line: Avoiding Halloween candy shouldn’t scare you out of having fun if you are trying to manage your weight! Remember to try a healthy approach by choosing candy alternatives with ingredients that have health benefits. Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate and treats that are natural like ones made with real fruit instead of sugar. Above all, keep an open mind about which candy alternative treats you choose so you can have fun, stay healthy and stay in the Halloween spirit!