As October rolls in, so does the excitement of Halloween! With spooky decorations, thrilling movie marathons, and an abundance of candy, it’s a time filled with sugary delights. But healthier candy alternatives are available to indulge your sweet tooth without guilt. We’ve gathered insights from registered dietitian Maggie Michaczyk on Halloween’s best healthier candy brands.
Mindful Candy Choices
Halloween can be fun for candy lovers, but it’s essential to be mindful of what goes into those treats. When picking out healthier candy, Michaczyk advises checking the labels for high fructose corn syrup and sugar alcohols. These ingredients can lead to digestive issues and are often found in traditional candies. The good news? You can still enjoy tasty treats that are kinder to your body.
UNREAL: Chocolate Lovers’ Delight
If you’re a fan of chocolate, UNREAL has you covered with its delicious and healthier alternatives. Their products contain up to 51% less sugar than conventional brands, and they use only organic, sustainable, and non-GMO ingredients.
Two standout options are the Halloween Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars. Both options are made without artificial ingredients, making them guilt-free for your Halloween stash.
Intelligent Sweets: Guilt-Free Gummies
Intelligent Sweets is a fantastic option for those who love gummies but want to avoid the sugar overload. They offer a low-sugar version of classic candies like Swedish Fish, gummy bears, and peach rings. Unlike many candy brands, Smart Sweets doesn’t include sugar alcohols, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without the discomfort that often accompanies them.
Justin’s: Nut Butter Bliss
Chocolate and peanut butter are classic combinations, but Justin’s takes them to the next level. Their nut butter cups, including almond, cashew, and peanut, come in various flavors and are made without preservatives or hydrogenated oils. This means you can enjoy a delicious treat from high-quality, sustainable ingredients.
YUMEARTH: Allergy-Friendly Treats
With food allergies on the rise, YUMEARTH has made it their mission to create organic and allergy-friendly treats. Their candy is free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes, using simple, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. They offer a range of candy, including lollipops, gummy bears, chocolate, and more, making them a versatile choice for trick-or-treaters.
Surf Sweets: Surf’s Up with Organic Candy
Founded by two surfing enthusiasts from California, Surf Sweets prioritizes high-quality, allergy-friendly, and organic ingredients. Their range includes tasty treats like cinnamon bears, fruity bears, and gummy worms. With a focus on fun flavors and clean ingredients, Surf Sweets is perfect for those looking for healthier candy options.
Cocomels: A Plant-Based Caramel Delight
Regular caramel can be loaded with sugar, but Cocomels offers a healthier alternative. Their products are plant-based, organic, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly. Using coconut milk instead of dairy, Cocomels are a deliciously unique treat that includes toffee bites, chocolate-covered squares, and sea salt bites—perfect for satisfying your caramel cravings without guilt.
Ocho: Organic Chocolate for All
True to its name, Ocho stands for organic chocolate. Their product line includes an array of flavors, such as caramel, peanut butter, and peppermint. All Ocho candies are gluten-free and free from artificial ingredients, making them a delightful treat you can feel good about enjoying.
SkinnyDipped: Lightly Dipped Snacks
For those who love a crunchy snack, SkinnyDipped offers gluten-free and kosher options. Their almonds, cashews, and peanuts are dipped in a thin layer of chocolate or yogurt, significantly reducing sugar compared to traditional candy. These snacks provide a satisfying crunch without the guilt.
BEAR: Fruity Alternatives
BEAR offers a healthier twist on classic fruit snacks if you enjoy fruity. Their products contain only simple, all-natural ingredients, making them a great alternative to high-sugar options like Fruit by the Foot. BEAR snacks are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy fruit without the excess sugar.
Annie’s: Real Fruit Goodness
Another fantastic fruit snack brand is Annie’s. This brand uses real fruit juice and avoids artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and synthetic colors. Its wholesome products cater to those seeking a healthier way to satisfy their sweet cravings.
Red Vines Made Simple: A Classic with a Twist
For licorice lovers, Red Vines Made Simple offers a healthier take on the classic candy. This non-GMO version uses natural sugar and contains only five simple ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a nostalgic treat while being mindful of your health.
Little Secrets: Chocolate Reimagined
Little Secrets brings you fair trade certified chocolate that’s low in sugar and made with non-GMO ingredients. They produce a variety of chocolate snacks, from crispy wafers to cookie bars, all without artificial colors, flavors, or sugar alcohol.
Free2b: For Peanut Butter Cup Fans
Finally, if you’re a fan of peanut butter cups, free2b offers a delicious chocolate line made with simple ingredients. Their products are free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives, making them a smart choice for anyone who wants to indulge responsibly.
Conclusion
You don’t have to choose between enjoying candy and maintaining a healthier lifestyle this Halloween. With these 13 brands, you can treat yourself to delicious, lower-sugar options without worrying about a sugar crash or digestive discomfort. Whether you prefer chocolate, gummies, or fruity snacks, a healthier candy choice awaits you. So, as you prepare for a spooktacular Halloween, consider filling your candy bowl with these nutritious alternatives. Happy Halloween and happy snacking!
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