Best Alternatives For Halloween Sweets
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Halloween is a particular time of year for kids, and one of the best parts is all the candy they get to eat. However, as any parent knows, too much sugar can lead to a sugar high that is difficult to come down from. That's why it's essential to have some alternatives on hand for when your child can't resist dumping their whole Trick or Treat bag into their mouth at once.
For example, instead of candy, you could give out small toys, stickers, or temporary tattoos. You could also get creative with healthy treats like mini pumpkins, apple slices, or fruit leather. (how long does fruit leather last?) And let's not forget about the importance of quality over quantity. A few well-chosen treats will be appreciated far more than a huge stash of subpar sweets. So this Halloween, get creative with your goodies and think outside the candy box!
Here are some of the best Texas mom-approved alternatives for Halloween sweets:
Healthier Treats
Texas is well-known for its love of all things sweet, and Halloween is no exception. Every year, children across the state don their costumes and head out in search of candy. However, kids have difficulty finding treats they can enjoy with food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Other than candy, there are different ways to celebrate Halloween. These Texas-approved alternatives for sweet treats will satisfy the cravings without sacrificing taste or tradition!
Natural Fruit Leather
The great state of Texas is home to some pretty amazing fruit. That said, making homemade fruit leather can be a great alternative to traditional candy - perfect for those with food allergies or other dietary restrictions who have a hard time finding treats they can enjoy.
Fruit leather is made by dehydrating fruit puree and then rolling it into a thin sheet. It is chewy and naturally sweet, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy trick-or-treat option. Plus, it's easy to make at home, so you can be sure that your child is getting a treat that meets their specific needs.
There's nothing like Texas-grown fruits to make into fruit leather. So watch out for delicious and nutritious fruits that are in season in Texas, and grab them at your local farmers' market.
Googly-Eyed Monster Apples
When trying out alternatives for Halloween candy, nothing beats apple slices with googly eyes sticking out of them. These "monster apples" are a fun and healthy alternative to traditional candy. And they're not just for kids; many adults also enjoy them.
The googly eyes can be made from edible materials, so there's no need to worry about them falling off or being swallowed. And the apples themselves are packed with nutrients and fiber, making them an excellent snack for kids and adults.
Due to the number of apple varieties, you should first determine what you plan to do with the apples before purchasing. Here's a quick guide to apples and determine which apple to pick for the right situation.
Homemade Juice
What could be more practical than a refreshing, homemade juice to help quench your thirst after a long night of Halloween fun? Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with your juicing recipes, using spooky Halloween-themed containers to serve your delicious creations. For example, add some orange and black streamers to regular plastic cups for a festive touch, or try using hollowed-out pumpkins or apples as cups.
For an extra-special treat, frozen juice pops are always a hit with kids of all ages. Pour your favorite juice recipe into popsicle molds or small plastic cups, insert sticks, and freeze. Homemade juice is a healthy, delicious, and practical way to enjoy Halloween fun - and quench your thirst after a night of trick-or-treating!
Texas has an incredible selection of fruit in season during different times. There are blueberries, watermelons, and mangoes, to name just a few! Find out what's available at any given time with the TexasRealFood promptuary.
Banana Ghost Lollies
Ghost bananas (how long do bananas last?) are a fun and easy treat to make for Halloween. Cut a banana in half and insert a lolly stick in between. Freeze the bananas until solid, then dip them in white chocolate. Add chocolate chips (how long do chocolate chips last?) for the eyes, and your ghosts are ready to haunt your trick-or-treaters! These spooky treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
The wide variety of bananas can be overwhelming. But don't worry, the TexasRealFood promptuary is here to help!
Snack-O’-Lantern Fruit Cups
Halloween is a time for fun, and what could be more fun than snack-o'-lantern fruit cups? These simple yet festive treats are perfect for both kids and adults. To make them:
Slice off the top of an orange and hollow out the inside.
Use a sharp knife to carve your spooky designs into the sides of the orange.
Once your design is complete, fill the orange with chopped fruit and replace the top.
That's it! You now have a healthy and delicious snack that will surely put a smile on everyone's face.
Did you know that oranges were the top citrus product for Texas before the Ruby Red grapefruit mutation was discovered? Find out more about oranges at the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
Non-Edible Toys
We all know the overwhelming amount of candy the kids receive for Trick-or-Treat. But, if you want to think outside the box, you can explore fun and creative non-candy treats to hand out on Halloween. These unique treats are great to hand out, and the kids will also enjoy them long after Halloween!
Slime
One of the highlights one can receive on Halloween is a big ooey-gooey bottle of slime. Slime is icky and creepy, making it the perfect addition to any Halloween loot bag. Plus, it's easy to make! You can get the kids involved and make it a fun family project.
All you need is some clear glue, glitter, food coloring, and a few other household ingredients. Mix everything, and you'll have a batch of slime perfect for your Halloween festivities. It's sure to be a hit with the kids!
Stickers
One way to make Halloween a little easier is to forego the candy and opt for stickers instead. Stickers are a fun and safe alternative to candy that the kids can trade and collect with friends and siblings. In addition, they're less likely to end up under the couch or in the trash can (although they can end up ON the trash can). So grab a few packs of unique stickers and watch the kids go crazy! They'll have so much fun collecting and trading them that they won't miss the candy.
Bubble Blowers
Children of all ages love bubble blowers, making them the perfect addition to your trick-or-treat bags. Halloween-themed bubble blowers are a great way to keep kids entertained throughout the evening and even long after the Halloween festivities have ended.
Bubbles are always a hit with kids, and they'll be sure to enjoy chasing and popping them for hours on end. Plus, bubble blowers are inexpensive to entertain large groups of children.
Foam Masks
Foam masks are a great alternative to candy treats, and they can provide hours of imaginative play for kids. In addition, they're easy to make and can be customized to fit any budget. So whether you give away a superhero, a monster, or a classic character from literature, the kids will have hours of fun playing with their new disguise.
Temporary Tattoos
If you're looking for a fun and creative alternative to candy for your Halloween loot bags, look no further than temporary tattoos!
Kids love expressing their creativity with temporary tattoos, and they make a great addition to any Halloween costume. Plus, they're a total hit with trick-or-treaters! They're sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!
Summary
Halloween in Texas is a time for fun, fright, and, of course, candy. While store-bought treats are always an option, homemade goodies can be just as delicious and are often more budget-friendly. So whether you're looking for some last-minute treats to hand out on Halloween or want something fun to make at home, we hope this list has given you some fun ideas for the whole family. Check out our other posts for more recipes and tips, and have a spooktacular Halloween!
Healthy and Halloween are two words with the same letter that do not always go together. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. Check out this TexasRealFood post on Healthy Halloween Snack for Kids for unique and unforgettable food options this Halloween!
