Halloween is a time of joy, celebration, wild parties, costumes and well, candy. Making it the perfect time to take your kids to the dentist for that much-need, hangover-like teeth cleaning. Truth is, candy is the most important thing for a kid at a Halloween party, and to replace it with some tasteless, pathetic excuses for candy is to make them hate Halloween. Well, looks like, although still being candy, there are some tasty alternatives to those sugar-impregnated, teeth-killing, diabetes-causing bombs. Check out these 7 awesome Halloween candy healthy alternatives, and prepare for the spooky feast!
“I love these because they are low in sugar and rich in so many other phytonutrients and antioxidants from cacao, DHA omega-3, probiotics, and coconut oil. With only about five to seven grams of sugar per serving, it’s a great option when craving chocolate. My favorite flavor: toasted coconut!” —Lauren Minchen, R.D.
Per 1/2 bar serving: 140 cal, 9 g fat (6g sat), 12 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 4 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein
“Chocolate covered raisins (or pretzels) can be a good healthy candy option since they satisfy your sweet tooth while cutting back on added sugar and fat compared to other candies.” —Jodi Danen, R.D.N
Per 1/4 cup serving: 170 cal, 8 g fat (5g sat), 27 g carbs, 20 g sugar, 0 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein.
“When I want a candy treat, I reach for decadently delicious Cocomel Bites. These dark chocolate-covered coconut milk caramels are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, organic, and contain real ingredients rather than a bunch of chemicals and food dyes. I definitely believe in indulging in treats as long as you choose something of high quality that gives you pleasure!” —Lindsey Pine, R.D.N.
Per six-piece serving: 120 cal, 3.5 g fat (3.5 g sat), 21 g carbs, 16 g sugar, 400 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein.
“Whenever that craving hits, ask yourself what the most appealing texture and taste to you is at that precise moment. If fluffy and light is what you crave, a 3 Musketeers bar will satisfy. A extra bonus for me is that seven [minis] have 170 calories. Remember to enjoy every bite of those pieces!” —Ximena Jimenez, R.D.N.
Per seven-piece serving: 170 cal, 5 g fat (3.5 g sat), 32 g carbs, 27 g sugar, 80 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.
“I don’t like candies that are low in sugar and fat since they have added ingredients that do nothing to increase satiety—artificial sweeteners may increase appetite because they don’t give your body the same satisfaction as real sugar. One portion of these is six pieces and has 150 calories. Plus, cashews are one of the best tasting nuts and they contain monounsaturated fat, which is good for the heart.” —Ximena Jimenez, R.D.N.
Per 1 ounce serving: 150 cal, 10 g fat, 14 g carbs, 12 g sugar, 160 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.
“Peanut butter is a great snack, but peanut butter covered in chocolate is an even better treat! The dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s are the perfect mix of sweet and satisfying. The dark chocolate coating offers just enough sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth and the creamy peanut butter center provides a hint of protein to satisfy your appetite.” —Shamera Robinson, R.D.N.
Per 3 piece serving: 200 cal, 12 g fat (6 g sat fat), 22 g carbs, 18 g sugar, 110 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein.
“My absolute favorite candy ever. As a die-hard coconut fan, I love the combination of the coconut flavor with the chocolate and the delicious crunch of the almond. While it’s not much, the whole almonds do provide some vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fiber, making this one of my favorite candy bars to truly enjoy and to satisfy my sweet tooth.” —Emily Kyle, R.D.N.
Per bar: 220 cal, 12 g fat (8 g sat fat), 26 g carbs, 20 g sugar, 50 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein.
You cant Miss:
Source: Women’s Health