2023 Halloween Treats: The 3 Best and the 3 Worst

For health-minded parents, picking out a Halloween candy can often feel like a choice between two tough options. Go with the traditional sweet treats, or opt for the sometimes “less fun” but healthier option?

The important thing to remember is that when it comes to Halloween candy, there’s no worry that kids won’t end up with enough of the sweet stuff. For parents who are looking to hand out options that offer an alternative treat without the tricky sugar content, there are actually more options than you might think!

Here are a few ideas for well-priced Halloween options that parents can actually feel good about.

LOVE IT!

Popcorn snack packs like Angie’s BoomChickaPop Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn. About 70 calories, 9 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber and 4 grams sugar per pack with ingredients like sunflower oil, dried cane sugar and sea salt.
Apple “Chips” like Bare Snacks 100% apple, with no sugar added!
Non-edible treats! Think Halloween temporary tattoos, bracelets, bubbles, bouncy balls or glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth.

LIKE IT!

Teddy Grahams & Annie’s Bunnies. About 50 calories per pack with 8 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber and 3 grams of sugar.
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish “with whole grain”. As a nutritionally "neutral" option, parents can feel a little bit better when the ingredients include whole wheat flour, cheddar cheese and about 50 calories per pack.
Pretzel packs or Sun Chips. Mostly white flour, but still not a lot of sugar!

HATE IT!

Most chocolate candy bars, and pure-sugar candies like Starbursts, Skittles, Candy Corn and Gushers. Typical ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oil, and artificial food dyes.
“All natural” fruity-sugary candies like fruit snacks and “organic” gummy snacks. Ingredients still typically include brown rice syrup, cane sugar, gelatin and fruit juice.
Chex Mix Muddy Buddies. Made with three different types of sugar and a BHT preservative. The same goes for other “healthier” treats like Rice Krispie treats, “yogurt” pretzels, etc.

A version of this article originally appeared on WGNO's "Love It, Like It, Hate It" segment.