Two things I associate with Halloween every year are the piles of candy and the stomachaches that follow after eating them. In an effort to eliminate this negative feeling that comes as a consequence of indulging in too much candy, I went on the hunt for healthier Halloween candies I could substitute for the classic ones I crave every year. The candies I found taste just as good — and won’t make you regret all your decisions right after.
YumEarth Organic Pops
I am a sucker for lollipops (no pun intended). I usually go for DumDums, but when I found out the amount of sugar one lollipop had, I found this much healthier alternative. These vegan pops are made with no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial dyes, both of which are linked to several health problems like heart disease. It is made completely with simple and organic ingredients. In addition, it is non-GMO and free from the top 8 most common allergens. I tried two of the flavors: strawberry smash and mango tango. They were sweet, flavorful, and tasted very similar to actual fruit.
Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
If you like Reese’s peanut butter cups, this organic substitute is for you. Justin’s uses less sugar and only has organic, gluten-free ingredients, such as dark chocolate, peanuts, and cane sugar — all ingredients you can pronounce. It also uses palm oil, which is non-GMO and non-hydrogenated. Palm oil is free from cholesterol, a substance that is harmful for the heart. These cups are decadent and rich in flavor. Also, dark chocolate is proven to be healthier than milk chocolate and can also lead to weight loss.
Organic OCHO Coconut Bar
For those of you who aren’t peanut butter fans or allergic to peanuts (like me) but still adore chocolate, you came to the right place. These coconut filled chocolate bars remind me of York chocolate, but, in my opinion, are a lot richer in flavor. Their chocolate bars are organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO. They do not have high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or preservatives. In addition, they are fair trade so you are not only getting the benefits of choosing a healthier candy, but you are supporting sustainability efforts. If you aren’t much of a coconut person, they have a variety of flavors, such as caramel and peppermint.
RedVines Made Simple
I never knew until now that Red Vines created a healthier alternative to their classic red licorice twists. RedVines Made Simple are only 100 calories and made with real cane sugar and natural berry fruit flavor. They are fat free, kosher certified, non-GMO, and have no high fructose corn syrup. They have less carbohydrates and sodium amounts than the original RedVines. I think they taste pretty close to the original: they have the same texture, and although the taste is a little more subdued than the classic ones, they still satisfy your need for those red licorice twists.
Satisfying Those Cravings
All these options are not only organic and clean, but are affordable and can be found at your local Whole Foods market. These healthier Halloween candies will make your day just as sweet, with no regrets.
Photos taken by Maggie Dungey.