Healthier Halloween Candies to Hand Out This Year

This Halloween, treat all your visitors to these healthier, but equally sweet, candy options. Although other neighbors on the block may be handing out more conventional brands, you can set a good example with these spooktacular treats that are just as fun, but free of unwanted chemicals and additives.

Kids will love these candies for their sweet taste, while adults will love them for the simple ingredients, which means they can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and organic diets—there’s a candy option for everyone! Here are a few solid picks to hand out to trick-or-treaters, or enjoy all to yourself, on October 31.

Gluten-free treats:

Trace amounts of wheat often hide in mass marketed candies, including candy corn and licorice. And children with gluten intolerances shouldn’t have to spend their favorite day of the year worrying about cross-contamination, which many candy manufacturers can’t guarantee. Instead, go for a treat that’s for sure 100 percent gluten-free, such as YumEarth Organics Assorted Lollipops.

Vegan treats:

No need to fear—Thrive Market has plenty of dairy-free options, too. For a creamy treat that’s free of lactose, try Cocomel’s Coconut Milk Caramels. Oprah called them “transcendental,” after all. They also come in other delicious flavors, such as Vanilla and Sea Salt.

Nut free treats:

Fruity candies and gummies are typically the safest bets for those with nut allergies. These Surf Sweets Spooky Spiders and Sour Worms are the perfect festive treats. Need to bulk up because you’re expecting a lot of kids at your doorstep? Take home a few Organic Trick or Treat Packs—each bag holds 20 individual packs of organic gummy bears.

Whatever sweets you choose, make sure to double check the label because nuts can hide in candies when you least expect it.

Organic treats:

Candies can follow the same high standards as organic fruits and vegetables, which means they’re made without artificial ingredients or chemicals. For a sophisticated treat, go for Alter Eco’s Dark Chocolate Truffles or Sea Salt Truffles. Certified organic and fair trade, these treats get their silky texture from coconut oil. (You might even want to save them for yourself while watching a scary movie).

Low sugar treats:

It doesn’t take a superhero to find candy without added sugar that still tastes great. Nutiva’s Coconut Treats are living proof. Sweetened with organic tapioca syrup and with only three grams of sugar per piece, these macaroon-esque treats taste so rich and decadent.

To get the most loot for yourself (think of all the leftovers you’re likely to have), try them all! Each of these treats are delicious and much healthier than most candy brands you might see on store shelves.

And, if you’re looking for more great Halloween ideas this year, try your hand at these 8 Eco-Friendly DIY Halloween Decorations. They’re fun for the kids to make, and will make great decorations for all the trick-or-treaters.