For many families, Halloween marks the start of the holiday season. Although October 31st is synonymous with candy and other sweet treats, it’s still possible to enjoy the nostalgia of Halloween classic candies and seasonal desserts while remaining mindful. Here are seven ways to put a healthy spin on classic Halloween candies and treats.

#1 Bake Up a Better Batch of Cookies

Halloween cookies are a fun and festive treat to share with family and friends. Bake up a more mindful batch of Halloween cookies by using a grain-free alternative like almond flour or coconut flour then give your cookies a spooky twist with some haunting Halloween designs. Grab your favorite vanilla frosting and spoon it into an icing bag then get creative. Whether you choose ghosts, skeletons or spiderwebs, your Halloween cookies are sure to be “boo-tiful.”  

#2 Create Your Own Candy Corn

Nothing says Halloween like a bag of candy corn. The brown, orange and white colored candies absolutely scream Halloween. Instead of purchasing store bought candy corn, which can be laden with artificial ingredients and refined sugar, create your own candy corn at home instead. This vegan, plant-based candy corn recipe uses fruit juice, natural sweeteners and vegetable juices to recreate this iconic Halloween candy. 

#3 Get Your Ghost On

A Halloween celebration wouldn’t be complete without a couple of ghosts, but not the scary kind, the tasty kind! Dip luscious strawberries in white chocolate then add mini chocolate chips to create eyes and a mouth. Boo! I mean, yum.

#4 Make Homemade Candies

Halloween is a holiday that is all about candy, but just like candy corn, skip the store bought candy and make your own homemade versions instead. There are more mindful options for almost every candy bar out there. Check out some of these classic candies that have been given an elevated (and healthier) twist:

• 4-Ingredient Million Dollar Candy Bar
• Healthier Kinder Bueno Chocolate Bar
• Homemade Paleo Vegan Twix Bars
• Naturally Made Butterfinger Candy Bar

#5 Prepare Your Own Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate peanut butter cups are a favorite Halloween treat for many ghosts and ghouls alike, so recreate this classic candy with your own recipe like these Mini Pumpkin Spice Nut Butter Cups. If you aren’t a fan of peanut butter, use another savory spread like almond butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter. The filling options are absolutely endless!

Tip: Practicing a Keto lifestyle? Try whipping up these French Vanilla Fat Bombs for a sweet Halloween treat.

#6 Swap Candied Apples for Chocolate Apples

Although candied apples are a fall favorite for many, skip dipping your caramel apples in melted caramel that is chalked full of artificial colors, dyes and refined sugars and instead dunk them in melted dark chocolate. Just make sure your dipping chocolate is 70% dark chocolate or above. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, set up a build your own chocolate apple bar so guests can make their own chocolate dipped apples. Include flavorful toppings like crushed nuts, cookie crumbles, shredded coconut, sprinkles and other fall favorites.

#7 Trade Caramel Corn for Maple Corn

Enjoying a bowl of caramel corn is a part of any good Halloween night, but unfortunately the caramel is usually made with corn syrup and loads of refined sugar. Instead, a more mindful option is trading in that bowl of traditional caramel corn for a batch of homemade maple corn instead. Simply pop your popcorn kernels in a tablespoon of coconut oil then add a drizzle (or two) of maple syrup. If you prefer a sweet and salty snack, sprinkle a pinch of pink Himalayan salt so it sticks to the maple syrup and enjoy a bit of salty and sweet together.

Classic Halloween candies and seasonal fall treats don’t have to leave you with a feeling of guilt and an unpleasant stomach ache. Instead, get creative and swap those iconic Halloween classics with more mindful options and Halloween won’t be so scary this year.

Happy Halloween everyone!