Fun Alternatives to Candy for Halloween Treats
We want our kids to have fun this Halloween, but we also want to track what they are consuming. Halloween has been a dentist’s worst nightmare for a while. So, what are some alternatives to the candy we give our kids?
When looking for alternatives or a healthier option for Halloween treats make sure you look for two things.
- You must find something with high calcium. Calcium is what makes strong teeth and bones.
- Also, make sure to stay away from sugar as much as possible. Sugar itself isn't necessarily bad for teeth, it’s more so that it is food to the bacteria and that bacteria create an acid that eats away at teeth.
Halloween has created this notion where we load our kids up with sugar, but how is it affecting them? With all the candy that is being put into their system, they’re experiencing an increase in the risk of heart disease, blood sugar problems, and weight gain.
So, to help decrease sugar levels this Halloween and still keep it fun, we’ve come up with a list of (relatively) healthy alternatives to candy.
Pretzels
Decreasing the amount of candy during this season is the main objective. Pretzels do have fiber and have been able to help with digestive issues. And if you still want something sweet while cutting out some of the sugars, you could do dark chocolate-covered pretzels or yogurt-coated pretzels.
Apples
Apples are great for your teeth and the kids will love them! How many other people are handing out fruit at Halloween? This treat is different and will make an impact (hopefully for the better).
Apples are also great because they work out your mouth and help with saliva production. They contain a lot of vitamins that help with gum health while also helping neutralize the acids in your mouth.
Bag of chips
Although they’re not necessarily healthy, they are better alternatives to candy. One small snack bag of chips isn’t too bad especially when it is used as a snack. Limiting yourself is a challenge during Halloween, but your health should always be treated like number one.
Plain nuts and pumpkin Seeds
Nuts are rich in calcium which means that they help prepare tooth enamel. Remind your kids to chew carefully though because applying too much pressure can lead to issues. Not only are they good for your teeth, but they have beneficial impacts on the rest of your body as well.
Pumpkin seeds in particular are a cool treat for Halloween. They fit the fall theme while also being nutritious. They are filled with fiber, proteins, and phosphorus. Pumpkin seeds are filled with antioxidants and are supposed to improve bladder health.
Sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum is a great choice for Halloween candy. It increases the flow of saliva. That reduces the amount of plaque while also strengthens teeth and decreases tooth decay. When looking for sugar-free gum, make sure you find something with xylitol because it diminishes the bacteria that cause cavities.
Plus, what kid doesn’t love gum?
Granola bars
Granola is rich in protein, fiber, and a lot of beneficial nutrients make it such a healthy alternative to Halloween candy. However, you have to watch which granola bars you decide to give out. Granola bars often have a lot of added sugars and salts that can cancel out the effort you’re trying to make by offering healthy alternatives. When buying granola bars make sure you find things with plain nuts, dark chocolate, or dried fruits.
Cheese sticks
Although it might be difficult for the kids to keep cheese in their bags, it’s still a much healthier option than candy. Plus who doesn’t love cheese! Cheese is great for your teeth because it has calcium and helps rebuild tooth enamel while also putting back the minerals that other food has taken from your teeth. This would be the perfect thing to eat after a night of trick or treating.
Fruit snacks
Fruit snacks aren’t exactly healthy, but they are a better option than candy. Plus you can look into which fruit snacks you want to get. Nowadays they sell organic fruit chews that can be filled with tons of fiber and vitamins that aren’t so bad for your body. This option is the closest thing you can get to candy without actually buying it.
Baby carrots
Carrots are such a great alternative for candy. Especially since they come in small portions so that they don’t leave a mess and are readily available. When you take a bite of a carrot you are wiping away the plaque while also enabling healthy gum tissue. Carrots contain vitamin A and keratin which help you maintain healthy skin and gums. Carrots are the best alternative to candy because they are so good for your gums while also maintaining that crunch that we all desire.
Popcorn
Popcorn is relatively healthy for your body. It contains fiber and is low in calories. And it’s a fun treat after a night of trick-or-treating.
However, if you do hand out or get popcorn for your kids, just be sure that you’re aware of the potential problems the kernels can cause. Popcorn kernels can get lodged into your teeth which sometimes leads to issues like teeth decay, tooth loss, and dental abscesses if you don’t get them out immediately. So just be careful and make sure your kids floss nightly.
No matter what happens this season, the best way to deal with Halloween is to teach our children the concept of limits. We can control what they eat, but it’s even better to teach them the values of dental health and how it will affect them throughout their lives.