Halloween Candy

Halloween has become the second most commercial holiday in America, after Christmas. Americans spend billions each year on costumes, décor and of course candy. We spend over two billion dollars on Halloween candy each year. What’s at the top of that list? Chocolate! The National Confectioners Association (NCA) reveals, without surprise, that chocolate is the favorite Halloween candy by over 70% of Americans. According to the NCA, chocolate makes up ¾ of a trick or treater’s candy collection.

Most everyone gives away candy or chocolate. With childhood obesity on the rise and so many allergic reactions to food additives consider giving out something different this year. Here are some suggestions for healthier Halloween giveaways.

Bags of Organic popcorn which are gluten free and not full of white sugar
Bags of Pretzels, all natural trail mix or sunflower seeds
Bags of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies which have no MSG, corn syrup, fake coloring or artificial flavor
Boxes of Organic Raisins
Clementines
Organic real fruit lollipops
Organic, Fair trade individually wrapped chocolates, if you want to give out chocolate.

If you want to give out commercial candies, pick brands that do not contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors. 

Don’t over buy because you’ll wind up eating all those left over treats. Candy can last up to six months so don’t allow children to eat all their candy right away. Monitor their candy intake and let it be a teaching opportunity for self-discipline and a lesson in health. Rather not trick or treat? Then host a fun party for the neighborhood, friends or your child’s class. Here are some ideas.

Host a Pumpkin Carving Party – Prizes for the most creative, the ugliest and the best-carved jack o lantern. Everyone votes anonymously for someone other than his/herself.

Host a Costume Party – Make Halloween themed food and have a contest bobbing for apples or swinging at a ghoulish piñata.

Host a Movie Party – Guests come dressed in costume or mask and watch a flick. Pick a movie genre…scary movies like the 1978 classic Halloween or Tales from the Crypt. Or a Halloween movie like It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or The Nightmare Before Christmas.  Or pick a funny movie like the Mel Brooks Classic Young Frankenstein, Beetlejuice or Edward Scissorhands.

Host a Halloween Craft Party – Check out ideas on Pinterest, Martha Stewart or your favorite craft site.

Halloween is here to stay, enjoy it with friends and family while being safe and healthy.