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Your kids are probably excitedly anticipating Halloween and everything that comes with it — the trick-or-treating, the parties, and of course, the candy. But most parents are also equally dreading the candy and sugar overload that’s about to come their way.
One of those sources is bound to be the classroom Halloween party, where cupcakes and cookies will definitely not be in short supply. So we’ve come up with a few healthy Halloween treats treats you can bring to the mix. We’re not trying to be a party pooper — just try to fit in an apple or some cheese alongside that Snickers bar.
Check in with your child’s teacher
But before you go shopping for any of these ingredients, remember to check with your child’s teacher first. They may have specific rules regarding classroom parties: what types of food (if any) are allowed and when it will be served or distributed.
Most importantly, they may have guidelines to ensure the safety of children with food allergies.
“Many popular Halloween candies contain common allergens like milk, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Smaller packages may not be well-labeled, and seasonal packaging can make identification difficult. If in doubt, don’t give it out,” Tara F. Carr, MD, wrote for the University of Arizona Health Sciences.
Healthy halloween snacks and treats
Try these healthy ideas for your kiddo’s class party. They’re easy to make, and you might even have all of the ingredients on hand already.
Spider Crackers
Spread cream cheese or peanut butter on a cracker. Break pretzel sticks in half and gently press them into the spread. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a second cracker and place it on top of the first. Make eyes with raisins. Get the recipe at La Jolla Mom.
Witches’ brooms
Cut cheese sticks in thirds and slice them up on one end to look like a broom. Push a pretzel stick into the other ends and tie a small piece of chive around the cheese for decoration. Get the recipe at Cocinando Con Catman.
Caramel Apple Nachos
Neatly display apple slices on a plate, then drizzle caramel, melted marshmallows, and chocolate chips on top. Get the recipe at Butter with a Side of Bread.
If you’re worried about the caramel, hear what one dentist has to say about this Halloween favorite.
“My favorite treat on Halloween is a little sweet and a little naughty: caramel-covered apples,” Dr. Joyce Kahng, cosmetic dentist and assistant professor at the USC School of Dentistry, told Insider. “Although the caramel is sticky, the apples are crisp and help to clean the surfaces of the teeth. I think Halloween is to be enjoyed, and I don’t mind indulging every once in a while.”
Gluten-free and nut-free Halloween treats
Note: While these foods are gluten- and nut-free, check the labeling on your particular brand to make sure there is no chance of cross-contamination from being processed in the same facility as nut or gluten products.
Orange Jack-o’-Lantern: Scoop the insides of an orange out, cut out cute pumpkin faces, and then fill with your fave fruit. Delicious and adorable! Get the recipe at Chocolate-Covered Katie.
Cheesy Ghost: Nothing can be quicker than this healthy treat. Simply draw a ghost face on a cheese stick with a Sharpie. Instant ghost. Get the how-to at Toddler Approved.
Mandarin Orange Cups
Another super-easy treat to make that kids will love. Simply buy prepackaged mandarin orange cups, and use a Sharpie to draw a jack-o’-lantern face on top. Make a few extra to put into their lunches the day after, too. (Tip: Look for mandarin oranges packed in water for lower sugar content.) See how easy they are to make at The Modern Mom Life.
Tangerine Pumpkins
Peel tangerines and stick a small piece of celery on top and you have an instant healthy pumpkin kids are sure to dig. Get the recipe at Handmade by Kelly.
Kiwi-stein
These little kiwis turned monsters will have little ones clamoring for more. Get the how-to at Two Healthy Kitchens.
SunButter Rice Krispy Treats
These classroom safe snacks from SunButter are as delicious as they look! Plus, they require no baking!
Sugar-free Halloween class party: Ideas for non-food treats
Consider bringing a non-food treat to your kid’s Halloween party. Things like stickers, pencils, and erasers are fun things kids love to receive — and won’t have them missing their candy at all.
Mom Sarah Hatfield has a list of non-food treats, and suggests glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets — a great idea, as these can also be worn while trick-or-treating. But she also cautions against overloading parents with too many Halloween-branded toys.
“My kids aren’t thrilled to bring a ghost pencil or a jack-o’-lantern eraser to school once Halloween is over. As for me, I don’t need anymore tiny plastic toys in our house,” Hatfield wrote on Go Dairy Free. “Most of the items on the list are what my friends and I lovingly refer to as ‘consumables’: They get used up and thrown away instead of languishing forever in a drawer or toy box.”
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
