Does that seem impossible? Maybe just boring? Downright frightening challenge?
It's not. You can still treat the neighbor kids and friends with healthier snacks than you might have in the past. And most of them won't know the difference, but their moms might, and they'll be thankful you made those choices.
We do a lot of our family shopping at Whole Foods since they came to our area a year ago. I like that I don't have to spend time reading labels for ingredients I don't want in my young children's bodies, their selection and quality is amazing. and we've found ways to shop there that have resulted in savings to our food budget (that's a post for another day - promise!). So when they recently asked me to help them get the word out on healthier choices for Halloween, I raised my hand high.
They sent me one of their FEED bags (which proceeds benefits hunger) with these great-tasting treats for Halloween for my family to try and share, along with extras to give away here. See how you can win healthier treats below.
Boo Chips - which are salty, crunchy goodness shaped like festive little ghosts
Valencia orange slices - these have always been one of my favorites but now I don't feel guilty about what's inside when I share them with my daughter.
Yummy
Earth Organic Lollipops - with 14 flavors to choose from, you're sure to please each child. Since their USDA Certified Organic, made from real fruit extracts and free of artificial colors and flavors, you'll please some parents too.
Food Should Taste Good Chocolate Tortilla Chips - I was on the fence on these until we cracked open a bag. Chocolate chips are alright in my book! Great for parties and gatherings. Maybe with a yogurt dip?
Sjaak's Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites - I have one thing to say about these: who doesn't love chocolate and peanut butter?
Gianna's Frog Frosted Sugar Cookies - while these adorable cookies should be too cute to eat, you can't resist them. Best part for this mama (besides the taste): all natural.
A few other healthier-than-usual choices that we enjoy include:
Barbara's Snackimals Animal Cookies - these crunchy cookies like the ones we grew up on but are made with organic ingredients and no trans fats.
FrutaBu Organic Smooshed Fruit Twists - Similar to fruit leather but are twisted up goodness of real fruit
Many schools may be having Halloween parties or Fall Festivals and have likely made it policy that only store-bought items can be shared at these celebrations. I know there's going to be treats at these events that I might not be thrilled with - that's ok. I can feel good knowing that what we bring to festivities and enjoy at home with friends and family are sweet with natural goodness.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
My friends at Whole Foods gave me a FEED bag with Valencia Orange Slices, Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops and Sjaak's Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites to give away to one lucky reader. Interested? I'll draw the name of one lucky person this Friday, October 23rd at noon. To enter, just do one or both (for a 2nd chance to win) of the following:
1. Leave a comment here on the blog post. Need an idea? Tell us your favorite healthy treat for Halloween.
2. On Twitter, share this post or a healthy Halloween tip using the hashtag #healthyhalloween
Could it be any easier? I didn't think so. Good luck!
Wow, Gina - what an awesome gift package. Thanks for sharing the chance to win with your readers :-) We love Boo Chips - and you have reminded me to go out and get some! I find the chocolate tortilla chips intriguing - doesn't sound like a winning combination, except for the sweet/salty flavor combination. One fantastic alternative to handing out sweets is to give out seed packets (flowers, herbs, veggies, etc).
Posted by: Michelle (What's Cooking) | October 20, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Dark chocolate peanut butter bites, mmmm. Sounds so good!
These options certainly sound better than what my mom used to do. She had a friend who was a dentist, and he gave us small tubes of toothpaste to distribute to trick-or-treaters. I told her she deserved it if someone smeared toothpaste all over the lawn, but no one ever did.
Posted by: ms. four | October 20, 2009 at 06:50 PM
I love the organic lollipops!! Our favorite snacks are veggie straws, not great for halloween but still super yummy!!! Great blog, I am excited to see and hear more!!
Posted by: Jodi | October 20, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Tweet!
ptchipsncpcakes #healthyhalloween great giveaway on this great blog for a healthier halloween http://tinyurl.com/yk8vlzl
Thanks for the great giveaway! And by the way, I love my FEED bag too!
Posted by: Jodi | October 20, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Little colorful erasers or temporary tattoos can be exciting, and a change from all the candy they are sorting through! I also like the idea of dark chocolate or the organic lollipops...
Posted by: Ann | October 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM
I have just recently started shopping at Whole Foods. I had seen the organic lollipops but not the other items you mentioned. I'll have to go back soon and take a look. As for healthier Halloween choices, I like giving pencils, stickers, pretzels and popcorn. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Posted by: Amy Dunn | October 21, 2009 at 10:34 AM
what a great idea!
Posted by: Kelsey | October 21, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Tweet, tweet.
freetobefrugal Great @wholefoods Halloween giveaway here. Check it out: http://twurl.nl/vq77gj
Thanks for the second chance at winning!
Posted by: Amy Dunn | October 21, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I love all the additional ideas that everyone is sharing. My kids love getting the temporary tattoos & just put some on the other day that I'm pretty sure were from last Halloween. Great ideas...keep them coming!
Posted by: Gina | October 21, 2009 at 10:45 AM
We get diapers at Whole Foods....so we'll have to try some of these treats. :)
Posted by: Deidre Mattson | October 21, 2009 at 10:46 AM