Susan Mills-Gray, Nutrition Specialist, Cass County Extension Center, University of Missouri Extension
We all know that Halloween is about kids and candy...but you could hand out other treats that may provide vitamins/minerals/ and fiber and be lower in fat and sugar! Now before you start to laugh, I'm not suggesting the typical healthy idea...fresh fruit - we all know that's not a safe option any longer. But there are many individually packaged food items that would make great treat choices for all those youngsters that will visit your front door. I double checked with my 17 year-old, and these suggestions passed the "cool" test with a big thumb's up!
Individually packaged:RaisinsChocolate covered raisinsAnimal crackersPretzelsCracker/cheese packMozzarella string cheeseGold fish crackersTeddy GrahamsMicrowave popcornPeanut butter crackersReady to eat cerealCracker jacksPumpkin seedsGranola barMixed nuts (be careful of peanut allergies)Cheese dipFruit roll-up100% mini juice boxDried fruitGummy candies made with real juice100 calorie packs of various productsBeef or turkey jerkyJello with fruitPuddingApplesauceBean dipTrail mixSugar free gum
If you definitely want to give candy for treats, choose bite-size candy bars based on the least amount of fat and calories for serving. Better choices are 3 Musketeers, 100 Grand Bar, Butterfinger, Milky Way, Raisinets, Starburst, York Peppermint Patties. Also consider dark chocolate versions.
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