Halloween can be a sugary holiday, and as is tradition, the kids will be out in full regalia hunting the sweetest, sourest, stickiest treats in the neighborhood. While we all know candy is dandy, it’s our duty as parents to do our best to balance out the sugar blast that is Halloween candy with some healthier alternatives.
With a little imagination and creativity, we can trick the kiddos into some treats that aren’t so helpful to forming cavities as all the chocolate, gummy bears and other sugary snacks they’ll be bagging and bringing home Halloween night.
Here’s our top five favorite nutritious Halloween treats you might consider this year!
Monster Teeth
If the lil’ monsters are looking for a scary smile that doesn’t involve cavities, then this is the answer you’re looking for. Slice apples into wedges, and then arrange them to look like open mouths. Use slivered almonds or sunflower seeds to make “teeth”.
Banana Ghosts
Spooky fruits and a little bit of chocolate? That’s how you win over those skeptical spectres who don’t think healthy treats can be tasty and fun. Peel bananas and cut them in half. Use chocolate chips or raisins to create a ghost face on the cut side of the banana.
Veggie Skeleton
Make veggies ghoulishly fun with an edible arrangement fit for the creepiest creepers. Arrange various chopped veggies such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes to form a “skeleton” on a large platter. Use a small bowl of hummus or guacamole for the “head”.
Stuffed Peppers
If your kids missed the Great Pumpkin again this year, soothe their disappointment with mini versions that are packed full of goodness! Hollow out orange bell peppers and carve little Jack-o’-lantern faces in them. Fill them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a healthy stuffed pepper.
Popcorn Hands
This classic is sure to put a fun feel in your cauldron. Fill clear plastic gloves with air-popped popcorn. You can tie them off with a ribbon and add a small spider ring for a festive touch.
Pro tip: remember, you can use natural ingredients to add color and Halloween flair without adding too much sugar or artificial flavors.
In the aftermath of the great Halloween sugar rush of 2023, reach out to us here at Cochran, Soares, and Associates Pediatric Dentistry and we can set up appointments for cleanings, check-ups and more. Our award-winning, board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists provide compassionate care with exceptional qualifications. Call 904-733-7254 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.