5 Simple “tricks” to reduce Halloween candy calories and still treat yourself

If you’re frightened of Halloween candy calories sneaking up on you, here are some creative tips to help you navigate the season with smarter choices!

1. Keep tempting Halloween candy calories out of the house

If you struggle with weight or are just trying to make healthier choices, do yourself a favor and don’t buy your favorite sweets for trick-or-treaters. Leftover candy means temptation within easy reach. Why do that to yourself?

Research shows that the U.S. population consumes over 300% of the recommended daily intake of added sugars—including sources like candy and sugary beverages.

If you buy candy, choose less appealing ones to reduce the temptation and empty calories.

2. Choose healthier alternatives to candy

You may love the trick-or-treat Halloween tradition, but perhaps it's time to stop buying sugary treats and go the non-traditional route. All that sugar is no good for adults, teens, or children, anyway. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few treats, but no one needs a pillowcase full of candy.

Instead of traditional candy, consider these healthier alternatives:

• Popcorn
• Sugar-free gum
• Whole-grain granola bars
• Small packs of dried or freeze-dried fruit
• Mini pretzel bags
• Fruit leather strips
• Applesauce pouches or no-sugar-added fruit cups
• Dark chocolate squares

These options tend to be lower in sugar, more filling, or contain beneficial nutrients. And don’t worry; no one will boycott your house. Kids and their parents will appreciate the variety!

3. Try non-food Halloween treat ideas

Treats don’t have to be food. One study found that kids are just as likely to choose a toy as a candy option. Try offering non-food trick-or-treat alternatives like stickers, crayons, erasers, bubbles, and other small, inexpensive goodies.

Check out the Teal Pumpkin Project for more non-food treat ideas. This initiative promotes non-food treats for kids with food allergies. The bonus of giving out non-food treats: no tempting candy in the house!

4. Beware of fun-size or mini-Halloween treats

Enjoying just one mini or fun-size candy bar won’t likely result in “spooky” results the next time you step on the scale. But will you stop at one?

One mini-size candy bar contains about 30-50 calories, and fun-size bars contribute about 60-90 calories each!

Candy bars that contain chocolate or nuts are typically higher in calories than hard or chewy confections such as taffy, suckers, and licorice. Unfortunately, none are good for your teeth, offering only empty calories.

Most of the minis and fun sizes appear in MyNetDiary's database. Remember to track even the most minor bites of candy. Practicing moderation and mindful eating can prevent you from sabotaging your health goals.

5. Don’t let leftover candy lurk in your kitchen

If you have Halloween candy leftover from your purchases or your trick-or-treaters, consider what you will do with the excess. Perhaps you can try these innovative ideas.

Keep it out of sight

Don’t let a bowl of uneaten candy “haunt” you, for your willpower may fade. Store the candy out of sight–on a high shelf or in the freezer.

Donate leftover candy

This is a surefire strategy for handling excess candy and getting it out of the house.

Many dentist offices collect extra Halloween candy for cash or dental supplies. Ask your dentist if they offer this type of exchange program. For a more charitable route, donate your candy to Treats for Troops.

People experiencing food insecurity need nutritious food instead of empty calories from Halloween candy, so please avoid donating candy to food banks.

Repurpose your treats

Leftover chocolates may be enjoyed in portion-controlled servings or repurposed into functional and crafty items to use throughout the year. Check out the spooktacular ideas below.

• Chop chocolate bars into small pieces, place them in baggies, and freeze them for special treats throughout the year.
• Use crunchy goodies as toppings for yogurt or add-ins to smoothies.
• Add chopped candy bars to cookies or pumpkin or banana bread instead of chocolate chips.
• Make a custom trail mix by combining candies with dried fruit, pretzels, and nuts.
• Use hard candies to decorate a gingerbread house or make Christmas tree ornaments.

It's okay to toss it

If no one will benefit from extra Halloween candy and freezing isn’t an option, throw it out. It's a sunk cost, but think of all the Halloween candy calories you’ve avoided! Next year, just buy less candy, or don't buy any at all.

Enjoy your Halloween!

With a little planning, you can enjoy Halloween without worrying about those pesky Halloween candy calories. Whether indulging in a few treats, swapping in healthier alternatives, or opting for non-food treats, you’re in control of your holiday! Happy Halloween!

Adapted from original content by Katherine Isacks, MPS, RDN

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Holidays / Parties->Halloween