Halloween is a time for spooky costumes, haunted houses, and, of course, indulgent treats. While it’s perfectly okay for children to enjoy some candy on this festive occasion, there are also plenty of ways to incorporate healthier options into the mix. Here are some creative and nutritious Halloween treats that kids will love.
1. Apple Monsters
Turn ordinary apples into adorable and slightly eerie apple monsters. Slice apples horizontally into rounds and spread peanut butter or almond butter on one side. Add sunflower seeds, raisins, or mini chocolate chips for eyes and almond slivers for teeth. Top with another apple round for a fun, healthy monster sandwich.
2. Banana Ghosts
Peel and slice bananas in half. Insert popsicle sticks or wooden skewers into the flat end of each banana half to create “ghosts on a stick.” Dip the banana halves in Greek yogurt and add chocolate chips for eyes and a mouth. Freeze for a chilling treat.
3. Clementine Pumpkins
Peel clementines and insert small pieces of celery into the tops to create little “pumpkin” stems. These mini citrus pumpkins are easy to make and provide a dose of vitamin C.
4. Veggie Skeleton
Create a spooky veggie skeleton by arranging baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes into the shape of a skeleton on a plate. Use hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.
5. Witch’s Broomsticks
Make witch’s broomstick snacks by attaching small pretzel sticks to the top of string cheese with a chive or green onion “string.” The cheese acts as the broom’s bristles.
6. Jack-O’-Lantern Fruit Cups
Take clear plastic cups and draw jack-o’-lantern faces on them with a permanent marker. Fill the cups with a mix of fresh fruit, such as orange slices, grapes, and melon balls. Kids can enjoy their fruit while admiring the spooky faces.
7. Mummy Dogs
Wrap whole wheat hot dog buns around turkey or chicken hot dogs, leaving a small gap for “mummy eyes.” Bake until the bread is golden brown. Add small dabs of ketchup or mustard for eyes.
8. Spider Sandwiches
Create spider sandwiches by making mini sandwiches with whole wheat bread, lean lunchmeat, cheese, and your child’s favorite condiments. Use olive slices as “spider legs” by inserting them into the sides of the sandwich. An alternative way is creating an open faced sandwich and cutting the cheese or meat to look like a web, then using the olive to create a spider!
9. Pumpkin Smoothies
Blend up a healthy pumpkin smoothie using canned pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, a banana, a dash of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. This tasty treat provides fiber and protein.
10. Trail Mix
Make a Halloween-themed trail mix with a mix of dried fruit, nuts, and a few dark chocolate chips. Package it in individual bags for portion control.
These creative and healthy Halloween treats are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients for growing kids. Encourage them to get involved in making these snacks, adding an extra element of fun to the Halloween festivities while promoting healthier eating habits.
