Last updated on August 19th, 2022 at 10:44 pm
I know Halloween is synonymous with candy, candy and more candy. And sugar. It’s just the nature of the beast. I deal with it and get over it. But if you’re looking to make your spooky holiday a little less traumatic for your green side, there are treat options that cater to those of us who want to stick to something more organic and natural… even if it is just for once a year. It’s not easy to find this stuff, and most of the time, not cheap. But I know some of you are looking for options so here’s my picks:
Divine Chocolate 70% Dark Chocolate Fair Trade Bites – These are as good as it gets with non-GMO soy emulsifiers, real vanilla, and fair trade ingredients from Kuapa Kokoo, a cooperative of small farmers in Ghana. (I swear I’m not being sarcastic, that’s what the description says!) These individually wrapped chocolates are the perfect size for treat bags, parties or just for yourself when you need a chocolate fix. They are $14.99 per half a pound bag (about 50), not cheap like the high fructose corn syrup stuff at Walmart but if this is your thing, this is the way to go. For an organic version they also carry these Equal Exchange 55% Dark Chocolate Bites which are Organic & Fair-Trade and they cost a tiny bit less at $13.49 per 1/2 pound bag.
Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops in Bulk – This is usually what I use… its a little more affordable, more natural and every kid likes lollipops regardless of their organic status. $12 gets you 2 pounds of these and that yields quite a few lollipops. I use leftovers for trips to the bank (so I don’t feel bad turning down the nice lady behind the drive through window) or for airplane travel (keeps them busy). I usually have enough leftover for the Valentine’s Day celebrations that come later on. Yummy Earth also makes hard candy which you can buy in bulk amounts as well. Surf Sweets used to make lollipops that I actually liked better but I can never find them anymore. Surf Sweets does have individual bagged candy that includes gummy worms which would be fun too.
Glee Gum Minis – These tony boxes of natural gum are so cute! No high fructose corn syrup or dyes. It’s still a sugary treat but better ingredients overall. Each little box contains 4 pieces of gum and they come in a variety of fun flavors: Bubblegum, Tangerine and Triple Berry. You can get a bag of 21 boxes for about $6. These are also great for birthday party goodie bags and Valentine’s day. Glee Gum is: Vegetarian, Additive Free, Lactose Free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Casein Free, Egg Free, Yeast Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, and Peanut Free. I think that covers all the bases.
Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Halloween Treats – Individually wrapped squares of milk chocolate . $6.99 gives you a bag of 24 pieces of 48% cocoa containing deliciousness. These treats are certified gluten-free and kosher and the company boasts ethical trading practices. They are the perfect size for trick or treater bags and should be enough for all your visitors. I don’t think this costs much more than what you would spend at Target buying their bulk candy this time of year.
What If I Don’t Want to Give Out Candy?
That’s totally reasonable (just hope no one eggs your house … kidding… sort of). My son has been just as happy receiving Halloween pencils, erasers, little notebooks, bouncey balls, etc. None of those are particularly earth friendly but it won’t rot their teeth. (Unless you opt for eco-friendly pencils!)
Don’t forget to try out some safer face paints for your kids costumes this year too.
What are your ideas for a safer, greener Halloween?