The Best Sugar-Free Halloween Candies and Treats

I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster, from his slab, began to rise
And suddenly, to my surprise

He did the monster mash
(The monster mash) It was a graveyard smash
(He did the mash) It caught on in a flash
(He did the mash) He did the monster mash

The lyrics to the famous Bobby Pickett sound greeted LJ as he walked into the kitchen. He smiled as he watched Annie dancing. She swung around, caught sight of him, and pulled him to her. “Dance with me, please.”

“Okay, what are we doing?”

“The Monster Mash, in honor of Halloween.”

“This reminds me of the Mash Potatoes,” he said, struggling to keep up. “I get the feeling we’re celebrating something.”

Annie laughed as the song ended, “you’re right; we’re celebrating Halloween and the fact that I found the best sugar-free candies to hand out this year. I struggle with Halloween every year. On the one hand, it is one of my favorite holidays, but I feel like a hypocrite handing out candy I wouldn’t eat myself because of the sugar content, especially knowing parents are left with children who will suffer from a sugar high and cavities.”

LJ nodded, “you’re right, babes. Studies reveal sugar’s negative impact on children’s memory and learning ability, not to mention elevating their risk for fatty liver disease, obesity, prediabetes, and heart disease as adults.”

“Pediatricians say the first two years of a child’s life is when food preferences are hard-wired,” said Annie. “Offering them only whole, nutrient-dense foods during that time can establish long-term healthy food habits, which help maintain normal weight and avoid chronic diseases later in life. Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets makes candy from fruits and vegetables. The sugar-free candy is sweetened with xylitol and erythritol, which have been shown to inhibit bacteria that contribute to the formation of cavities.”

“No kidding?” Let’s order some for our friends.”

“I’ll put it on the shopping list,” said Annie. “But you might also like Zolli Candy. It was explicitly created to enjoy candy without getting cavities. Zolli candy is sugar-free and made with erythritol, xylitol, and stevia. All these natural plant-based ingredients help maintain the pH in our mouths and reduce acidity, the cause of cavities. In addition, Isomalt is another natural ingredient in Zolli candy. It is a low-digestible carbohydrate that helps stimulate bowel movement and regularity.”

“Wow, a candy that has health benefits?” said LJ. “I’ve always been a fan of the good, reliable Peppermint Patty. Hershey now makes a sugar-free version. When you bite into one, you get a mouthful of minty freshness surrounded by rich chocolate. Maltitol is the sweetener in peppermint patties. It is a natural sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables. However, people with diabetes should know Maltitol is a carbohydrate with a glycemic index of 35, which is lower than sugar’s 65; nonetheless, they should enjoy patties in moderation.”

“Got it,” nodded Annie. “Halloween treats don’t always have to be candy. Lots of children like Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers. All the ingredients, except for its real cheese, are made from plants. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives in their crackers. And as far as I’m concerned, goldfish crackers are not just for kids. I like them too.”

” Duly noted, babes. That’s It gets my vote for great sugar-free Halloween candy. And I like the name of the company,” LJ laughed. They are so named because they use few sustainable, earth-friendly ingredients to make their products. For example, their mini fruit bars are made of only two fruits, that’s it! There are no “preservatives, colors, or added sugars through purees, concentrates, and juices.”

“That’s It is a clever name, and I can’t wait to try them,” agreed Annie. You know Halloween treats don’t have to be candy. Some great non-candy treats are:

Halloween sunglasses

Temporary tattoos

Glow bracelets

Monster toys

Silly putty

Slime

There are a lot of parents who prefer the above rather than candy. I think we should mix it up this year and have some sweets and toys; that way, we can enjoy Halloween and not worry about what we are passing out.”

LJ looked at Annie with a strange smile and slowly walked up to her, “In the words of Dexter Kozen,

“Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,
Voices whisper in the trees, “Tonight is Halloween!”

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.