Your kids are probably excitedly anticipating Halloween and everything that comes with it — the trick-or-treating, the parties, and of course, the candy. But most parents are also equally dreading the candy and sugar overload that’s about to come their way.
One of those sources is bound to be the classroom Halloween party, where cupcakes and cookies will definitely not be in short supply. So we’ve come up with a few healthy Halloween treats treats you can bring to the mix. We’re not trying to be a party pooper — just try to fit in an apple or some cheese alongside that Snickers bar.
Check in with your child’s teacher
But before you go shopping for any of these ingredients, remember to check with your child’s teacher first. They may have specific rules regarding classroom parties: what types of food (if any) are allowed and when it will be served or distributed.
Most importantly, they may have guidelines to ensure the safety of children with food allergies.
“Many popular Halloween candies contain common allergens like milk, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Smaller packages may not be well-labeled, and seasonal packaging can make identification difficult. If in doubt, don’t give it out,” Tara F. Carr, MD, wrote for the University of Arizona Health Sciences.
Healthy halloween snacks and treats
Sugar-free Halloween class party: Ideas for non-food treats
Consider bringing a non-food treat to your kid’s Halloween party. Things like stickers, pencils, and erasers are fun things kids love to receive — and won’t have them missing their candy at all.
Mom Sarah Hatfield has a list of non-food treats, and suggests glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets — a great idea, as these can also be worn while trick-or-treating. But she also cautions against overloading parents with too many Halloween-branded toys.
“My kids aren’t thrilled to bring a ghost pencil or a jack-o’-lantern eraser to school once Halloween is over. As for me, I don’t need anymore tiny plastic toys in our house,” Hatfield wrote on Go Dairy Free. “Most of the items on the list are what my friends and I lovingly refer to as ‘consumables’: They get used up and thrown away instead of languishing forever in a drawer or toy box.”
