HARTFORD, Conn. — Halloween is a time of costumes, fun and candy. But it can also be an opportunity to support healthy eating habits and smart treat-choices for families. To help, UConn Extension has released a new fact sheet titled Healthy Halloween Treats, authored by Sharon Gray, a community nutrition educator for UConn Extension.
This new resource helps parents, guardians and community hosts navigate the sugary-sweet holiday with balance and creativity. Key features include:
- Fun, healthier snack ideas for parties — for example “monster mouths” using apple slices and peanut butter, “pumpkin oranges” made from clementines, or banana “ghosts.”
- Healthier items to hand out while trick-or-treating: snack-sized popcorn or pretzels, 100% fruit ropes/leathers, juice boxes, dried fruit, nuts or pumpkin seeds.
- Non-edible but festive “treats” for trick-or-treaters: glow sticks, stickers, mini-toys, crayons or coloring sheets.
- Tips for Halloween night safety and moderation: filling up with a balanced meal before heading out, choosing smaller bags, walking more, inspecting candy, and emphasizing dental care.
- Considerations for children or adults with food allergies (peanut, tree-nut, milk, gluten, chocolate) and handling dental health.
“While it’s difficult to avoid all the sugar and fun that comes with Halloween, a little planning lets us add healthier choices and still enjoy the spirit of the holiday,” Gray says.
The fact sheet is available electronically on the UConn Extension website.
About UConn Extension
UConn Extension, part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut, brings research-based education to communities statewide. From nutrition and health to agriculture, 4-H youth development and gardening, UConn Extension offers Answers You Can Trust.
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