By: Lauren Napierkowski
It’s that time of year again. The pumpkins are carved, the costumes are prepped, and the candy aisles are calling your name like the siren song of your childhood. But this year, in the spirit of elevating everything, you’re asking: can we have a fun, spooky Halloween without completely falling off the health wagon?
Is it possible to enjoy candy without all the sugar crashes and guilt trips? Can we have our cake (or, in this case, candy) and eat it too? The short answer is yes - but with a twist. Enter healthy alternatives that taste just as devilishly good but won’t have you regretting your choices come November 1st. (Because honestly, if I see one more TikTok about a leaky gut and cortisol face, I might scream.)
So, let’s explore how to satisfy that sweet tooth, stay on track with those winter arcs, and still feel like you’re living your best, most fabulous life. No tricks here - just treats.
Lily’s Chocolate: A Love Story
You’ve probably heard of it, but if not - where have you been? Lily's Sweets is like that perfect match you didn’t know you were looking for. Rich, decadent chocolate that won’t have you feeling like you need a nap right after your first bite? Yes, please.
With zero added sugar (thanks to stevia), these little bites of happiness are ideal for the health-conscious Halloween queen. Whether you’re into their salted almond chocolate bars or mini chocolate chips, Lily’s has you covered. They’re sweet enough to satisfy without sending your blood sugar into a frenzy. Think of it as the candy equivalent of finding the perfect pair of jeans - flattering, reliable, and just the right fit.
SmartSweets: The Candy You’ll Actually Feel Good About
Let’s talk about SmartSweets. They're basically the candy that’s doing the most without compromising. These gummies, with 3 grams of sugar per bag (compared to the typical 40 grams you’ll find in the regular stuff), are the perfect example of how to indulge in candy without letting it take over your life. I mean, how many times have you grabbed a handful of gummy bears and suddenly found yourself in a sugar coma on the couch? That won’t be happening anytime soon with these candies.
With flavors like each peach ring, sour blasts, and gummy worms, SmartSweets has your back. Low in sugar, high in fiber, and packing a punch of flavor - these are perfect for stashing in your trick-or-treat bag. Or, you know, your work bag because you can’t resist.
UnReal Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Chocoholics Rejoice
Peanut butter cups are classic, but those sugar-filled ones are like that toxic ex you just can’t shake. But then, BAM - UnReal comes along with their peanut butter cups made with fair-trade chocolate and organic ingredients. Plus, they’re free of junky additives, so you can snack without the side-eye from your gut later.
These are seriously the real deal when it comes to satisfying that peanut butter chocolate craving without feeling like you need to drink a gallon of water afterward. It’s like enjoying a piece of luxury without the price tag - fancy, right?
ChocZero: The Dark Knight of Healthy Candy
Now, if you’re a fan of dark chocolate and want something more, let’s say, “demure” for your Halloween festivities, ChocZero has you covered. Their sugar-free chocolate is perfect for anyone who has a strong love for that rich, intense flavor - without the sugar overload. Plus, it’s sweetened with monk fruit, so no crazy blood sugar spikes here.
ChocZero also has a variety of goodies from chocolate bars to bark and even chocolate-covered almonds. So go ahead, make Halloween your personal chocolate-fueled fantasy - and feel good about it.
Skinny Dipped: The Sweet Snack That's Actually… Skinny?
Let’s talk about Skinny Dipped, shall we? These little gems are a revelation. Imagine chocolate-dipped almonds (or cashews, or peanuts, depending on your vibe) that are thinly coated, not drowned in sugar. Think of them as the Audrey Hepburn of candy - refined, sophisticated, and undeniably fabulous. You get the creamy richness of chocolate but without the overwhelming sugar rush. It’s like something went, “How do we make chocolate even better, but smarter?”
With flavors like Dark Chocolate cocoa, Yogurt Covered Blueberry, and even White Chocolate Raspberry, Skinny Dipped is ideal for those moments when you want a snack that feels indulgent but also leaves you feeling like you've just made a power move. These treats are made with simple, real ingredients and are gluten-free, non-GMO, and packed with protein, making them the perfect option for Halloween when you want to feel sweet but still keep your health on track. It’s the candy version of sipping your kombucha while everyone else is on a pumpkin spice latte bender.
No Tricks, Just Treats
As much as we love classic fun-sized Snickers (who doesn’t?) - we’re living in an era where you can have your candy and eat it too. With options like Lily’s, SmartSweets, UnReal, ChocZero, and Skinny Dipped, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. Halloween can still be your time to shine, sugar-free guilt and all.
So go ahead, stock up on these treats, and leave the king-size Costco variety pack on the shelf. Just remember: Halloween is about having fun, not about feeling like you have to choose between being fabulous and staying healthy. Why not both? After all, we can use a little more sweetness in our lives - without the post-candy shame spiral.
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