As Halloween approaches, the aisles are overflowing with candy, and it’s hard to resist those sugary temptations. While the festive season is a blast, it also tends to be when sniffles and coughs start to pop up. You might think it’s just the change of seasons, but have you considered that the abundance of sugar-laden treats—especially all that leftover Halloween candy—could be a culprit? These sugary snacks not only contribute to inflammation but can also lead to increased mucus production, hampering your body’s natural detox processes.

But fear not! This Halloween, you can keep the fun alive while prioritizing your family's wellness with some cleaner candy options. Here’s a roundup of tasty treats that are as delicious as they are nutritious:

1. YUM Earth Products
YUM Earth has reimagined classic candies, offering a delightful selection that caters to health-conscious candy lovers. With seasonal favorites like organic candy canes for Christmas, this brand is your go-to for guilt-free sweets. Their candies are free from the top 8 allergens—gluten, dairy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and soy—and they steer clear of high fructose corn syrup!

You can find YUM Earth products at Whole Foods, Target, and many local supermarkets. Check out these crowd-pleasers:

• YumEarth Organic Giggles Chewy Candy

• YumEarth Halloween Organic Sour Littles Chewy Candy

• YumEarth Organic Pops Variety Pack

• YumEarth Organic Sour Giggles Chewy Candy

• YumEarth Organic Chewys Fruit Flavored Chews

• YumEarth Chocolate Candies

• YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Gummy Bears

• YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks Box

• YumEarth Organic Fruit Drops Variety Pack - Fruit Flavored Natural Hard Candy

2. Black Forest Snacks
If you're a fan of gummy treats, Black Forest has you covered! Made with real fruit juice, these gummies pack a punch of flavor without compromising quality. Kids love them, and they make for a delightful, chewy snack.
Grab them at Target, Stop & Shop, or online: 

• Black Forest, Juicy Burst Fruit Flavored Snacks

• Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears Candy

• Black Forest Gummy Worms

• Black Forest, Stretch Island Fruit Strips

3. SMART Sweets
Craving something sweet but want to keep the sugar levels in check? Look no further than SMART Sweets! These candies are low in sugar, helping to prevent those pesky blood sugar spikes that can affect mood and focus. With fun flavors like Sweet Fish and Sour Melon Bites, you can indulge without the guilt.
Find them at Target, Whole Foods, or online:

• SMARTSweets Variety Pack Sampler

4. Hu Chocolate
For the chocolate lovers, Hu Chocolate offers a delectable range that’s both delicious and clean. Free from gluten, dairy, and processed sugars, Hu uses non-GMO and fair-trade ingredients to create high-quality chocolate bars and snacks that you can feel good about indulging in.
Check out their offerings at Whole Foods, Target, and online:

• Hu Chocolate Products

5. Rule Breaker Snacks

If you’re searching for a cookie alternative, Rule Breaker snacks are a fantastic option. These plant-based treats are free from dairy, nuts, soy, and allergens, making them a safe choice for many. Made from premium chickpea ingredients and without artificial additives, they are as wholesome as they are tasty!

You can order these online: 

• Rule Breaker Cookies and Brownies

• Rule Breaker Minis Variety Pack (Brownies, Blondies, Birthday Cake)

Building Healthy Relationships with Sweets

As we enjoy the spooky season, it’s crucial to cultivate healthy habits around sweets early on. Teaching kids about the effects of excessive sugar can help them make better choices in the long run. Instead of eliminating sweets altogether, why not replace them with healthier alternatives?

This Halloween, let’s celebrate with treats that nourish the body as well as delight the taste buds!

The brand name snacks mentioned in this blog are based on Jadenae's personal recommendations for healthy options. She does not have any affiliation  with these brands, and is not receiving compensation for mentioning them. These suggestions are solely for informational purposes to support your healthy lifestyle.

Did you find these tips helpful? If you feel you are ready to take a greater step in your health and wellness journey, contact Northport Wellness Center Alliance Member and Board Certified Nutritional Consultant, Jadenaé Trabacchi, NBC-HWC, to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Tel: (631) 484-1127 Email: Ambitiousxnutritious@gmail.com
To Schedule Directly via Zoom: https://calendly.com/ambitiousxnutritious/30min