By: Karolina Starczak

Oct 29, 2009

Are trick-or-treaters steering clear of your home after last year’s “treats”? Trying to be health conscious during our yearly sugar-packed feast is admirable, but dental floss belongs next to your toothbrush, not in the candy bowl. This Halloween put oral hygiene on the backburner and give your Halloween treats a makeover or buy these treats for yourself so you won't be raiding your kid's candy stash:

Dark and Scrumptious
Push aside chocolate imposters and cross over to the dark side…of chocolate. Unlike milk-chocolate, dark chocolate has a high cocoa content making it a good source of antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids are beneficial to health due to their heart protective properties and ability to improve circulation. The downside is that dark chocolate may taste bitter, especially to children, so choose something that will still taste great such as Hershey’s Special Dark Miniatures.

Snack to the Basics
Many of our favorite originals like good old Pixy Stix, are naturally low in calories and fat-free. Three Pixy Stix, one roll of Smarties, and one package of Pop Rocks are completely fat-free and contain about 25 calories each. It would take about five and a half packages of Pop Rocks to equal the calories in one can of soda.

The Hidden Fruit
Drying fruit can quickly transform it into a sweet and gummy treat. Products such as Bare Fruit Organic Dried Fuji Apple Chips are made with 100% organic baked-dried fruit. One package is only 29 calories, with no added sugar. The individual packages make it a great alternative for Halloween.

Mini Roughage Package
Looking for something less sweet? Organic PopAlongs from Revolution Foods may just be what you need. Made with whole grains, no added high fructose corn syrup, contains a little extra fiber, and each package is 100 calories or less. Unlike potato chips, PopAlongs are popped not fried, for a crunchy and nutritious treat.

Tempted to create your own Halloween treats? As amazing as your homemade chocolate crispy treats may be, with allergies, food borne illness, and safety concerns, your creation most will most likely not receive parental approval. Save the homemade goodies for family, friends, and of course coworkers.

What is the most creative treat you’ve give out on Halloween?

More on Halloween
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Nutritious Delicious Pumpkins
Candy and Your Workout