Tricks AND Treats: 12 Healthier Halloween Snacks Kids Will Love

It’s officially spooky season! That means Halloween decorations, ghosts, pumpkin everything… and of course, lots and lots of treats.

Let’s be real: seasonal goodies just taste better when they’re shaped like bats, pumpkins, or ghosts. A cute sugar cookie is way harder to turn down than a plain old round one, am I right?

While there’s no need to give up nostalgic Halloween goodies, sometimes you might want to make healthier swaps for candy and baked goods (perfect for classroom parties or gatherings). Here’s a list of fun Halloween treats that offer some health benefits, too:

1 – Apple Monster Teeth

Fun, mostly healthy, and tasty! Use any color apple. Slice the apple evenly and divide the slices into two groups. Spread peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter on one side of every slice. Use one group of slices to line mini marshmallows along the rounded edge, creating a tooth-like appearance. Lay the non-marshmallow slices on top, butter side down, to create a “mouth.”

2 – Popcorn Mix

Popcorn mixes let you get creative! Use popcorn, pretzels, and toss in mini marshmallows, orange and brown M&Ms (or Reese’s Pieces if no peanut allergy), purple and green sprinkles, or even candy corn. Tip: Go light on the candy to keep sugar down. Serve in treat bags, plastic gloves, containers, or a large decorative bowl.

3 – Booo-nana Ghosts

Bananas are kid-approved! One banana yields about four ghosts. Slice a banana horizontally in half, then slice each half vertically once. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze. Coat frozen slices in melted white chocolate, add two mini chocolate chips for eyes, then return to the freezer to harden.

4 – Strawberry Ghosts

Dip fresh strawberries in melted white chocolate. Once set, pipe on faces with melted milk chocolate, edible markers, or add mini candy googly eyes. Optional: Use Halloween-themed lollipop sticks for easier dipping and a fun extra touch.

5 – Cauldron Cereal Mix

Use a plastic cauldron or Halloween bucket. Mix two healthier cereals (like Cheerios or Cinnamon Life) with one fun cereal (Count Chocula, Boo Berry, etc.), a handful of mini pretzels, and a small amount of candy like M&Ms or mini-Reese’s. Go light on the candy to keep it on the healthier side.

6 – Apple Sauce Mummies (or Juice Box)

Wrap an apple sauce squeeze packet or juice box in gauze. Draw eyes on the gauze to create mummy eyes. Easy, fun, and perfect for classroom parties!

7 – Cheese Stick Ghosts

Budget-friendly and quick if your kid needs a last-minute party treat for the classroom! Use individually wrapped mozzarella sticks. Draw ghost eyes and a spooky mouth on the wrapper with a Sharpie.

8 – Candy Corn Fruit Parfait

Love the look of candy corn but not the taste? Layer fruit in a clear jar: start with yellow fruit (pineapple), then orange (mandarins, peaches, mango, or cantaloupe), and top with vanilla Greek yogurt or a little Cool Whip. Festive and healthier!

9 – Pumpkin Fruit Cup

Packable and simple. Use a fruit cup with mandarins, peaches, or mango. Draw a pumpkin face on the lid with a black Sharpie or on the side, and glue a green paper stem to the lid.

10 – Goldfish Bats (or Pumpkins)

Kids can help! Color a clothespin black for the bat’s body, glue on googly eyes, and pinch a sandwich bag of Goldfish crackers in the middle to create wings. For pumpkins, draw a pumpkin face on a bag, fill it with Goldfish, and tie the top shut with green ribbon or a pipe cleaner.

11 – Banana Mummies

Keep the banana and peel intact. Wrap the banana in gauze or fake spider web, then add a face with a Sharpie or googly eyes. Simple and cute!

12 – Frankenstein’s Monster Jello Cups

Use prepackaged lime Jello cups or make your own and pour into plastic cups with lids. Draw Frankenstein’s face and hair on the outside with a Sharpie. Fun, spooky, and kid-friendly!

Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and a little indulgence. Whether you’re making spooky snacks for a classroom, a Halloween party, or just your own kids at home, these ideas prove that festive treats don’t need to be all sugar.

Pick a few favorites, get the kids involved, and enjoy the fun of creative, healthier Halloween snacks. And remember… It’s not about perfection, it’s about balance, fun, and making memories!

Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.