Healthy Swaps for Halloween Celebrations

October 26, 2021
by Mary Alice Cain, MS, RD, LD

List of Healthy Swaps with Visuals of Engaging, Healthier Treats Children Can Help Make



This Halloween season, enjoy these tricks for delicious treats that will satisfy your family’s sweet tooth...without overdoing it on the sugar! You’ll howl with delight after preparing these favorites that are sure to suit your little ghouls and goblins.

Pumpkin Seed Granola
Great for kicking off Halloween morning or providing fiber-filled fuel for trick-or-treating, Pumpkin Seed Granola is sure to be a winner among even the pickiest of ghosts.
 
Spread four packets of Imperial Nuts Cranberry Blend on a baking sheet. Add in one cup of Clover Valley Quick Oats and toss all with two tablespoons of Clover Valley Olive Oil and ¼ cup Clover Valley Honey. Sprinkle two tablespoons cinnamon and one teaspoon salt over the mixture and toss to combine. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
 
Homemade Popcorn Balls
This traditional treat adds in simple whole grain ingredients that won’t scare away the kiddos. And, these Homemade Popcorn Balls are a festive and fun way to get those little ones involved in the kitchen! Have them assist in rolling the popcorn to make their very own snacks for Halloween festivities.
 
Heat ½ cup Clover Valley Honey until it simmers, then drizzle over five ounces Good & Smart Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn (one bag), one cup Cheerios, and one cup Clover Valley Mountain Trail Mix. Stir to combine, then place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Remove and roll into bite size popcorn balls.
 
Creepy Crawly Spider Sandwiches
Itsy bitsy spider sandwiches will add a touch of Halloween flair to your young monster’s holiday. This simple snack takes no time to make and offers a nice protein boost for those busy trick-or-treaters.
 
Spread Clover Valley Peanut Butter on Clover Valley Honey Graham Crackers squares then top with a second square. Insert eight (four per side) Munch Rights Apple Cinnamon Baked Puffs into opposite sides of the sandwich to form “spider legs.” Place two chocolate chips for eyes on the front of each sandwich.
 
Mac and Cheese
Need a yummy dinner recipe before they set off to collect candy? This lightened up Mac and Cheese includes a secret Fall-appropriate ingredient. Beef it up by stirring in frozen veggies before popping in the oven, and pre-cook boneless skinless chicken breast to chop and mix into the dish once cooked.
 
Other Homemade Dessert Ideas
While candy will no doubt be in abundance this Halloween, try also offering homemade desserts that are lower in added sugar, such as this recipe for Breakaway Brownie Brittle or these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. And we can’t forget these Secret Ingredient Brownies, though you may wish not to frighten those witches and warlocks by revealing the great surprise in this recipe...  Of course, it’s also ok to indulge here and there. These Boo Cups are a devilishly delicious treat for kids and adults alike. Try swapping in low/non-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk if you’d like to lighten them up a bit.

About Dollar General Corporation 

Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) is proud to serve as America’s neighborhood general store. Founded in 1939, Dollar General lives its mission of Serving Others every day by providing access to affordable products and services for its customers, career opportunities for its employees, and literacy and education support for its hometown communities. As of August 4, 2023, the company’s 19,488 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and pOpshelf stores across the United States and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico provide everyday essentials including food, health and wellness products, cleaning and laundry supplies, self-care and beauty items, and seasonal décor from our high-quality private brands alongside many of the world’s most trusted brands such as Coca Cola, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, General Mills, Hershey, J.M. Smucker, Kraft, Mars, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Unilever.  Learn more at DollarGeneral.com.
 

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