Halloween is a holiday that’s all about fun treats. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying traditional candy as part of a balanced diet, it’s also great to have some healthier options that let you indulge while feeling your best. These alternatives offer a more nutritious twist without sacrificing flavor or fun. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, sour, or spicy—here are a few of our favorite simple swaps that will satisfy your Halloween candy cravings!
If you love the rich, nutty sweetness of a Snickers bar, this healthier alternative was made for you. Simply stuff pitted dates with a spoonful of peanut butter, dip in melted dark chocolate, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts! These "Snickers Dates" are naturally sweet and filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a more balanced treat that still hits the spot.
For fans of Sour Patch Kids, try these Sour Patch Grapes for a similar tangy bite. Coat grapes or blueberries in lime juice, roll them in a touch of sugar or monk fruit, and freeze them for a few hours. The result is a tart, juicy snack with less added sugars.
Craving the crunch of a delicious chocolate bar? Date bark is a perfect alternative. Press pitted dates down on a baking sheet, cover with melted dark chocolate, and add your favorite toppings—like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of peanut butter—before freezing. This simple, no-bake treat is full of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
If you love PayDay bars, these Sweet and Spicy Date Bars deliver a similar chewy texture. Just mix together Natural Delights Medjool Date Strips with Tajín with peanuts. Then, drizzle over a honey syrup and top with warm spices like cinnamon and chili powder. Let chill before slicing into small bars. These bars offer a mix of sweetness and spice with only a small amount of added sugar from the honey.
If you’re looking for that same bite-size crunch of M&Ms, give dark chocolate-covered almonds a try. Just coat almonds in melted dark chocolate and place them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. When picking dark chocolate, opt for at least 70% cocoa or higher as research shows it has more flavanols (aka antioxidants) and less sugar content.
Love the fruity flavor and chewy texture of gummy bears? Fruit leathers or rolls are a great swap. To make your own, blend your favorite fruit, spread it thinly on a baking sheet, and bake at a low temperature until it’s dry but still pliable. Cut into strips, and you’ve got a naturally sweet, chewy snack full of vitamins and fiber.
If Hot Tamales are your go-to, try this Spicy Chocolate Date Bark as a healthier option. Simply pour melted chocolate over parchment paper, then top with Medjool Date Strips with Tajín alongside nuts, seeds, pretzels, and Tajín for a kick of heat. To give it even more of that Hot Tamales kick, sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the bark before freezing.
If you’re craving the caramel and crispy crunch of a 100 Grand bar, try these Copycat Date Bars as a wholesome alternative. To make them, blend dates and coconut milk into a “caramel” that’s topped with chocolate and rice cereal before freezing. These bars are rich, chewy, and crunchy all in one.
These easy and tasty candy swaps let you enjoy your favorite treats with more balanced ingredients and less added sugars. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, sour, or spicy, these swaps are perfect for satisfying your cravings this Halloween!
Have a favorite Halloween candy hack that you’d like to share? Tag us on Instagram and TikTok at @ndmedjooldates so we can see what you’ve got brewing for all your ghouls and goblins this year, and we’ll share it on our page!
Mackenzie Burgess, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices. Mackenzie focuses on customizable recipes with ingredients "of your choice." She's passionate about improving peoples’ kitchen confidence through easy meals, kitchen hacks, and her virtual Coaching + Cooking program.