It's that time of year when Halloween treats are lurking around every corner trying to lure us into indulgence.
What’s even scarier is their tiny or mini sizes give the treats the appearance of being innocent with negligible calories.
If you're going to indulge in these little treats it's important to PROCEED WITH CAUTION because they often pack more of a caloric punch than ever imagined!
Whether or not a Halloween treat is a healthy option or something special to have, you first have to decide if your daily nutrition goal can afford the calories.
Spooky Halloween Treat Details
Once you decide to proceed, knowledge is half of the battle.
Let's take a look at some of the most popular candies we see advertised, sitting in pretty bowls on peoples' desks, in trick-or-treat bags and bowls, and at pretty much any place that sells candy.
Keep an eye on the fact that, depending on how many of the smaller treats you eat, they can actually add up to more calories than the full size version of the treat!
Note: Any links or product names in this blog are not an endorsement and do not provide any income or products for this website or blog. If interested, please see Disclaimer link at the end of all blogs for more details.
3 Musketeers – fun size
- Serving size: 3 bars
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 6 grams
3 Musketeers – minis
- Serving size: 7 minis
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 5 grams
3 Musketeers – FULL size candy bar
- Serving size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 7 grams
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – FULL size pack
- Serving size: 2 pieces (1 pack)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 13 grams
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – miniatures
- Serving size: 7 miniatures
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 13 grams
Hershey Kisses – special dark chocolate
- Serving size: 9 pieces
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 7 grams
Hershey Kisses - filled with caramel
- Serving size: 9 pieces
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 9 grams
Hershey Kisses – Pumpkin Spice
- Serving size: 9 pieces
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12 grams
Milky Way- original minis
- Serving size: 5 pieces
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 8 grams
Milky Way- original fun size
- Serving size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 6 grams
Milky Way- original FULL size bar
- Serving size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 9 grams
Snickers – original miniatures
- Serving size: 4 bars
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 8 grams
Snickers – original fun size
- Serving size: 2 bars
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 8 grams
Snickers – original FULL size bar
- Serving size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12 grams
Butterfinger – original FULL size
- Serving size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10 grams
Butterfinger – original fun size
- Serving size: 2 bars
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 7 grams
M&M’s – milk chocolate FULL size
- Serving size: 1 bag
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10 grams
M&M’s – milk chocolate fun size
- Serving size: 1 pack
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 7 grams
M&M’s – milk chocolate peanut FULL size bag
- Serving size: 1 bag
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 13 grams
M&M’s – milk chocolate peanut fun size
- Serving size: 1 pack
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10 grams
Not So Spooky Options
Candy fix with a little less damage
Werther’s Original Caramels - Apple filled
- Serving size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 7 grams
Apple Slices with Litehouse Low Fat Caramel Dip Singles
Keep the skin on the apple for a great source of fiber, a decent amount of vitamin C, antioxidants, and much more.
- Serving size: 1 (2-ounce container caramel dip)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 3 grams
- Serving size: 1 small raw apple with skin
- Calories: 77
- Fat: 0 grams
Link to caramel dip product. https://www.litehousefoods.com/products/low-fat-caramel-dip-singles
Mini Popcorn Balls
I’m always reminding people that popcorn is a whole grain, so popcorn balls can be a great Halloween treat! The recipe link below can be improved by using a healthy butter alternative and a little less salt. Be aware that one of the reviews for this recipe cautions that, when forming the balls, you need to be careful because the mixture is very hot to the hands. To protect your hands, I recommend wearing heavy rubber gloves sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or using a large cookie scoop to form the popcorn balls. Enjoy!
- Serving size: 1 Bite-Size Ball
- Calories: 64
- Fat: 4 grams
Link to recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bite-size-honey-popcorn-balls
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds*
With all it has to offer, this healthy option stands completely apart from the usual sugar laden Halloween treats and, at the same time, provides a fantastic crunch! Besides many other nutrients, roasted pumpkin seeds offer nice amounts of fiber, protein, magnesium, manganese, iron, Vitamin K, and phosphorus.
- Serving size: 1 ounce or (28 grams) or (2 Tablespoons)
- Calories: 146
- Total Fat: 12 grams
Link to recipe for Do It Yourself Roasted Pumpkin Seeds http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/toasted_pumpkin_seeds/
*Nutrition information is approximate due to specific amounts being dependent upon the recipe used. Source: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3164/2
Healthy Halloween Treats Recipes
This link is to 10 Healthy Halloween Treats for Kids but these treats will be a hit for all ages! http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-halloween-treats-for-kids.aspx#01