Non-Candy Halloween Treats

Last year, when my son was two years old, my co-workers asked me if I planned to take him trick-or-treating. "Of course, but we'll mainly be tricking," I said. Yes, I'm one of those parents who freaks out about sugar. Not judging anyone else, my husband and I decided that there is no need to introduce artificial sugar into our child's diet - at least not now. So, my son eats waffles, pancakes and toast dry, and he loves them. He eats PB&B (Peanut Butter & Bread sandwiches) and never complains. After all, ignorance is bliss. So, if you're like me and don't believe it necessary to add to the sugar frenzy fest that is Halloween, here are a few non-candy treats you can feel good about giving!

The following are each sold in convenient individual packages:

1. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish S'mores - these sweet treats are whole grain, low-fat and cholesterol free. A mixture of little fish-shaped graham and chocolate flavored crackers with tasty bits of marshmallow, these tasty treats contain about 11 grams of sugar.

2. Pretzels are always a big hit at our house, and UTZ makes seasonal packages of pretzels that come in Halloween themed bags. According to the UTZ website, their pretzels "do not contain any hydrogenated fat."

3. Welch's fruit snacks are just sweet enough and packed with vitamin C. According to their website, Welch's Fruit Snacks are "Fat free", and provide "100% Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin C" and "25% of vitamins A and E." Our favorite flavor is Fruit Punch.

4. Kashi TLC Cereal Bars - Made with "7 Whole Grains & Sesame" these bars are an afternoon snack staple in our house. The Baked Apple Spice and Ripe Strawberry are our faves, and they seem to always be on sell at Target.

5. Any or all of the following are great non-candy treat options: Halloween-themed pencils and erasers. You can get them pretty inexpensively and in bulk at Oriental Trading Co.

http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/ProductDetail.aspx?catID=772&prdID=120854