I went to Target last week and was quickly sucked into the Halloween candy aisle. 
While I avoided the standard Twix and Snickers, I had to grab one of the last bags of Pumpkin Spice M&M’s. They were disappointing and not very good. The hint of pumpkin flavoring was underwhelming it really just tasted like milk chocolate with a little pumpkin pie spice added to it. Save your money and calories for the Candy Corn White Chocolate.
Then I found the “healthy” candy section which took up maybe 1/20th of the total combined space dedicated to sugar.
Pirates Booty can be spotted on the right hand side. I can’t imagine what I would have thought had I received such item while Trick or Treating.
These bags of Kettle corn seemed fun to try but with just 20 bags and a price tag of $6.99, I wonder how many people would actually be purchasing these for these houses. I can see them at home for school lunches with the kiddies but they are not a realistic alternative in my opinion. I do like that there are just 5 ingredients, and they are made with non GMO popcorn!
The pretzels got a makeover at least but still with just 12 in a bag, I doubt people will be handing these out unless they live in a small neighborhood.
Last year, I was sent UnReal Candy to try and it was really good. They make “knock off” candy made with real ingredients. The UNREAL peanut M&M’s were my favorite. Other healthier options like UnReal include Justin’s Nut Butter candies, Newman’s Own Organic Candy, Sun Cups, Qbel Wafer Rolls, however none of these come in fun size portions to my knowledge.
This year I was sent Funley’s Stix in the Mud, individually wrapped chocolate candy, to test out. They sent me three flavors, original, caramel and peanut butter. The peanut butter and caramel were my favorite!
It’s still candy and should be consumed in moderation but it’s nice to have an alternative that does not contain HFCS, trans fat or artificial coloring. Each packet has 11 individually wrapped candies.
Stix in the Mud are sold in any Walgreens locations across the US. They contain approximately 11 pieces and retail for $4.29.
What do you give out on Halloween? Do you buy the more expensive “healthy” candy or opt in for the traditional fun size candy because it’s not you eating it and really, it’s just one day a year? In Boston living on a main street, we do not give out candy so I do not have the option but I would probably buy a bag of candy that I do not like so I would not be tempted to eat it like Starbursts or Skittles I think. Jillian Micheals swaps out her kids’ candy after they have gone to bed with healthier treats. I heard one family whose daughter had severe allergies went around the neighbors and gave them a specific candy to give to their child. This is such a cute idea if you live in a small neighborhood which I did not growing up.
