Over 30 Halloween Treats That Aren’t Store-Bought Candy

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids—costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and, of course, treats. But as parents, many of us want to mix things up beyond handing out the usual fun-size (or if you’re rich, king-sized ;)) candy bars. If you’re hoping to reduce sugar overload, avoid allergens, or simply surprise trick-or-treaters with something memorable, there are so many creative alternatives.

This year, skip the endless candy stash and try out these cute, affordable, and fun Halloween treats that aren’t traditional store-bought candy. From homemade goodies to non-food treasures, we’ve rounded up 31 ideas that will make your house the must-visit stop.

Why Skip Traditional Candy?

Before we dive into ideas, here are a few reasons why parents are moving toward candy alternatives:

• Health concerns: Too much sugar can cause meltdowns, cavities, and upset stomachs.
• Allergies: Nuts, dairy, and gluten make many candies off-limits for kids with sensitivities.
• Practicality: Many alternatives double as toys, keepsakes, or snacks kids can enjoy later.

Don’t worry—you don’t have to go full “no sugar.” These ideas include edible snacks, homemade fun, and non-food trinkets to give kids variety.

Edible Alternatives: Sweet but Smarter

1. Mini Popcorn Bags

Buy plain or flavored popcorn and divide it into small Halloween-themed bags. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for an especially festive twist.

2. Trail Mix Pouches

Mix pretzels, raisins, sunflower seeds, and mini chocolate chips (nut-free if needed). Kids get a crunchy, sweet-and-salty snack that feels special.

3. Fruit Leather Rolls

Individually wrapped fruit leathers are naturally sweet and easy to share. Bonus: they last a long time in the treat bag.

4. Granola Bars

Mini granola bars (store-bought or homemade) are hearty, allergy-friendly, and feel like a real snack, not just a sugar rush. There are often themed options for the holiday at the store, or customize with fun orange and purple colors while baking at home.

5. Apple Chips

Bags of dried apple slices or chips are both tasty and extra fall-themed. You can even make your own with cinnamon in the oven.

6. Rice Krispies Monsters

Shape homemade Rice Krispies treats into squares or balls, dip in melted colored chocolate, and add candy eyes. Cute, portable, and fun. You can also customize them into other shapes, like ghosts in white chocolate! 

7. Ghostly Bananas

Dip half a banana in yogurt or white chocolate, freeze, and add chocolate chip “eyes.” Great for parties or neighbor kids you know well.

8. Jack-o’-Lantern Oranges

Draw jack-o’-lantern faces on clementine peels with a marker. Healthy, adorable, and totally Halloween. Or, peel them and shape into a pumpkin to serve with other snacky appetizers! 

9. Pumpkin Muffin Bites

Bake mini muffins in pumpkin liners, double bonus if they’re pumpkin flavored. These work well for class parties or small gatherings.

10. Pretzel Brooms

Stick a pretzel rod into a small string cheese to make a “witch’s broom.” Wrap in a napkin for safe handouts.

Savory Options: Because Not All Treats Are Sweet

11. Mini Cheese “Ghosts”

Individually wrapped cheese sticks or Babybels are practical, protein-packed, and a big hit with older kids. Use chia seeds to make little ghost faces before serving! 

12. Veggie Chips

Prepackaged veggie chips (like pumpkin or sweet potato) add a seasonal, savory flair.

13. Goldfish Crackers

Check your local store for Halloween-themed Goldfish bags—they’re orange, cute, and crunchy.

14. Popcorn Balls

A nostalgic treat! Drizzle with yogurt, white chocolate, or other toppings to look like spider webs and other spooky elements!

15. Pretzel Bats

Dip pretzel sticks in chocolate and attach mini cookies as “wings” to make little bats.

Non-Food Treats: Allergy-Safe Fun

For kids with food allergies—or just families who love a break from sweets—non-food treats are a lifesaver and still fun on the holiday!

16. Glow Sticks & Bracelets

Always a hit on Halloween night. They double as safety gear and a fun toy, and can be added to Halloween costumes.

17. Stickers

Halloween stickers come in huge packs for cheap, and kids love decorating notebooks, water bottles, or their treat bags.

18. Temporary Tattoos

From pumpkins to bats, these add instant excitement to any treat bag.

19. Pencils & Erasers

Halloween-themed pencils, spooky erasers, or pens are useful long after the candy is gone.

20. Mini Notebooks

Hand out small Halloween/fall journals for doodles and notes—kids love them. They can use their fun new pencils and erasers, too! 

21. Slime or Putty

Tiny tubs of slime, play-dough, or putty keep kids busy long after trick-or-treating. Add themed charms for extra fun.

22. Toy Rings or Bracelets

Plastic spider rings or glow-in-the-dark bracelets are cheap, fun, and perfect for the night.

23. Bouncy Balls

Halloween-colored bouncy balls are small, affordable, and universally loved.

24. Lego Minifigures

A little pricier, but if you want to be the coolest house on the block, mini building kits or Lego figures are unforgettable.

25. Fake Vampire Teeth

A classic non-candy treat that doubles as part of their costume. I loved these as a kid! 

Homemade Treats for Parties

For trick-or-treat, packaged options are safest. But if you’re hosting a party or handing out treats to neighbors you know, homemade goodies add a personal touch.

26. Monster Cupcakes

Frost cupcakes in green or purple, add candy eyes, and pipe silly monster faces.

27. Caramel Apple Slices

Skewer apple wedges, dip in caramel, and drizzle with chocolate or sprinkles.

28. Spooky Trail Mix Jars

Layer popcorn, pretzels, and candy corn in mason jars tied with orange ribbon.

29. Halloween Bark

Melt chocolate or your alternative, swirl in candy corn and pretzels, then break into shards.

30. Pumpkin Rice Cakes

Top rice cakes with peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter) and add raisin or chocolate chip “faces.”

31. Haunted Hot Cocoa Packets

Make DIY cocoa mix in baggies or jars, add marshmallows, and attach a Halloween tag. Perfect for cozy November nights.

Tips for Parents

• Label allergens: If you hand out homemade snacks to friends, label clearly for nuts, dairy, or gluten, or ask about allergies beforehand. 
• Mix it up: Offer both food and non-food treats so all kids feel included.
• Think portion size: Mini is usually better—kids get dozens of treats, there won’t be a shortage! 
• Get kids involved: Have your kids help decorate treats, bags, stickers, or labels for extra fun during prep.

Final Thoughts

Halloween doesn’t have to be all about candy bars. With healthier snacks, creative DIY treats, and non-food goodies, parents can make Halloween fun, inclusive, and still delicious. These ideas add up to 31 ways to celebrate without the sugar overload—and ensure your house is remembered as the one with the coolest treats on the block!