Times Record

Clementine oranges

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When it comes to Halloween, candy is king. But for some, handing out candy to all the kids in the neighborho­od might leave a sour taste in the mouth. Between the one-fifth of kids now affected by obesity and the one-thirteenth of kids affected by food allergies, buckets of candy can put lots of stress on parents trying to keep their kids healthy. This isn’t to say that every house on the block needs to dump the candy for dental floss instead – just that mixing in some healthier items will likely be appreciate­d. Plus, if those alternativ­es stay as tasty as the ones on this list, kids will often be just as happy, and you won’t be labeled the dreaded “dud” house on the block.

If you’re thinking of going the fruit route, consider clementine­s instead of more easily bruised fruit like apples. They’re a sweet treat with huge health benefits like vitamin C. They’re also easy to peel compared to full-sized oranges (and not as heavy), making them perfect for kids to carry and eat all on their own.

Honey sticks

When it comes to sweet stuff, honey is a great healthy snack that can give kids a sugar rush without the added chemicals of many man-made sweets. Honey sticks are a creative and messfree way to provide a little sweetness that easily travels in a trick-or-treat bag. They also come in a variety of fun flavors.

Ideally you should get honey sticks nearby from farmer’s markets or other local stores, as local honey can offer great benefits and protection against allergies. However, there are also some great bee farms you can support online, such as Pearl Honey Spreads, a womenand minority-owned business.

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