The 10 Best-Tasting "Healthy" Halloween Candies, Ranked by a Dietitian

Alani Gummi Gummy Bears ($35 for a 12-pack)

These candies come in super cute packaging, which immediately earns it some brownie points (gummy point?). While this candy is lower in sugar and has an impressive 7 grams of fiber, they are made with artificial ingredients. Plus, they're made with gelatin, which isn't a bad thing, but it makes these candies not vegan-friendly. They also come with a hefty price tag.

Taste-wise, I found that these gummies are a bit harder than a traditional gummy, so not a perfect swap in my book. But in a pinch, I would happily eat these again.

Masah: Chakra Caramels: Root Chakra, Apple Cinnamon ($13)

For caramel lovers, these are gluten-free, plant-based, essential oil-infused & "reiki-charged" (per their website) caramels. Each caramel is made with organic ingredients, leaning on a base of coconut milk & coconut sugar. Plus, the food-grade essential oils they choose are created in a base of MCT oil.

While some may be turned off by the 9 grams of added sugars, it isn't a negative in my book. I like the taste of real sugar over sugar alternatives. And the sugar source is organic coconut sugar, not high fructose corn syrup found in many traditional caramels. While these may not be an ideal candy to pass out to kids on trick-or-treat night, they are a nice addition to a balanced diet, especially for those who are focused on holistic well-being.

They taste surprisingly like an old-school saltwater taffy, and the apple cinnamon variety smells like a perfect mug of apple cider. After a bit of chewing, I did get a hint of essential oil flavor, which I can't decide if that's a good thing or not. And like the Alani gummies, these do come with a hefty price tag, costing over $11 per each five-piece pack. I'll be reserving my remaining taffys to enjoy mindfully with a cup of tea.

Fruit Riot: Sour Grapes ($8)

Anything that includes real fruit as a main ingredient is already a winner in my book. And that's the case with Fruit Riot. These candies are basically frozen grapes that are coated with lemon juice and a sour coating, resulting in a frozen treat that delivers all the sweet/sour goodness of a Sour Patch Kid, but with a base of real fruit! Each serving contains 7 grams of sugar, with most of that coming from the natural sugars found in grapes. And y'all — these treats are SOUR!

I love the ingredients Fruit Riot uses and, as much as I may sound like a broken record, I have to reiterate how much I love the fact that these are made from actual fruit. (Fruit Riot also offers mango, pineapple, and flavored grape options.) And since they're frozen, this snack may be a great choice for people who have a habit of overeating treats, as eating too many at once will likely result in a brain freeze. The only reason these treats didn't get a higher rank is because they must remain frozen, so they aren't an ideal food to pass out on Halloween. But they are really good, especially if you are a sour candy fan.

Skinny Dipped: Maple Crunch ($29 for a five-pack)

I'm loving the fall vibes that this maple-forward snack offers. These maple crunch almonds are both savory and sweet, with just enough "candy" coating to make this nosh taste more like a treat than a nutty snack. Almonds are an ideal snack for those who are focused on their health, thanks to the antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and protein they provide. So, if getting people to eat more almonds means offering a maple-forward snack that is made with a little added sugar, so be it. Bonus? This snack is made with quality ingredients and nothing artificial. These are 100 percent dietitian approved, at least according to this dietitian.

Smart Sweets: Sourmelon Bites ($35 for a 12-pack)

If you can't already tell, I'm a big sour candy fan. While these aren't exactly as craveable as my beloved OG Sour Patch Kids, they do satisfy a sour/sweet craving. They're made with stevia, which isn't an unhealthy choice, but can be a little polarizing taste-wise. (FWIW, my taste buds prefer other sweetener choices, which is partially why this treat came in at #6 instead of #1. I fully understand that stevia lovers may disagree.)

These provide 6 grams of fiber and 0 grams of added sugar, making them an ideal choice for people who are managing their blood sugars. But if you aren't used to eating a lot of fiber in one sitting, start your Smart Sweet journey slowly, as 6 grams of fiber in one sitting may result in some surprising GI effects among those who aren't used to that boost.

Patience Sour Cran (Raspberry Flavored) ($3)

Another fruit-based candy that I'm 100 percent here for. These candies lean on the natural tartness of cranberries along with some other ingredients to make them even more sour and candy-like. But unlike traditional sour candies, these only contain 3 grams of added sugar per serving. They come in a variety of flavors, but I'm partial to the raspberry one, which offers just a hint of that yummy berry flavor.

For people who don't tolerate a lot of fiber, keep in mind that each serving provides a whopping 14 grams of this nutrient, which is kind of a lot! While I experience zero tummy trouble when I eat these, I would be remiss if I didn't at least suggest avoiding trying them for the first time if you know you won't have access to a restroom shortly thereafter.

Numa Foods: Strawberries and Cream Taffy ($4)

Think old-school Laffy Taffy, but without the neon artificial colors and overly sweet taste, and you have Numa Foods Taffy. Holy cow these are good, with the Strawberry and Cream being my number one pick. When I enjoy these, I don't feel like I am sacrificing on taste or consistency. Dare I say, these actually taste better than the OG taffys? They taste both sweet and creamy at the same time, and they provide some fiber and protein to boot! These contain 50 percent less sugar than leading brands, and I truly can't even taste the difference.

HU Kitchen: Salty Dark Chocolate Snack-Size Bar ($3)

Unfortunately, many higher-quality chocolates aren't made in snack-sized bars. And snack-sized treats are a must over Halloween Time. That's one reason to love these Hu Bars, which come in mini sizes — but there are many, many others too. On the list: they're USDA-organic, Fair-Trade Certified, made with just four simple ingredients, and are free of refined sugar, cane sugar, sugar alcohols, dairy, palm oil, gluten, and soy. Since they are made with 70 percent cacao, we can assume this snack is a source of powerful antioxidants, which may support many aspects of our health, including brain health. These are a more indulgent chocolate bar alternative than the traditional Halloween chocolates we typically pass out, which are made with lower-quality ingredients (and a lot of sugar).

UNREAL Halloween Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups ($28 for two boxes)

These cups are made with dark chocolate, organic peanut butter, and 36 percent less sugar than the OG version, but IMO they taste just as good. These come in single-serve packages (checkmark for Halloween celebrations), their outer packaging is Halloween-focused (checkmark for Halloween celebrations), and they come in a classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate that people expect during this holiday (do I need to say check mark again?). Clearly, the Halloween packaging played a big part in this ranking, but the taste is dynamite.

YumEarth: Halloween Organic Gummy Fruits ($30)

YumEarth nailed it in the better-for-you candy department that is Halloween-focused, tasty, and fun. These gummies taste just as good as the super-sugary versions you find in many Halloween candy bags, but they are free from anything artificial. They do contain added sugars, so don't assume because they are better-for-you that you can have unlimited quantities. BUT, if you're focused on candies that are USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan-friendly (gelatin-free), and free from high fructose corn syrup, these are for you. I also doubt your house will get egged if you hand these out on Oct. 31, which is certainly a positive thing.

During my search for the best-tasting better-for-you candies, I found some Halloween-themed snacks and treats that aren't technically considered candy, but they are worth mentioning, since they are delish, made from quality ingredients, and come in super-cute Halloween-themed packaging.

Better-For-You Granola Bars

Zbar Halloween Minis Spooky Choco Chip ($10 for 20 bars) are soft-baked bars with a classic chocolate chip cookie taste. These bite-sized bars are made with organic oats and other plant-based ingredients. These bars are USDA Organic certified, non-GMO, and they come in the cutest Halloween-themed wrapper.

Better-For-You Popcorn

Instead of candy, popcorn can be a fun option as a Halloween treat. Not only is the Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn, Halloween 24-count ($16) come in Frankenstein-themed packaging (so cute!) but the bags are filled with whole-grain popcorn made with coconut oil and a sprinkle of Himalayan pink salt. This snack is USDA Organic certified, certified gluten-free, and non-GMO. And they are incredibly satisfying to nosh on.

Better-For-You Oat Bites

These Bobo's Halloween Chocolate Chip Oat Bites ($8 and up) come in the cutest bat-themed packaging, making them a fun addition to Halloween celebrations. They are gluten-free, they contain 15 grams of whole grain per serving, and are non-GMO. Each bite tastes kind of like a hearty chocolate chip muffin.

Choosing a healthy candy can certainly serve its purpose. But do you have to swap out your beloved Swedish Fish with a lower-sugar and higher-fiber version? Not necessarily.

It's essential to recognize that a balanced diet allows for moderation and occasional indulgences, including traditional candy options. The key is to enjoy sweets in moderation while ensuring they fit into a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. By focusing on overall dietary patterns rather than individual restrictions, it's possible to enjoy a variety of treats without compromising nutritional goals.

But if you're just as satisfied enjoying a better-for-you choice than an OG version, or you have a dietary restriction that requires you to avoid certain ingredients like sugar, artificial dyes, or allergens, making that swap is unlikely to result in any negative effects, and it may help support your healthy lifestyle. Plus, it's always nice to include a variety of options in your trick-or-trick offerings, so all the little gremlins and goblins who show up at your door have a chance to enjoy a sweet treat this Halloween.

Lauren Manaker (she/her) is an award-winning registered dietitian and freelance writer who is passionate about providing evidence-based nutrition information in a fun and interesting way. Lauren is a PS Council member.