With Halloween and the holidays just around the corner, it may seem like sugary treats are everywhere. Now is the perfect time to make the swap to candy that’s both delicious, lower in sugar and better for your health.

Making better choices, like opting for low-sugar and lower-calorie options, is essential—especially for women over 40—as it helps manage blood sugar levels, prevent unwanted weight gain, and reduce inflammation, all of which are key for maintaining hormone balance during perimenopause and beyond.

These better-for-you options aren’t just great for personal health—they’re also perfect for family gatherings and holiday occasions, allowing everyone to enjoy sweet treats without the sugar overload all of which can lead to energy crashes, mood swings, and long-term health issues.

Here are 5 brands that offer healthier alternatives for you and your family to enjoy this season.

1. SmartSweets​

​SmartSweets is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy classic gummy treats without the sugar overload. With up to 92% less sugar per 50g serving than traditional candies, they offer a delicious way to indulge in favorites like gummy bears, sour blast buddies, and licorice, making it a perfect swap for traditional high-sugar snacks. Whether you’re craving something sweet or seeking a healthier option, these low-sugar candies provide the same delicious flavors without the guilt.

2. Lily’s Sweets​

​Lily’s Sweets offer a range of chocolates and peanut butter cups sweetened with stevia and erythritol, making them a lower-sugar alternative to traditional candy. Using stevia and erythritol instead of traditional sugar helps reduce calories, manage blood sugar levels, and support weight management, all while avoiding inflammation and promoting better oral health. These natural sweeteners offer a healthier alternative without sacrificing sweetness.

In addition to being low in sugar, Lily’s strive to make their products with Non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients, and are always sweetened without refined or processed sugars. A perfect option for Halloween or any occasion when you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar spike.

3. ChocZero​

​ChocZero offers a range of sugar-free chocolates sweetened with monk fruit, including festive Halloween treats like chocolate pumpkins. Monk fruit is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for those managing diabetes or looking to reduce sugar intake. It’s also free from the aftertaste common in other sweeteners and contains antioxidants.

These chocolates are not only free from sugar but also high in fiber and gluten-free, providing a healthier alternative to traditional candy. In addition to chocolates, ChocZero, also offers a range of cookies, syrups, and spreads so you can indulge a little while enjoying the added benefits of no sugar and extra fiber, making it a perfect choice for guilt-free snacking during the holiday season.

4. Unreal Snacks​

​Unreal Snacks offers a delicious range that includes chocolates, like peanut butter cups and chocolate gems, that are both low in sugar and made with fair trade, non-GMO ingredients. They also offer a large range of vegan and dairy-free chocolate options. These treats are perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of indulgent chocolate while sticking to a cleaner ingredient list, you can satisfy your sweet cravings without the added sugar or artificial ingredients.

5. HU Kitchen​

​HU Kitchen offers paleo-friendly, low-sugar chocolate options that are sweetened naturally with coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. It also contains small amounts of minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium, offering a slightly more nutritious alternative to refined sugar.

Their selection, including chocolate-covered nuts and rich dark chocolate bars, provides a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. With a focus on simple, clean ingredients, HU Kitchen makes it easy to enjoy indulgent treats without the excess sugar or additives, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a more nutritious option.

These brands offer delicious, lower-sugar treats that make Halloween more mindful while still satisfying that sweet tooth!

Want more healthy low-sugar holiday treat options? Download my FREE Sugar-Free Swaps Guide here. This guide will give you the exact #JennyApproved sugar-free swaps for your favorite brands and foods. Making it easier to shop healthy.