As Halloween nears, concerns over childhood obesity, child labor in cocoa production, and plastic waste prompt searches for sustainable treat options. Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. children have obesity, while 1.56 million children work on cocoa farms in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which supply nearly 60% of the world’s cocoa. Healthier, ethical alternatives exist to balance fun with responsibility.
Halloween treats raise ethical and environmental dilemmas. In the U.S., about 1 in 5 children and adolescents suffer from obesity, exacerbated by sugary candy. Globally, child labor persists in cocoa farming: the U.S. Department of Labor reports that children in Côte d’Ivoire face hazardous conditions, including human trafficking, in cocoa and coffee harvesting, despite some improvements.
Corporate practices vary. CSRHub ranks Mars, the world’s largest confectioner, in the 85th percentile for corporate social responsibility, environment, social, and governance metrics among food companies. Nestlé scores higher overall at 94%, with its Malaysia operations at 96%, but Côte d’Ivoire unit lags at 21%.
Eco-conscious commercial options include CLIF’s certified organic, GMO-free snack bars and fruit leather. MySuperSnack offers organic granola bites free of peanuts and tree nuts. Justin’s peanut butter cups use organic ingredients and Rainforest Alliance Certified cacao. Endangered Species Bug Bites feature ethically traded, sustainably grown cacao and come with insect trading cards.
Homemade treats provide healthier choices but require caution. The FDA advises against eating non-commercially wrapped candy and inspecting store-bought items for tampering. The only verified incident of tainted Halloween candy occurred in 1959, when a California dentist distributed laxatives—debunking persistent myths. To ease parental concerns, include ingredient lists, contact info, and notes on the myth’s falsehood, while using plastic-free wrapping like tiny furoshiki and adhering to food safety standards.
Nonfood goodies revive older traditions, as trick-or-treating emerged in the 20th century and once involved coins. Suggestions include pencils, crayons, seed packets for indoor plants, and phthalate-free glow sticks to enhance visibility and reduce car accident risks. A treasure box lets kids select prizes, favoring useful items over disposable plastic toys.
This guidance, originally from 2018 and updated in 2021, encourages community-focused celebrations amid commercial excess.