Halloween Candy Dupes Your Kids (and You!) Will Love

Halloween is almost here, which means candy will be coming out of our ears in no time! While trick-or-treating is fun and the kids love hauling in the sweets, their teeth and their health might not. So, what’s a parent to do? 

There is a solution to this problem. Instead of being a monster mom, be a witch…A switch witch! 

The Switch Witch was created by Audrey Kinsman, a mom whose son had a severe dairy allergy. Kinsman suggests that parents switch out any problematic candy with a replacement gift. My take on the switch witch idea is to switch out the candies that are filled with artificial flavors and colors for additive free dupes that taste just as good (or even better) than their original counterparts. 

I would also highly recommend buying these candies to give out to trick-or-treaters that visit your home, though you may have to purchase smaller sized baggies in which to re-package them, as many of these items are sold in larger bags/tubs and are not individually wrapped.

In addition to the dupe products suggested below, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods sell other candies which are not mentioned here that you may want to check out as well, as they are also free of artificial flavors and colors. In any case, here’s the lowdown on what to buy to switch it up this year:

The Original: Gummy Bears

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Halloween Gummies

This 14 oz bag which sells for $4.99 contains individually packed 0.7 oz snack packs filled with gelatin free, Halloween themed gummies that are made in France. Natural ingredients such as black carrot extract and apple, carrot, pumpkin and blackcurrant concentrates are used for color. Note: They are not gluten free.

The Original: Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Gourmet Jelly Beans

This Irish made candy boasts 18 flavors, all naturally sweetened and colored and they are gluten free! I like these so much more than the original, as every flavor offered is delicious. They are sold in a 5oz box for $2.79.  

The Original: Mixed Bag Mars Chocolates (100 Grand Bars, Milky Ways, Snickers, 3 Musketeers)

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Wicked Good Mini Chocolate Bars

This bag of 24 mini-sized chocolate bars contains dupes for all of Mars’ classic bars. There are four different varieties of fillings; sweet and fluffy Nougat (3 Musketeers dupe), gooey and chewy nougat & caramel (Milky Way dupe), crunchy peanut and caramel (Snickers dupe) and crisp caramel and wafer (100 Grand dupe). TJ’s version does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. Note: They are not gluten free.

The Original: M&Ms

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Candy Coated Chocolates

These candies, which sell for $3.29 come in a 6oz, resealable bag. Though you have to transfer them into smaller bags if you intend to pass them on to trick-or-treaters, the effort is worth it as unlike the originals, TJ’s brand is all natural. They also taste delicious! Note: Though they are not labeled “gluten free”, there aren’t any gluten ingredients listed on the nutrition label.

The Original: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Cups (in Milk or Dark Chocolate)

Sold in a 15oz tub for $5.99 or in smaller individual bags containing 9 pieces for $1.29, these candies taste so much better than the original version! Each candy comes in a paper cup, but is not fully wrapped. A tub of mini-peanut butter chocolate cups is also available for use in baked goods.  Trader Joe’s also sells a two pack of sunflower butter-filled dark chocolate cups for those who can’t eat peanut butter which are delicious as well. Note: Though they are not labeled “gluten free”, there aren’t any gluten ingredients listed on the nutrition label.

The Original: Sour Patch Kids

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts OR Trader Joe’s Sour Jelly Beans

Trader Joe’s naturally flavored and colored sour candy belts are vegan and all natural. A 10 oz tub sells for $3.49. Note: They are not gluten free.

TJ’s Sour Jelly Beans come in a 4 oz bag for $2.79 and include the following flavors: green apple, blue raspberry, lemon, tangerine and cranberry. Note: They are gluten free!

The Original: Swedish Fish

The Switch: Smart Sweets Mini Sweet Fish (Sold at Whole Foods)

Once again, my vote goes to the natural option. Smart Sweets has created a delicious, plant based candy that contains no artificial sweeteners, no added sugars and is gluten free. Yay!  You can buy this product in individual 5.3 oz bags or in a box containing 8 snack packs of .78 oz.   Not into fish? This brand also makes gummy worms.

The Original: Welch’s Fruit Snacks

The Switch: Trader Joe’s Fruity Gummy Candies

Made in Germany, this 7 oz bag of gelatin free candy sells for $1.99 and is naturally colored and flavored with fruit juice concentrates. Flavors include pineapple, blueberry, watermelon, mango and grapefruit. Note: They are not gluten free.

Common Sense Disclaimer

It is important to note that all of the products listed above do contain sugar and are still considered candy, so serve and consume in moderation. That being said, any time we can avoid artificial additives in our food it is a win, so if you’re going to take part in trick-or-treating, use your switchcraft to treat yourself, your kids and your neighbors’ kids right by making better choices like the ones suggested. Just be sure to read all of the labels to check for allergens first. 

Have a Happy, Healthier Halloween!