It’s that time of year. I know I’m not the only Auntie who loves to spoil my nieces and nephews and all the adorable trick-or-treaters that knock on our door. As a nutritionist, however, I can’t help but cringe when I see how much candy these kids manage to collect in one evening. I don’t see any harm in allowing kids to eat a few treats, but their Halloween candy can last for MONTHS.

Fortunately, there are some great products on the market now. You can satisfy the Auntie urge to spoil the kids in your life while also feeling good about what you’re giving to growing bodies.

Whatever you purchase, remember to check the labels to see if the product contains nuts. Even though most kids with food allergies are often closely watched, it’s better to be safe than sorry since nut allergies cause the most severe reactions. Many of these products use only natural and/or organic ingredients rather than the low-quality chocolate and sugar ingredients used in traditional candy. Many of these items are a bit pricey but the satisfaction you’ll feel when handing out high-quality treats will be worth it.

As a kids cooking instructor for the past fourteen years, I have a pretty good idea of what kids love to eat – here is a list of goodies that kids of all ages will happily devour:

Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats

Clif Kid Organic Twisted Fruit Variety Pack (Pack of 24)

Clif Bar Zbar Smores

Clif Bar Mini Energy Bars Variety Pack (Pack of 18)

Zing bars – Wheat, Gluten, and Soy-Free Treats in multiple flavors including Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Orange

Late July Mini Cheddar Cheese Bite Sized Sandwiches

Stretch Island Original Fruit Leather, Summer Strawberry, (Pack of 30)

Back to Nature Mini Chocolate Chunk cookies (Pack of 24)

Cascadian Farm Organic Chewy Granola Bars, Vanilla or Chocolate Chip (Pack of 6)

YummyEarth Organic Lollipops, Assorted Flavors

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks – Halloween Pack

Surf Sweets Halloween Sour Worms – Halloween Pack

EnviroKidz Organic Peanut Choco Drizzle Crispy Rice Bars

Snyder’s of Hanover Halloween Pretzel Snack Sacks

Endangered Species Chocolate Bars

Julie Negrin is a certified nutritionist and the author of "Easy Meals to Cook With Kids."

Published: October 26, 2010