No Tricks, Just Treating Your Self – Innovative Halloween Goodies to Fit Every Need

Halloween is easily one of the most exciting days of the year for millions of kids around North America and, increasingly, around the world. One of the best parts of the celebration is undoubtedly the Halloween treats.

The costume parties, the pumpkin carving, and, let’s be honest, most importantly, the candy! In 2023, Americans spent at record levels for “All Hallows’ Eve,” reaching an estimated USD12.2 billion, with USD3.6 billion going to candy alone. That’s much more than simply rebounding from the pre-pandemic numbers of USD2.6 billion spent on candy in 2019.

Yet, while Halloween is most enjoyed by candy-craving children dressed up as monsters, superheroes, and princesses, innovative new goodies to fit every need allow adults to treat themselves; no tricks necessary.

halloween candy and treats

Better-for-you Halloween Treats with Less of the “Spooky” Labels

While not as scary as the things that go bump in the night, some health-minded shoppers are getting spooked away by the labels of certain food and beverage products classified as High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS).

Whether they desire reduced-fat or -sugar offerings to meet health goals or cleaner, more “natural” ingredient labels, the contents of the childhood pillowcase of treats probably aren’t cutting it for such consumers.

Luckily, more and more developers are finding delicious ways to help people still feel like a kid in a candy store.

From major manufacturers making low-sugar/high-protein versions of classic chocolate bars to smaller CPGs creating innovative, healthier options like gummies and taffy made from real fruit or keto and paleo-friendly peanut butter cups, these consumers can enjoy the best part of Halloween without the guilt or having to knock on every door in the neighborhood.

chocolate bars for halloween treats

Fang-tastically Functional Halloween Goodies

Ever wish that those indulgent Halloween treats could give you more to sink your teeth into than a sugar high?

Snacks and confections infused with a wide range of health-boosting functional ingredients could be just the thing.

In fact, the number of products hitting the market with such claims over the past few years has been impressive.

2021-2024 YTD (Oct) w/ Health-Related Claims

  • 24.57% of overall confectionary has a health-related claim.
  • 32.13% of Marshmallow
  • 32.45% chocolate blocks
  • 14.35% Chocolate Bars w/ active health claims (probiotics, brain health, etc)

This could be why the functional confectionary market is expected to reach USD 2.98 billion over the next 5 years.

Everything from protein-packed candies to lollipops bursting with B vitamins and even chocolate bars made to relieve stress and reduce hot flashes for menopausal women is hitting store shelves.

halloween lollipops and party favors

It’s not just about satisfying your sweet tooth either.

With these innovative products, you can reduce inflammation and keep the vampires with turmeric garlic-packed snacks, brew your own mood or brain-boosting potion with mushroom and adaptogenic beverages, or any number of options that can help you peacefully fall asleep or keep awake to howl at the moon if that’s your thing.

It’s Not Witchcraft, Just Deliciously Plant-based

According to a report from the Plant-Based Food Association (PBFA), sales of plant-based snacks increased roughly 20% (USD) from 2022 to 2023, with chocolate up 17.2% and baked goods and other confectionary rising 10.8% over the same period.

This hasn’t happened by accident, and it certainly isn’t some magic spell.

No, it’s just the result of developers creating delicious plant-based options for people to get excited about.

Of course, there has always been a wide range of candies that have been “accidentally vegan”, but more than ever, large CPGs and small startups are developing animal-free versions of long-time favorites, and new terrifyingly tasty treats flexitarians will be excited to indulge in.

Frankenstein Flavors

trick-or-treat halloween candy corn in pumpkin baskets

From picking the perfect costume to knowing exactly which houses give out the best treats, Halloween memories are what nostalgia is made of.

However, for as much as throwback tastes like those from the “newstalgia” trend are sweeping the food and beverage landscape, nearly half (47%) of consumers enjoy snacks that offer a twist on the familiar.

This makes Halloween the perfect time for developers to experiment with unexpected flavors.

In a recent article, Emily Sheehan, Applications Manager—EMEA/APAC at Edlong, looked at a few of these combinations that might frighten at first glance but are sure to delight after tasting.

Chocolate manufacturers have been quick to jump on this with creative confections like Sweet Potato Casserole, Cornbread, and even Mexican Mole-flavored chocolate bars.

While definitely not mad scientists, experts from Edlong’s Applications teams have cooked up

some of our own concepts to showcase our flavors and turn taste expectations deliciously on their heads.

Such as our topsy-turvy demos for Mexican Corn Paletas, a savory twist on classic Mexican ice pops that are tangy and spicy with the natural sweetness of corn, or our “Nachos and Dip,” which are actually buttery sesame cookies paired with a miso, ginger, and white chocolate custard dip!

Can’t wait to try one? Request these demos today!

Whatever you choose to treat yourself to this year, Edlong wishes you a happy, safe, and frighteningly flavorful Halloween 🎃.


Topics: Better For YouInnovation
Resource Type: Article
Resource Region: US

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