Once the costumes are tucked away and the trick-or-treaters are in bed, there always seems to be something scary left behind…piles of extra Halloween candy.
Heaps of treats can lead to stomach aches and cavities. Instead, try some other ways to mindfully use the extra Halloween candy.
Spoiler: Our favorite way to deal with excess treats is to donate to a charity near you!
Ways to use extra Halloween candy
1. Sneak extra Halloween candy in baked goods
A simple way to use extra chocolate bars is to mix them into baked goods, like cookies and cupcakes.
Why chocolate? Not only is chocolate delicious, but it’s also one of the least harmful sweets for your teeth. This is because it can be eaten easily and dissolves quickly in the mouth, which decreases the amount of time that the sugar stays in contact with teeth.
Pro tip: For a treat with the added benefit of antioxidants, indulge in dark chocolate.
If your taste buds crave coconut, make some chocolate mounds cookies. Are you a self-diagnosed chocoholic? Try these chocolate bar-filled cupcakes or these double chocolate bars!
2. Create art with extra Halloween candy
After you celebrate Halloween, it’s time to make some masterpieces with candy! Make a candy mosaic or edible jewelry. Any candy with a colored coating makes the perfect medium. Dip pieces into small bowls of water and then swirl on paper. Trust us — the memories are worth the mess!
3. Donate leftover Halloween candy
Your excess candy can bring a smile to someone nearby or halfway across the world.
Many charities encourage donations of any kind, including candy! Donate candy to a local shelter or soup kitchen.
Sweeten a soldier’s day. Encourage your kids to write letters and send candy care packages to troops abroad. Visit Operation Gratitude or Operation Shoebox for more information.
4. Educate with extra Halloween candy
Use treats to help your kids practice patterns, counting, and colors. Encourage little ones to sort candy by color or shape — the possibilities are endless! More experienced trick-or-treaters can brush up on their math skills. Get started with these candy math ideas from MathGeekMama.com.
Now that you’re not up to your ears in candy corn, which ideas are you most excited to try?
After the fun and games are complete, always remember to have your kids brush and floss before bed.
Check out “Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Children’s Teeth” for more ways to take care of your children’s smiles this holiday season.
*Updated October 2023