Looking for the best plastic-free Halloween candy and healthiest zero-waste treats for trick-or-treaters? We’ve got you! Americans purchase about 600 million pounds of candy each Halloween — enough to fill the Grand Canyon with wrappers! That’s a whole lot of waste for one single night. Read on to find 10 plastic-free Halloween treats for every taste! P.S. Our favorite candy brands are not just sustainable, but also use the finest organic ingredients and up to 51% less sugar than conventional options.
For more sustainable picks, check out these guides:
The 10 Best Sustainable, Fair Trade & Organic Coffee Brands (2024)
Best Fair Trade, Organic Tea Brands for Health & Relaxation (2024)
A Guide to Plastic-Free Halloween Candy & Treats
The spooky stats don’t lie: if we keep up our current habits, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. And Halloween candy is contributing more than its fair share to this issue. Each small piece of plastic may seem harmless on its own, but when you multiply it by millions of trick-or-treaters across the globe, it becomes a gigantic wave of waste. Most candies are wrapped in single-use plastic because it’s cheap, durable, and can be produced in huge quantities. For candy manufacturers, this material is as appealing as the sugar inside.
Luckily, more and more eco-friendly candy brands are starting to rethink their packaging, and some are switching to more sustainable materials like paper, cardboard, and even compostable wrappers. For example, foil-wrapped chocolates (think classic Halloween chocolates shaped like pumpkins or bats) are a step in the right direction because foil is much easier to recycle than plastic. And some candies come in recyclable cardboard boxes — so we’re not totally out of the (haunted) woods!
Why Plastic in Halloween Candy is a Monster Problem
Every Halloween, millions of little monsters and ghouls rush door to door, filling their bags with sweet treats. But behind all that sugary fun lurks a sinister secret: the plastic waste from Halloween candy is a real-life horror story for our planet.
Did you know that most candy wrappers are made from a mix of plastic and aluminum that can’t be recycled? They’re the Frankenstein of packaging — a mishmash of materials that refuse to break down. Once those wrappers hit the trash, they head straight for the landfill, where they sit around for hundreds of years, haunting the Earth long after Halloween is over.
To put things in perspective, around 600 million pounds of candy are purchased in the U.S. each Halloween. That’s a lot of plastic wrapping! If you lined up all those wrappers, it would be enough to circle the globe nearly four times. Most of these wrappers end up in landfills or, worse, our oceans. It’s estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, and candy wrappers are a notable part of this problem. Once there, they break down into tiny pieces called microplastics, which are ingested by marine life, making their way up the food chain to our dinner plates. Yikes!
Plastic pollution from candy wrappers
The Hidden Costs of Candy Wrappers
The candy wrapper problem doesn’t just stop at landfill overflow. The production of plastic is energy-intensive and heavily reliant on fossil fuels. About 8% of the world’s oil production goes toward making plastic, and the manufacturing process releases harmful greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. So, every time a plastic wrapper is made, it’s not just waste — it’s also adding to carbon emissions.
And the problem doesn’t end there. These wrappers are light and often escape from trash cans and landfills, becoming litter in our streets, parks, and waterways. Wildlife often mistakes plastic wrappers for food, leading to ingestion that can cause serious injury or death. Birds, turtles, and other creatures may get entangled, leading to suffocation or starvation. The spooky reality is that our candy wrappers are turning into a year-round horror for our wildlife friends.
So, are we doomed to a world where candy equals plastic pollution? Not necessarily. The candy dilemma is a tough nut to crack, but by making small, sustainable choices, we can sweeten the deal for our planet and make Halloween a little less frightening for future generations.
The Best Plastic-Free Halloween Candy Options in 2024
1. Pure Organic
Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars are a delightful choice for those seeking a fruity treat that’s as sustainable as it is delicious. Made with real fruit and vegetable juices and purees, these bars offer a unique triple-layered, dual-flavored experience that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. They’re Non-GMO Project Verified and free from artificial flavors, so you can feel good about indulging. With every bite, you’re enjoying a snack that prioritizes natural ingredients and responsible sourcing. Perfect for trick-or-treaters or a guilt-free snack, these fruit bars prove that sustainability can be tasty, too.
Ingredients: Natural flavor, citrus pectin, vegetable fruit juice for color, citric acid
Ethics: Gives back, Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan, Certified Gluten Free, Kosher Certified
2. Nature’s Bakery
Nature’s Bakery offers some of the healthiest plastic–free Halloween treats
around with their double chocolate brownie bars and fig bars, perfect for Halloween or any time snacking. These bars are plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and non-GMO Project Verified, making them an ideal choice for anyone with dietary restrictions or those looking for a wholesome snack. Filled with real fruit and made with whole grains and rich cocoa, they deliver on taste without sacrificing nutrition. Plus, their sturdy texture means they won’t melt, crumble, or break, making them perfect for on-the-go adventures. With Nature’s Bakery, you can enjoy a delicious treat that’s good for you and the planet.
Ingredients: Whole grain oats, whole wheat flour, cane sugar, date paste, canola oil, brown rice syrup
Ethics: Certified Vegan, USDA Organic, plant-based
3. Ureal
Unreal 3-Ingredient Chocolate Coconut Bars are simple yet indulgent zero-waste candy alternatives crafted with just three high-quality ingredients: organic shredded coconut, rich dark chocolate, and a touch of sweetness. These bars skip the artificial sweeteners, focusing instead on sustainably sourced ingredients and half the sugar of traditional options. They’re gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and free from preservatives, making them a great choice for health-conscious snackers. Every bite delivers a satisfying combination of chewy coconut and smooth chocolate. With Unreal, you get a guilt-free candy that’s both delicious and planet-friendly.
Ingredients: Chocolate liquor, cane sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla
Ethics: 51% less sugar
4. Surf Sweets
Surf Sweets is a go-to favorite for kids who love delicious plastic–free Halloween treats that are as wholesome as they are tasty. Made with organic sweeteners and real fruit juice, these candies are free from artificial colors and packed with 100% of your daily Vitamin C in every serving. Instead of using artificial ingredients, Surf Sweets relies on organic fruit juice concentrate and organic cane sugar, with a light dusting of organic sugar for a perfect touch of sweetness. They’re also free from the Top Ten Common Food Allergens, making them a safe choice for everyone. Ideal for a non-toxic Halloween treat, Surf Sweets offers a burst of fruity flavor that’s good for both kids and the planet.
Ingredients: Organic fruit juice concentrate, organic cane sugar, organic sugar
Ethics: Allergy-friendly, 1% for the planet, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan
5. Annie’s
Annie’s Organic Fruit Snacks are kid-approved candy that’s as fun as it is wholesome, with adorable bunny shapes and bold flavors like strawberry, cherry, and raspberry. Made with real fruit juice, these gummies are certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free, making them a non-toxic treat you can feel great about sharing. You won’t find any artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or high-fructose corn syrup in these plastic-free Halloween candies
— just pure, fruity goodness. Perfect for Halloween or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up, Annie’s proves that delicious candy doesn’t need artificial ingredients to be delightful.
Ingredients: Real fruit juice, Organic Rice Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Tapioca Syrup Solids
Ethics: Certified organic ingredients, vegan, gluten-free
6. Koochikoo
No non-toxic candy list is complete without a few delicious lollipops and Koochikoo
fits the bill perfectly! These treats are all organic, sugar-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly, making them a safe and tasty choice for everyone. With mouthwatering flavors like Pineapple Orange, Fuji Apple, Pomegranate Blueberry, and Blueberry Lemon, they offer a fruity twist to satisfy any sweet tooth. Unlike many brands, Koochikoo avoids high-intensity sweeteners like maltitol, stevia, or monk fruit, which can cause digestive issues. Instead, they use tapioca starch as the base, delivering just the right amount of sweetness — around 70% of what you’d find in cane sugar.
Ingredients: Tapioca starch, citric acid, natural flavors, fruit juice, vegetable juice,
Ethics: Plant based, organic, sugar free, Certified Vegan, gluten-free, Kosher OU, USDA organic
7. Black Forest Organics
Black Forest Organics brings a unique twist to healthy zero-waste candies with their liquid-filled centers that burst with flavors like grape, apple, lemon, and cherry. These gluten-free and fat-free Halloween treats are made with real fruit juice, providing a tasty snack that’s also a great source of vitamin C. Wondering where their vibrant colors come from? They use natural plant-based ingredients like carrots, blueberries, spirulina extract, and turmeric to create their eye-catching hues. It’s a cool and delicious way to enjoy candy without artificial additives, making it a perfect pick for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients: Organic tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, organic apple juice concentrate, organic tapioca starch
Ethics: Certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, fair trade certified
8. Emmy’s Organics
Emmy’s Organics offers a delightful range of healthy treats that cater to every taste. Their Chewy Chocolate-Covered Coconut Bites are rich and satisfying, made with nut butter and real vanilla for a creamy, indulgent experience. For those who love a blend of flavors, the Brownie Snaps combine chocolate and peanut butter chips in every crunchy bite. If you’re craving something a bit lighter, the Crunch’Ems feature sweet, toasted coconut chips that are simply irresistible. With no gluten and no dairy, these treats ensure everyone can enjoy a delicious snack without any dietary concerns.
Ingredients: 7-10 simple ingredients, organic cacao, almonds, coconut, vanilla, sea salt, peanut butter, chocolate chip
Ethics: USDA Organic, Certified Gluten Free, vegan, non-GMO
9. Made Good
MadeGood offers a tempting assortment of healthy organic treats, including granola bars, crackers, crispy squares, and cookies dipped in rich chocolate. Their organic bars are a chewy, delightful alternative to traditional chocolate sandwich cookies, making them an excellent choice for non-toxic Halloween candy and a fantastic addition to lunch boxes. Not only are these snacks packed with sweetness and wholesome ingredients, but MadeGood is also a B-certified corporation that uses sustainable packaging. This commitment to environmental responsibility makes their treats as eco-friendly as they are delicious.
Ingredients: Oat flour, brown rice flour, potato starch, ground chia seeds, cane sugar, palm fruit oil
Ethics: B Corporation Certified, 90% of our waste being reused, recycled, composted, gives back, sustainable packaging, USDA organic, nut-free
10. Alter Eco Organic
Alter Eco chocolate is a standout choice for those who care about both taste and impact. Each bar is organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade certified, offering smooth, complex flavors crafted from clean, whole ingredients. The brand’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product, as they use compostable, recyclable, and post-consumer-recycled packaging. Alter Eco also supports regenerative agriculture by helping farmers transition to dynamic agroforestry, which aids in reversing climate change. By choosing their chocolate, you’re not just indulging in a delicious treat — you’re contributing to a positive global impact and empowering farming communities.
Ingredients: Cacao beans, organic raw cane sugar, organic cacao butter
Ethics: Fair for Life Fair Trade Certified, Contains 100% Fair Trade Ingredients, vegan, recyclable packaging
Final Thoughts On 2024’s Best Zero-Waste Halloween Candy
Not only does plastic-free Halloween candy cut down on the mountains of plastic that haunt our landfills and oceans, but it also tends to be healthier, with fewer artificial ingredients and added sugars. Plus, many zero-waste treats come wrapped in compostable materials or no wrapper at all, which means less waste and more space for fun. So, while your candy stash might not be wrapped in shiny plastic, it’ll definitely be wrapped in goodness for both your taste buds and the Earth.
