Best Halloween Treats
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Halloween is back! Trick-or-Treating is an outdoor activity after all, making distancing possible – and masks are de rigueur – so let’s get spooky!
Be sure to take some time to consider your treat choices. Whether you’re shopping in person or ordering online, keep in mind that conventional candy can be full of unsavory supply chain horrors, so why not get the most ethical, eco-responsible candy available?
Just say NO to Nestle
Nestle products are discouraged – not only because of a lack of Fair Trade practices, or their regular habit of
guzzling water and selling it back to the rightful owners (the communities and nearby cities) – but because they are one of the top 10 corporate plastic polluters according to a 2018 global brand audit. Please do not reward Nestle by purchasing their products.
Godiva is another company to avoid until they put their money where their mouth is in regards to Fair Trade. Many major chocolate companies are working towards incorporating 100% certified cocoa in their supply chains by 2025, but Godiva has not shared any plans to implement certified cocoa sourcing or programs to protect against child labor.
Say Yes to Mars!
If your local grocery or drug store is your only option, opt for Mars products over Hersey, Lindt, and Nestle. 50% of Mars cocoa is Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified. They are investing 1 billion dollars over the next 10 years in a ethical cocoa supply chain focused on small farmers.
Mars Candies Include:
Dove
3 Musketeers
M&M’s
MilkyWay
Snickers
Twix
Check out these delicious eco-conscious treats!
Organic Chocolates
Unreal
Milk/Dark peanut butter cups & candy coated chocolate peanuts. Unreal products include organic and Fair Trade ingredients with the bonus of vegan and gluten free options. Sold at WholeFoods, Amazon, Thrive Markets, Kroger, Big Y and more! Also available online.
Endangered Species Chocolate
Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10% of its net profits to organizations that support species conservation, habitat preservation, and humanitarian efforts.
Divine Chocolate
Divine Chocolate Divine Chocolate is a woman-led, Fair Trade co-op from Ghana. These eco-conscious, farmer’s rights, community supporting ubiquitous Gold Coins take you from Halloween straight through the holidays!
Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange Minis
Equal Exchange is one of the original Fair Trade chocolates. This dedicated farmer co-op company offers an affordable Halloween kit option. 150 (Milk or Dark) chocolate minis, including a Fair Trade informational card.
Alter Ego
Alter Ego not only offers a product featuring Fair Trade Certified cocoa – but exceptional Truffles made
with pure coconut oil in compostable wrappers. A delicious waste-free bonus!
Organic Candies
Glee Gum Pops – zero artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors or flavors!
You can circumvent the cocoa conundrum entirely by passing out non-chocolate treats. These lollies and gummies are easy to order – so get on the stick!
GleeGum
GleeGum is an non-GMO product approved by Green America, as well as being a WBENC certified (Women owned business). You can purchase directing from GleeGum’s site or find a retailer nearest you.
Yummy Earth
YummyEarth was created by two N.J. Dads with a goal of producing organically delicious, natural treats for their families. The result: mouth watering gummys, fruit snacks, licorice & lollipops that burst with YUM!
Surf Sweets
Surf Sweets uses all organic and natural ingredients while honoring farmers, suppliers, and the planet through Fair Trade and empowerment initiatives. Surf Sweets gummies are gluten free and vegan.
And remember to do the environment a favor and PLEASE compost your pumpkin! Chop it up into manageable pieces. Since it is organic, it will be a welcome addition to any compost pile or organic food scrap collection.