I realize that everyone is at different levels in terms of how willing they are to make Halloween changes. I’ve given ideas below for every level (rated 1-4 stars), from baby-step changes to full-on advocacy. Of course, personally, my hope is that everyone would at least give up mainstream chocolate, because I think it could send a powerful message.
Conscious Shopper: choose chocolate-free Halloween candy
If you want to be a little more conscious during Halloween but you aren’t ready to commit to fair trade, you can stick to non-chocolate candy. However, keep in mind that sugar production has it’s own set of human rights abuses. (In fact, when you really do some research, the chocolate industry is only scratching the service of everyday products produced by children). If not buying fair-trade, it’s a good idea to stick to products made in the USA, since our country at least has some laws in place to prevent child labor and worker abuse. Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, Neccos, and Clark Bars are examples of US-made candy.
Socially Responsible Consumer: buy fair-trade or organic
Buying fair-trade is the best way to ensure that chocolate has been ethically sourced, and it also sends a message to mainstream chocolate companies that there is consumer demand for Fair Trade Certified chocolate (which is ultimately what will lead to change). Buying organic is reportedly another way to ensure that your chocolate wasn’t produced by exploited children due to the checks on labor practices organic certification requires. Additionally, organic producers often receive higher (and more stable) payment for their goods than those who don’t use organic methods.
The best sources I’ve seen for a variety of socially conscious Halloween shoppers are the Global Exchange Fair Trade Store and the Natural Candy Shop. But since Halloween is just around the corner, here are some ideas for things you might be able to find at local stores. Also, if you are lucky enough to live near a Trader Joe’s, they have a great selection of organic and fair-trade chocolate.
Sjaak’s Halloween Peanut Butter Bites
Price: 35-43 cents per piece ($33.00 for a 1.5lb tub, about 93 pieces)
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
FruitaBü Organic Smoooshed Fruit Rolls
Price:
Where to buy: You can find them in natural food stores and many supermarkets
Justin’s Nut Butter Peanut Butter Cups (with milk or dark chocolate)
Price: $1.50-$1.59 per package (of 2 cups)
Where to buy: These are available at most Whole Foods Markets and online.
Newman’s Own Organics Peanut Butter Cups (with milk or dark chocolate)
Price: $1.50-$1.80 per package (of 3 cups)
Where to buy: Whole Foods Markets, as well as other retailers and stores.
CLIF Kid Organic ZBars
Price: $.69 each
Where to buy: Trader Joe’s and many grocery stores
Stretch Island Organic Fruit Leather
Price: $16.49 for a 48-count box
Where to buy: You can find them in natural food stores and many supermarkets, or online.
Newman’s Own Organics Peppermint Cups and Organics Caramel Cups
Price: $1.50-$1.80 per package (of 3 cups)
Where to buy: Whole Foods Markets and large numbers of other retailers and stores.
Sun Cups Caramel or Almond Butter Chocolate Cups
Price: $1.90-$1.99 per package (of 2 cups; $1.99 for a package or $37.99 for variety pack of 20 packages)
Where to buy: Find a Store.
Funky Monkey Freeze-Dried Organic Fruit Snacks
Price: $26 for a pack of 12
Where to buy: Target, Whole Foods, and a variety of other grocery stores
El Rey Chocolate Squares
Price: 13-25 cents per square ($6.95 for 28 squares or $25.00 for 200 squares)
Where to buy: At retailers nationwide or online.
Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate (55%) Minis
Price: 17-20 cents per mini ($29.75 for approximately 150 minis, or $148.75 for 888)
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
Divine 70% Dark Chocolate Bites
Price: 27-30 cents per piece
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
Endangered Species Milk or Dark Chocolate Halloween Treats or Bug Bites
Price: 28-29 cents per Halloween Treat and 53 cents per Bug Bite
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
Askinosie itty Bars
Price: 85 cents per bar ($127.50 for 150 itty Bars, a variety of single origin chocolates of high cacao content)
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
Sjaak’s Halloween Orange Bites
Price: 35-43 cents per piece ($9.95 for a 6 oz bag or $33.00 for a 1.5lb tub, about 93 pieces)
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
Sweet Earth Trick or Treat Chocolates,
Price: 50 cents per piece ($25.00 for a bag of 50 or $50.00 for a bag of 100)
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores
Sun Cups Sunflower Chocolate Cups
Price: $1.90-$1.99 per package (of 2 cups; $1.99 for a package or $37.99 for variety pack of 20 packages)
Where to buy: Online or Find a Store.
Earth Balls from Natural Candy Store
Cost: $8.39 for 35 balls.
Where to buy: Online or select health food stores.
Yummy Earth’s All-Organic Lollipops Yummy Lollipops
Cost: $6 for 50 lollipops
Where to buy: Select grocery stores
Activist: do reverse trick-or-treating
If you really want to advocate this Halloween, consider doing reverse trick-or-treating, where you give out fair-trade chocolate and a pamphlet as you go door-to-door. Individual participants or families can participate by visiting reverse trick-or-treating
I do realize that fair-trade candy is quite a bit more expensive than the mainstream alternative. But again, I think we have to keep in mind – would we pay less for a product if a child was being abused to make it right in front of us? I’ve also heard people express concern that children will be disappointed with fair-trade chocolate. In my house, my kids are equal-opportunity chocolate lovers. Quite honestly, kids who stop by my house should be lucky they aren’t getting raisins and pencils, because I’ve so been THAT mom before. But if we’re making our purchasing decisions because we’re scared that a bunch of American kids might be disappointed because they can’t gorge themselves on chocolate made by children in Africa… there might be a problem with our priorities.
By Kristen Howeton, author of Rage Against the Minivan.
- Saltability - April 21, 2023
- Qet Botanicals - April 23, 2022
- Innersense - April 21, 2022