Teens React to Viral Halloween Candy Alternatives

October 30, 2025

Kristi Roe Owen,

Halloween Jack O Lantern Orange Bucket filled with candy — Zulfiska/Getty

Over the last few years’ worth of our family’s Halloween adventures, we’ve noticed a marked uptick in households handing out alternatives to trick-or-treat candy. The trend started with a much-welcome cup of hot cocoa poured from a cauldron and has expanded to include things like hot dogs and a solitary, adorable little potato. I’ve even heard rumors about houses with cocktails or shots for the grown-ups.

Alternatives to Halloween candy are nothing new, of course. As a Gen-X child, I can still vividly remember the visceral groans when we’d hit a house handing out toothbrushes or fruit. But at least parents have upped their treat game through the years. And this year with the impending SNAPocalypse, I’ve seen — and even shared — quite a few recommendations for some pretty decent-sounding food-related alternatives to candy that can help keep bellies fed.

In the spirit of tricks, treats, and spooky creepy things, I decided to interview my three Halloween-loving high school kids — kids who have experienced life on SNAP — and one of their friends to see what they think of the most popular recommendations for candy alternatives I’ve found floating around Facebook and more specifically, what they would have thought if they’d received it instead of a Hershey or Snickers.

Here’s what they said:

1. A potato

Luci: I would be extremely disappointed, like just straight out. It was funny the first time, but just once.
Arthur: That was just because it’s like so bad, and you want it so little that it’s funny.
Noah: It’s definitely fun, it’s interesting…I’m not sure how much a little kid would enjoy it, but I would.
Jaylan: I would be so disappointed I would actively give it back to them. I don’t know where that potato has been. What am I supposed to do, go home and bake it?

2. Hot chocolate

Luci: I would be overjoyed.
Arthur: I would be happy with hot chocolate. Just not a potato…potato is really bad.
Noah: Yes! It’s hot chocolate, and Halloween’s usually pretty cold. If it’s ready in a cup, you get to enjoy it immediately. Get it in a bag and you’ve got a treat for later.
Jaylan: I mean, I’d take it.

3. Hot apple cider

Luci: Eh, not a fan.
Arthur: Not really. It’s eh.
Noah: Sure!
Jaylan: No.

4. Small water bottle

Luci: I would actually be pretty happy with that because I’m gonna be walking a while.
Arthur: I wouldn’t be super upset. That alone is kind of disappointing, but in addition to candy would be welcome.
Noah: Yeah, that’s definitely a good thing to give out. You could maybe add a water flavoring pack to it with tape and make it extra special.
Jaylan: If I want to drink something, I will bring my own water.

5. Hot dog

Luci: Yeah, a hot dog!
Arthur: That would be welcome.
Noah: Yes, definitely! Especially if you’ve got a little table set up where they can choose condiments and stuff. Give them a napkin to hold it with.
Jaylan: I got a hot dog two years ago. It’s a hot dog — doesn’t matter if it’s cooked or raw, I would eat it.

6. Ramen cups or packages

Luci: I’d honestly not be too upset if we got to choose the flavor.
Arthur: No. I don’t hate ramen, but I don’t like it really in comparison to candy…I’d rather just take candy.
Noah: Either way, it’s a whole meal, but a cup would be easier. I would definitely enjoy it.
Jaylan: I would take those. I got those last year.

7. Microwave mac and cheese

Luci: I’m not a fan of instant mac and cheese. I’m a fan of mac and cheese with real cheese on it.
Arthur: Better than other food options, but it isn’t candy.
Noah: Sure.
Jaylan: Probably not.

8. Hand sanitizer

Luci: I’d be upset.
Arthur: (laughs) Just no.
Noah: Yeah, that’s fun, especially when you’re walking around and you might need it.
Jaylan: What am I supposed to do with hand sanitizer? Who is handing this out, the vegan teacher?

9. Trail mix

Luci: It’s not the best. I’d much prefer candy.
Arthur: It’s decent, it’s just not amazing.
Noah: Yeah, especially if it has chocolate in it.
Jaylan: Depends on the trail mix. Chocolate in it, yeah, I’ll take it.

10. Coupon for a free Frosty

Luci: No.
Arthur: Nah…it forces you to go out of your way to go there. And it’s also just like… a coupon is kind of lame compared to candy ‘cause it’s not immediate. It’s not as cool.
Noah: Yeah definitely. The only downside is having to go somewhere to get it.
Jaylan: That’s free ice cream — give me that!

11. Cute pencil

Luci: As long as it’s adorable. But I’d still much prefer candy.
Arthur: No.
Noah: If it’s like a mechanical or a cute pencil, then yeah. I would enjoy a mechanical pencil because you don’t need a sharpener and it makes you want to draw.
Jaylan: I’ll take a mechanical pencil.

12. Fruit snacks

Luci: I would be happy.
Arthur: Fruit snacks are literally candy so that’s fine.
Noah: Yeah, definitely, I think it would be a good alternative to candy.
Jaylan: We do not decline fruit snacks.

13. Glow sticks

Luci: I’d be decently happy.
Arthur: Eh…that’s decent. Once again, not as much as candy.
Noah: It’s fun, it can help make trick-or-treaters safer. I would like getting one.
Jaylan: Yes, a glow stick is part of the kit.

14. Stickers

Luci: Depends on the type of stickers…probably not really happy.
Arthur: No.
Noah: Yeah, sure. It’s simple, it’s not a lot. Some people might not be happy with it, but I would.
Jaylan: What? No.

15. Goldfishes

Luci: YAY!
Arthur: Goldfish would make me happy.
Noah: Definitely, especially if it’s an unusual flavor.
Jaylan: Yes, but don’t make it a tiny bag.

16. Bags of chips

Luci: I’d be happy.
Arthur: Yeah, I’d be happy.
Noah: Yeah, sure! Especially if you get a bunch of different flavors and let trick-or-treaters pick.
Jaylan: Probably…it depends on what bag of chips.

17. Bag of fresh popped popcorn

Luci: Oh, that would be so cute!
Arthur: Not really.
Noah: I don’t love popcorn because of how it gets stuck in my teeth, but it seems like it would be well-received for most people. Kids like popcorn.
Jaylan: Taking it. Not sharing any of it with Arthur. Probably will share with Luci.

18. Tiny plushies like a mini squishmallow

Luci: I’d be pretty happy.
Arthur: Still not candy.
Noah: It’s a fun option that will last a whole lot longer than candy, so I definitely would like that. And it’s not very common.
Jaylan: Has to be a full squishmallow. No Beanie Babies.

19. Slime

Luci: Eh, it depends on the quality of the slime, and I’m just not a huge fan of slime.
Arthur: No on the slime.
Noah: Slime was a huge trend for a while. I would like it…slime does get gross after a while, but it would be fun for a while.
Jaylan: Yes.

20. Kool-Aid Jammers or Capri-Suns

Luci: I would be very happy. Guys, I think that we should get Capri-Suns.
Arthur: I think it’s fine, it’s just not the best.
Noah: You don’t have to worry about spilling them, and it’s a good drink for thirsty trick-or-treaters. Little kids also like it.
Jaylan: Capri-Suns, all day, every day, any day of the week. I’d take it, drink it, and then rub it in Noah’s face that I got a Capri-Sun and he didn’t.

21. Matchbox cars

Luci: Eh, pretty indifferent. I prefer Hot Wheels.
Arthur: Um, yeah that’s fine. I like Hot Wheels because they have dinosaur cars.
Noah: Definitely…it will last longer than candy, and there’s lots of different options. You can get them cheap sometimes, too. I feel like that’s another less common idea.
Jaylan: I don’t want a Hot Wheel.

22. Healthy juice boxes

Luci: Eh.
Arthur: No, not really.
Noah: It’s a good healthy option. I would definitely like it, and you can drink it while trick-or-treating.
Jaylan: We love apple juice over here .

23. Vampire teeth

Luci: Eh. It would be fun…I prefer candy.
Arthur: Eh, it’s fine, I guess. Just not great. It would be a little disappointing.
Noah: Those are a classic, very fun. The only thing is they’re usually kind of small for big kids.
Jaylan: Yes!

24. Religious pamphlets

Luci: If I got any form of paper instead of candy, I would not be ecstatic.
Arthur: Any kind of paper…it’s not really gonna be exciting.
Noah: I would appreciate the effort but prefer candy.
Jaylan: I would probably throw it away the second we leave.

25. A shot of adult drink for your parent

Luci: I’d be pretty chill as long as they’re making sure that no kids or teenagers touch it, and as long as the parents are drinking responsibly. Please don’t get drunk with your kids.
Arthur: No, because they’d be going around with their kids.
Noah: That’s definitely a very fun idea since there aren’t a lot of adult-focused trick-or-treats. As long as you’re still giving something to the kids, that’s definitely a good option. I think it’s a very polite thing to think of the parents and not just think of the kids.
Jaylan: As long as I’m getting candy it does not matter.

26. Play-doh

Luci: No.
Arthur: No, not really.
Noah: Little kids would love that. Definitely another safe option; it’s fun, it’s colorful. I would like it.
Jaylan: Yeah, that’s just more salty food.

27. Pokemon cards

Luci: I’d be happy!
Arthur: I’m interested!
Noah: Sure! I know that nerdy kids like Arthur would like it, and I would like it, although I would probably just give mine away to Arthur or to a friend as a birthday present. I appreciate how fun it is.
Jaylan: Last year they were handing these out. Yeah, I would like those.

28. Bouncy ball

Luci: No thank you.
Arthur: Not really. It’s kind of on the same tier as Play-Doh.
Noah: Yeah, these are a fun thing you can do, especially if they have liquid in them or they’re themed.
Jaylan: Yeah, I’d take that.

29. Slap or jelly bracelet

Luci: Jelly bracelet, I’d be happy! I like slap bracelets and I like jelly bracelet.
Arthur: Ehhh…it’s fine, I suppose. Not the best.
Noah: I would like it.
Jaylan: I’d take them both.

30. Spider ring

Luci: I don’t like spider ring.
Arthur: Spider pig, Spider pig, does whatever a spider pig does! But no.
Noah: Those are fun…they might not fit everybody. Spider ring, spider ring, it’s a very weird thing.
Jaylan: Taking it.

31. Yogurt pretzels

Luci: I LOVE YOGURT PRETZELS!
Arthur: Yeah, I’d be happy.
Noah: I would definitely love those…sweet and salty, very good.
Jaylan: I’ve never had those…yeah? Probably.

32. Snack pudding cups

Luci: I’d be pleased.
Arthur: I’d be happy. Add a spoon.
Noah: That’s a fun option. I’d like that.
Jaylan: Yeah.

33. Mini notepad

Luci: NO.
Arthur: Not really. Once again, paper.
Noah: Those are fun. I would use it for little notes and things during class.
Jaylan: I’d take that.

34. Little squish toys or fidgets

Luci: No. Unless it’s one of those gummy squish toys that’s like a tiny little animal. I got one that was a crocodile and I named it “Booger” — it was green.
Arthur: No.
Noah: Sure, that’s a fun option. I would like it.
Jaylan: Prefer fidgets.

35. Tiny rubber ducky

Luci: Not particularly. I like rubber ducks but I still want candy.
Arthur: Especially if it’s a tiny one. Not really.
Noah: It’s definitely unusual and fun.
Jaylan: Yes.

36. A DIY monster mask craft

Luci: No. I’m just not a fan! It’s a little annoying.
Arthur: Not really.
Noah: Those are very fun. I would do that.
Jaylan: I’ll take it.

37. Satsuma orange

Luci: No. Halloween is the junk food snack food time.
Arthur: Not really. Once again, like the potato, it’s a no. If you want to give people food, it has to be something they’re excited to have.
Noah: Like a little Cutie orange? Yeah! Those are fun.
Jaylan: Yeah!

38. Raisins

Luci: No. I’m not a fan of raisins.
Arthur: What if they were chocolate covered, though? I’d be okay with chocolate-covered raisins. If it’s not chocolate-covered then nope, absolutely not.
Noah: I would prefer Craisins.
Jaylan: Neither raisins nor Craisins. That should never be on the menu for Halloween.

39. Cash (like a quarter)

Luci: I would not be happy.
Arthur: A quarter? No.
Noah: I feel like there’s definitely better options. Only getting a quarter, it’s like, what am I gonna do with this, especially in 2025?
Jaylan: Yes! Money is money!

40. Rocks

Luci: Do not give the children rocks! That’s just straight up horrible…why??? Give us tangible things…give us candy!

Noah: Are they pet rocks?

Arthur: Does it matter? Give us sugar! Let our parents be mad at us for eating too much sugar.

Noah: I think pet rock were a big thing in the ‘80s.

Arthur: The NINETEEN eighties????

Jaylan: No. NO.

41. A tiny yo-yo

Luci: I would not be happy. I don’t like yo-yos.
Arthur: I’d be decently happy because I actually know how to use them…unlike some people (looks at Luci).
Noah: I feel like I would like that, but I think a lot of little kids would not know how to use it. But then, their parents could show them how to.
Jaylan: Yes, because I’m really good at using yo-yos.

42. A porcupine (spiky) ball

Luci: No.
Arthur: Not really, no.
Noah: Yeah, sure. They’re kind of like fidget toys.
Jaylan: I’m taking it, but it’s just a dog toy at my house.

43. Fruit roll-up

Luci: I’d be very happy.
Arthur: Once again, that’s actually candy.
Noah: Sure.
Jaylan: Depends on what flavor.

44. Microwave popcorn (unpopped)

Luci: I would hate that.
Arthur: The more immediate what you get is, the better.
Noah: Yeah, that’s something you can have later.
Jaylan: I will find a way to pop it.

45. Oatmeal packages

Luci: I don’t want an oatmeal package for Halloween.
Arthur: That’s just disappointing. That’s sad…that’s really depressing.
Noah: I’m not the picky one and I don’t want this.
Jaylan: Nah, we’re not 67.

46. Ravioli

Luci: Eh, not really.
Arthur: No, I’d be upset. Ravioli, ravioli, give me the formeeoli!
Noah: You can make better ravioli cheap.
Jaylan: No.

47. Erasers

Luci: I think if people are trying to give kid erasers for Halloween, it should be canceled so we can all pray that people give their kids decent Christmas presents.
Arthur: No.
Noah: They’re a classic.
Jaylan: Yes. Erasers are rare in this economy, don’t you know?

48. Mini muffins or cupcakes

Luci: I’d actually be really happy. I love both.
Arthur: They’re tasty and delicious.
Noah: Yeah, as long as it’s in a package. A mini-cupcake could be good too.
Jaylan: Yes, any day of the week. Cupcakes are cupcakes.

49. Protein or granola bar

Luci: Eh. I would love a chocolate-dipped one.
Arthur: I’d be okay with that, but not a regular granola bar. Chocolate dipped is fine…it’s not the best but it’s okay.
Noah: Sure, especially if it’s one with chocolate.
Jaylan: Granola bar…protein bars are just gross.

50. Temporary tattoo

Luci: No.
Arthur: Uh, no.
Noah: Yeah, that’s fun.
Jaylan: Yeah, obviously.

51. Bubbles

Luci: No.
Arthur: Bubbles is not the worst.
Noah: Yeah, sure.
Jaylan: Yes.

52. Toothbrush, toothpaste, or floss

Luci: NOOOO.
Arthur: I’d be insulted.
Noah: I would appreciate this but I’m not sure most people would. I would like toothpaste the most because I already have a toothbrush, and I think people need to replace toothpaste more often than their toothbrush.
Jaylan: All of the above. They’re valuable; I’m taking them all.

53. Adopt-a-ghost

This suggestion comes from a friend of mine who told me that someone she knows is planning to hand out ghost charms in little jars with adoption notes.

Luci: That would be cute.
Arthur: That would be cute.
Noah: I would like that.
Jaylan: That’d be weird, but maybe? I don’t know.

54. Spiral notebook

Luci: I like spiral notebooks, but probably not.
Arthur: I like and use a lot of spiral notebooks, but I wouldn’t be excited to have one as a gift.
Noah: I would like that, but I feel like kids who like to do art like Arthur and Luci would love it.
Jaylan: Definitely. Those are expensive nowadays.

55. Rice Krispie treats

Luci: I love Rice Krispie treats! I would run a mile for Rice Krispie treats.
Arthur: Any day of the week!
Noah: Definitely yes.
Jaylan: You should always take Rice Krispies!

56. Go-Go Squeeze applesauce

Luci: I’m just not a fan.
Arthur: It’s really disappointing.
Noah: They’re kinda good. I’d be like, yeah.
Jaylan: Yes!!! It’s applesauce. Applesauce is applesauce, unless it is cherry.

57. Chocolate chip cookies

Everyone: Yeah!!!!

Arthur: Especially if I get more than one.

Noah: Especially if they’re made by an old lady.

Me: You know that’s how you end up in an oven, right?

Arthur: I don’t care, shove me in!

Noah: As long as there’s cookies in it.

Jaylan: Obviously.

58. Mini science experiment

This idea came from a friend who saw someone assembling little DIY science experiments on TikTok.

Luci: Eh, not a fan.
Arthur: No, not really. If I wanna do science, I’ll go to school. It’s like with the spiral notebook…if I want school things, I’ll go to school.
Noah: That’s very fun.
Jaylan: No, that’s just homework!

The Verdict

The kids all agreed that it’s kind to want to give food, especially when so many kids don’t have it.

While all the kids understood why folks might want to do something different, they felt strongly that Halloween is the one time of year when the playing field is leveled no matter how much their family is struggling.

Jaylan: “Halloween is the one time of year where every kid gets to shine…it doesn’t matter how poor you are.”

If you’re going to give kids food, do it in addition to candy, Arthur advised. “It’s kind of like getting punished for not having enough money for food…it’s like you’re being punished for not being able to afford food. You miss out on the fun part of Halloween, the candy.”

Lucy: “Please, just give me candy.”

Arthur agreed. “Honestly, if all these people are doing this instead of candy, what’s the point of Halloween? If no one on the street has candy?”

At the same time, they agreed, all’s fair in love and Halloween. Most kids will still end up with plenty of candy, and it’s not called “trick” or treat for nothing.