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Halloween Treats through the Ages

Costumes are fun, but Halloween is all about the treats. From caramel apples to candy corn, it seems sugary snacks infiltrate our homes when Halloween rolls around.

Households around the world stock up on sweets to have on hand when the doorbell rings and children demand treats in lieu of playing tricks. American children have been trick-or-treating since the 1920s, but similar traditions date back to the 1500s in Europe, when needy families went door-to-door singing and dancing in costumes for money and food on Halloween night. Given the delightful pageantry, it is easy to understand why this tradition has evolved to remain part of today’s society. Coming home with bags of free treats is rewarding for kids of all ages, whether you are a five-year-old superhero or a parent hoping your kid collects a few of your favorite candies.

Trick-Or-Treating Time Warp
In addition to Skittles and Jolly Ranchers, today’s kids mostly bring home “fun-size” versions of popular candy bars, such as Snickers, Milky Way, Butterfinger, and Almond Joy to name a few. Of course, for many decades the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup has been a widely popular handout. Generation X and Baby Boomers also collected unique treats, including Candy Necklaces, Whoppers, Tootsie Rolls, Atomic FireBalls, Long Boys Coconut, and many others. Do you remember getting Candy Cigarettes?

Times have certainly changed. In the mid-1900s, many people would give out fruit, cups of cider, and homemade items like cookies, donuts, pumpkin treats, and popcorn balls. Homemade handouts are uncommon in today’s untrusting culture. Items not in a wrapper are typically tossed if received from a stranger. Why, because who knows what is in it?

Today, ingredients are especially important for those with food allergies, which is why there has also been a movement in recent years called the Teal Pumpkin Project. If you see a teal pumpkin on a porch this year, you will know where to find allergy-safe candy for trick-or-treaters. You’ll also find many homes today opting to give out healthier treats, such as small packs of raisins, pretzels, mini-granola bars, and juice boxes. So come one and all, and enjoy a healthy and happy Halloween in 2018!

Snap a photo of your treats and share them with us on Twitter or Facebook. We’d also love to see or hear about any Halloween-themed travel adventures. Together we celebrate eating well, living long, and traveling far!