Life
12 Healthy Easter Basket Treats That Won't Cause a Sugar Crash
Traditional Easter baskets are loaded with sugary treats that make parents and the tooth fairy alike pretty unhappy. If you're planning on giving baskets to younger relatives this year, or are trying to lay off the sickly sweet stuff yourself, try stocking your basket with some of these healthier options, edible and otherwise.
Cheddar Bunnies
They may not be the healthiest of snacks, but they’re made with organic ingredients and are certainly better for you than candy bars. Oh, and they’re shaped like bunnies!
Image: Annie’s Homegrown / Facebook
Baby Carrots
They’re cute, tasty, and totally on-theme.
Popcorn
Popcorn is full of fiber, and this version from Simply Scratch uses healthy coconut oil. Wrap in colored cellophane for a fun treat.
Image: Simply Scratch
Carrot Muffins
These carrot muffins from Love and Lemons use coconut cream rather than cream cheese for the frosting.
Image: Love and Lemons
Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
This recipe from Fo Reals Life is much healthier than Nutella (no additives) and lasts for up to two weeks, assuming you don’t eat it all at once. You can also swap in carob for the chocolate.
Image: Fo Reals Life
Chocolate Covered Fruit
Chocolate-covered fruit can be easy! Try this recipe by How Sweet It Is for chocolate clementine slices, or used dried fruit like apricots.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Nuts
Healthy and full of protein, nuts are always a great gift. For kids who may not be excited by nuts, try a nut mix, like this recipe for pistachio buddies by What’s Cooking Love. Maybe this one is a stretch on the “healthy” front…
Image: What’s Cooking Love
Flowers
Flowers are pretty, fragrant, and can be pressed for posterity or used in crafts. Buying fair trade flowers is usually pretty inexpensive, and they should last for days. Packages of edible flowers can also be found at farmer’s markets and health food stores.
Homemade Candies
If you feel a need to give candy, try making it yourself! Healthful Pursuits has a simple recipe that uses real fruit juice.
Image: Healthful Pursuits
Eggs
The more eggs to decorate the better! Plain hard boiled eggs are not only healthy and tasty, but the shell is a fun canvas.
Veggie Chips
Almost any vegetable can be made into a tasty chip with an oven and some salt! Health stores also sell veggies chips that are highly appealing. Promise.
Stickers or Nail Decals
They’re not edible, but they’re fun! Temporary tattoos or nail polish make for fun gifts too.
Image: LisaFrank / Facebook
