Halloween

Trick or Treat Ideas

Giving out vegan sweets to trick-or-treaters is a great opportunity to show kids (and adults!) that Halloween isn’t reliant animal products. One common ingredient found in many popular sweets is gelatine, which is made from animal bones, skin, and connective tissues. Pretty gross, right? Sadly, most of the traditional pick-and-mix sweets that people love around Halloween are filled with it, along with other animal-derived ingredients like dairy, beeswax, or even food colorings made from insects. But don’t worry—there are plenty of tasty, affordable, cruelty-free options that are perfect!

For us, we love The Vegan Candy Man for affordable, gelatine-free sweets. He’s got an amazing selection of vegan pick-and-mix options that are every bit as fun and delicious as the ones you’re used to, without any of the icky animal byproducts.

We like to fill up cheap paper goodie bags like the ones shown with a mix of 4-5 small vegan treats. Swizzels' multipack bags, which you can easily find in shops like Home Bargains or your local supermarket, are our go-to. Many of their sweets, like Love Hearts, Parma Violets, and Fizzers, are already vegan. They’re super affordable and come in bulk packs, making them ideal for filling up those goodie bags without breaking the bank. We also like to add a Spooky Chum Moo Free chocolate bar in there for that chocolate fix.

Common Non-Vegan E-Numbers

E120 – Cochineal / Carmine
Source: Insects (cochineal beetles).
Found in: Red or pink food colourings in candies, drinks, and some processed foods.
Description: A red dye made from crushed cochineal insects, often used in sweets and cosmetics.

E441 – Gelatine
Source: Animal bones, cartilage, and skin.
Found in: Gummy candies, marshmallows, and some desserts.
Description: A gelling agent derived from collagen in animals, frequently used in chewy sweets.

E542 – Edible Bone Phosphate
Source: Animal bones.
Found in: Some types of supplements and processed foods.
Description: Used as a calcium supplement or anti-caking agent in some processed foods.

E901 – Beeswax
Source: Bees.
Found in: Some chocolates, sweets, and as a coating in fruits.
Description: Often used as a glazing agent to make products shiny.

E904 – Shellac
Source: Insects (lac bugs).
Found in: Glazed sweets, fruit coatings, and some confectionery.
Description: A resin secreted by the lac insect, used to create a shiny, protective coating.

E913 – Lanolin
Source: Sheep wool.
Found in: Some sweets and as a glazing agent.
Description: A waxy substance derived from the wool of sheep, sometimes used in confectionery.

E631 – Disodium Inosinate
Source: Fish or meat.
Found in: Flavored snacks, soups, and sauces.
Description: A flavor enhancer often derived from animal sources, though there are synthetic versions.

E635 – Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides
Source: Often derived from animal products like fish.
Found in: Savory snacks, flavored crisps, and processed foods.
Description: A flavor enhancer similar to E631.

E322 – Lecithin (can be non-vegan)
Source: Sometimes derived from egg yolks, though plant-based sources (like soy) are common.
Found in: Chocolates, sweets, and baked goods.
Description: An emulsifier that can be either plant-based or animal-derived.

E472 – Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids
Source: May be derived from animal fats.
Found in: Baked goods, snacks, and processed foods.
Description: An emulsifier used to combine fats and water.

Alternatives to Trick or Treating

If traditional trick-or-treating doesn’t feel right for your family—whether it's the overload of sugary sweets, safety concerns, or just a desire for something a little more meaningful—there are plenty of exciting alternatives that can still capture the spirit of Halloween. These activities are not only fun, but they also offer the chance to instill a love and respect for nature in your children from an early age. Plus, they’ll stimulate young minds, encourage curiosity, and teach valuable lessons about the world around them.

Leaf Collecting and Pressing 🍁🍂

Instead of going door to door for sweets, why not head outdoors and embrace the beauty of autumn? As the leaves are falling, you and your children can collect different types of leaves, press them, and create art. This activity is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the different types of trees in your area, and it gives kids a hands-on way to appreciate nature. You can even frame the leaves as a keepsake of their autumn adventure.

Rock Collecting and Spooky Painting 🎨💀

Another creative option is to go on a rock-collecting adventure, looking for smooth, paintable stones. Once you've gathered a collection, turn them into Halloween decorations by painting spooky designs like ghosts, pumpkins, bats, or black cats. Don’t know which paints are vegan? No worries - we got you covered just click here for a big list of vegan art supplies. Personally, I like to use Amsterdam paints.

Bat or Owl Walks 🦇🦉

Why not take your children on a bat or owl walk this Halloween? Bats tend to hibernate from mid November, so taking the time to see and learn about them before they settle down for the winter can be a thrilling and educational experience. And what could be more magical than hearing, or possibly even seeing, an owl? This is a great way to teach kids about the importance of preserving habitats for these creatures — animals that are often misunderstood, but vital to our ecosystems. You'll create lasting memories while fostering a love for wildlife conservation.

Vegan Scavenger Hunt in Nature 🌱🍂

If you’re looking for a fun, animal-friendly alternative to candy collecting, consider organizing a vegan scavenger hunt in a local nature park. Hide clues or small, eco-friendly treats or toys and let your children explore while learning about the importance of plant-based living and environmental sustainability. This activity combines the thrill of discovery with education about wildlife and nature, all while avoiding sugary snacks.

Stargazing and Ghost Stories 🌕✨

Halloween night offers the perfect opportunity to gaze at the stars and teach your kids about the constellations and the stories behind them. You can create a magical experience by tying in Halloween-themed tales or myths about the stars. It’s a quiet, thoughtful alternative that can foster a lifelong appreciation for the night sky.

The Other Side of Trick or Treating

If you're a parent who feels guilty about your child missing out on trick-or-treating because they're vegan, you’re not alone. Many vegan parents face the challenge of ensuring their children still get to participate in the fun without compromising on their ethics. It’s important to have an open discussion with your child about why avoiding animal products is a core value. You can explain that while other kids may be enjoying the usual treats, enjoying something that causes other beings to suffer isn’t very nice.

One great option is check out our newly launched Vegan Trick or Treating Community on Facebook. The aim is to join the group, see if there’s any pins in your town on the map, contact the pinned members via D and swap addresses. You also use it to ask if there are other vegan parents in the area hosting parties.

It’s a wonderful way to connect with like-minded families. Many parents today are also conscious of food allergies—so even non-vegan families might be keen to avoid dairy.

Hosting your own vegan Halloween party is also a fantastic option. You’ll have full control over the treats and activities, ensuring everything is animal-free. By doing this, you not only create a safe space for your child but also set an example for others about how easy and enjoyable a vegan celebration can be - and possibly pave the way for better trick or treat options next year!