Scary Snacks For A Spooky Holiday

How popular is Halloween? Consider this: An estimated 90% of families with children under age 12 will celebrate in some fashion this October 31st. According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales of Halloween merchandise (excluding candy) exceed $2 billion annually. In recent years, Halloween has expanded from a one-day event - for mostly younger children (trick-or-treating) - to a celebration that involves teens and adults as well. Halloween parties in homes, schools and offices allow all age groups to “act like kids again;” indeed, 54% of U.S. consumers purchase costumes, while 49% decorate their homes/backyards.

Halloween has also grown into the second-largest decorating holiday of the year, after Christmas. Themed merchandise now includes outdoor decorations such as lawn decor, lights, door wreaths and animated figures, as well as indoor items including figurines, candles, tableware, linens, party ware, music, props, giftware, paper goods, toys and more. Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation, fills an important retail void between back-to-school and the holiday season, and many retailers are carving a niche for themselves in the Halloween market.

This year, get in on the fun by inviting a ghastly group of goblins and ghouls to a party of your own. Not only will your kids be able to ignore the elements (no more snowsuits under a Tinkerbelle costume!), you’ll also be able to control the treats and horrors! You might even sneak a healthy snack or two past the little gremlins.

Chock full of calcium-rich milk, cheese, and yogurt, these treats, courtesy of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., will bring your children one step closer to their recommended 3 daily servings of dairy - and that’s a treat their skeletons will enjoy!