What You Can Give Your Child Instead of Candy
Because treats shouldn't come with guilt
Sometimes you just want to give your child something sweet.
Something small, joyful, something that feels like a treat - but without refined sugar, additives, or guilt.
I believe sweet moments can be part of care - not something we have to hide or feel bad about.
And today, I want to share a few things that truly work in our home.
Simple little recipes that not only I love - but my kids do too.
Our favorite treat - homemade ice cream
If I had to pick just one sweet recipe to keep forever, it would be this one.
Two ingredients:
Frozen bananas
Plus anything else you like: mango, orange, or berries
Blend until creamy and smooth.
No sugar. No additives. Just the pure sweetness of fruit.
My kids eat this homemade ice cream with the kind of excitement you usually see at a dessert café.
And honestly - that’s the best compliment.
Date paste with cacao or carob
Sometimes you crave that chocolatey taste without the chocolate.
Here’s what I do:
A few soft pitted dates
1 teaspoon of cacao powder (or carob - naturally sweeter and caffeine-free)
A splash of water or plant-based milk
Blend until it turns into a thick, luscious spread.
Perfect for spooning onto flatbreads, mixing into oatmeal, or simply enjoying by the spoonful.
(And no one asks, "Where’s the sugar?")
Frozen banana bites with chocolate
Another simple joy:
Slice a banana into rounds
Dip into melted dark chocolate (no added sugar)
Freeze for 10–15 minutes
You get little frozen candy bites - soft inside, crisp outside.
Sweet, playful, and free of tricks.
Nut and coconut energy balls
For those "just one bite" moments:
A handful of nuts (almonds or walnuts)
1–2 dates
A bit of shredded coconut
Blend everything together and roll into small balls.
You can coat them in more coconut if you like.
Grown-ups love them too - and good luck eating just one.
A gentle reminder
I'm not here to tell you to ban sweets.
I'm here to show that sweetness can be real - simple, natural, and part of everyday care.
Through what we make with our hands.
Through the warmth we leave behind after a shared meal.
If this speaks to you, I share weekly posts about plant-based desserts, baby nutrition, and gentle ways to care for yourself and your family.