Halloween is over, and you're already thinking about the next holiday. But that bowl of trick-or-treat candy? Still overflowing. Here's how to use up that leftover Halloween candy before your kids finish it all, or how to teach them to be mindful about eating it.
Donate your leftover Halloween candy
You might not be aware of it, but you can actually donate your leftover candy. Nonprofit organizations like Soldiers’ Angels work with businesses and organizations across the country to collect leftover, wrapped and unopened Halloween candy that can be sent to military troops as a sweet care package. Troopathon is a similar organization that collected over 30,000 pounds of candy for care packages for troops serving overseas in 2025.
“Organizations such as shelters, food pantries, community
organizations, churches and first-responders may accept donations,” says Joy Dubost, a scientist and registered dietitian from Tampa, Florida. “I would advise to call first to ensure they accept the wrapped, unopened products. You could also consider whether community groups or even your own neighborhood would do a candy swap or donation collection.”
Bake with Halloween candy
Another option, especially as you head into the holiday baking season, is to use the candy for treats, like party mixes or baked goods.
“Chocolate can be chopped or cut up into smaller pieces and used in cookies, cakes, brownies or other baked goods,” says Dubost. “You could also melt the chocolate and infuse it into warm milk or a dairy alternative for a warm, sweet treat.”
She also says you could get creative by infusing liquor with the hard or sweet candy, creating a fun crafted cocktail or for lining the rim of a glass.
Freeze Halloween candy? Yes, you can
If you have the freezer space, some types of candy can be frozen for future use, especially when properly stored.
“Chocolate freezes well if wrapped tightly and placed in an air-tight container to prevent freezer burn,” says Jackie Bridson, registered dietitian at Nourish in Orlando, Florida. “Gummies, taffy and other chewy candies don’t hold up well to freezing because their texture often changes, becoming sticky and unpleasant once thawed. Ideally, keep these candies at room temperature and eat them sooner than the others.”
Repurpose your Halloween candy
If you aren’t looking to consume it, you can also use it in other creative ways. Consider using it for holiday gifts, like stained glass ornaments or upcoming gingerbread houses. Families can even find ways to trade in the candy.
“Some families use the ‘Switch Witch’ method where children enjoy their candy for a day or two, then leave the rest out for the friendly ‘witch’ to swap the stash for a toy or game,” says Bridson.
Enjoy the treats anyway
Having too much candy around can be tempting, but experts agree that part of the season's fun is enjoying treats in moderation.
“This can also be a teaching moment for children on proper portion sizes, developing baking and cooking skills, reducing food waste, and giving back to the community,” says Dubost.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 4 smart ways to use up leftover Halloween candy
