8 Halloween Treats to Enjoy While Using a GLP-1

Your taste for sweets may have shifted a little, but there are still plenty of tasty ways to enjoy a decadent snack this spooky season.

Halloween is near, and grocery stores and supermarket aisles are filled with all kinds of sugary seasonal sweets.

There is no specific diet requirement for people taking a glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, but those using the medications are often encouraged to be more mindful about food choices because certain foods can worsen side effects. “These drugs deliberately slow gastric emptying, so a big load of sugar and fat sits in the stomach longer, which is a recipe for the drugs’ most common side effects,” says Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, chief medical officer at People Inc., noting that symptoms may include nausea or bloating.

“Symptoms are usually worst early on and during dose increases, but a sudden high-fat, high-sugar splurge can trigger them even in someone who normally feels fine,” he adds.

Many people taking GLP-1s also say they no longer crave sweets the way they once did. Dr. Imtiaz says that change appears to come from both the brain and the taste buds.

“In the brain, GLP-1 drugs act on the dopamine-driven reward circuitry that makes calorie-dense foods feel ‘worth it,’ ” he explains. “By dampening that signal, they reduce the ‘wanting’ and ‘liking’ of food, not just hunger. People report less food ‘noise’ and fewer cravings, with sweets, starches and fast food most affected.”

He adds, “On the tongue, emerging evidence suggests taste itself shifts. GLP-1 receptors sit on the nerve fibers that detect sweetness, and in animals, activating them blunts sweet perception. In people, GLP-1 use is linked to higher sweet-taste detection thresholds, while other tastes are largely unchanged. The human data aren’t entirely uniform, though, so the picture is ‘sweet perception and reward are altered,’ not a blanket loss of taste.”

Even so, that does not mean Halloween treats are off the table. As these medications have grown in popularity, companies such as Hershey’s have broadened their seasonal offerings to fit changing preferences. The company has said it is bringing a wider range of salty snacks to Halloween for people whose tastes may have shifted from peanut butter cups to popcorn.

If you are on a GLP-1 and rethinking your usual candy raid after the kids go to bed, here are eight Halloween treats that deliver flavor and indulgence without quite as much sugar rush, though they should still be enjoyed in moderation.

Snackish Potato Crisps

When you are feeling a little snackish, this aptly named potato chip brand fits the moment. Each bag of Snackish crisps is made with avocado oil and includes 8 grams of protein and fiber as well. New flavors include BBQ Bash, Pickle Punch, Vinegar Rush and more.

Smoothie King’s Pumpkin GLP-1 Slim-and-Trim Smoothie

For anyone who wants pumpkin spice as soon as the season begins, Smoothie King has added a seasonal Pumpkin GLP-1 Slim-and-Trim smoothie to its lineup. It contains 23 grams of protein and is made with 10 percent organic pumpkin, almond milk, bananas, almonds, the brand’s Slim-N-Trim protein and a seasonal spice blend.

Pirate’s Booty Boos & Bites Cheddar Cheese Puffs

If you are craving something crunchy and savory, this Hershey’s option may be a good pick. Pirate’s Booty Boos & Bites are gluten-free and lower in calories than many other salty snacks, and their ghost and monster shapes make them a playful holiday treat.

Skinny Pop Popcorn

A longtime favorite, Skinny Pop has been around for years as a lighter choice for popcorn fans. Usual flavors include Original, Salt & Pepper, Garlic Butter and Cheddar Jalapeño, while spooky season brings limited-edition Harry Potter Butterbeer flavored bags.

Lesser Evil Moonions

Described as “crunchy, zesty and packed with flavor,” LesserEvil’s Moonions are air-puffed onion rings available in Intergalactic Onion and, for those who want a little more “trick” than “treat,” a spicier Hyperspace Onion version.

Yasso Bars

Made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, Yasso bars have fewer calories and less fat, while offering more protein than a typical ice cream bar. At 150 calories and 4 grams of protein per bar, they can satisfy a sweet craving without piling on too much sugar.

Catalina Crunch Protein Cereal

Catalina Crunch offers a variety of snacks, including these snack-size cereal packs that are handy to bring along while trick-or-treating with the kids. Each bag has 11 grams of pea protein and 6 grams of fiber, and the multipack includes six pouches.

Joyride Sour Worms

Joyride sour worms offer much of the tongue-tingling appeal of traditional sour candy, but with less sugar, non-GMO ingredients and no artificial colors, sweeteners or flavors. Instead of the granulated sugar or corn syrup found in many gummies, they are sweetened with allulose, a plant-based sweetener found naturally in foods such as raisins and figs.