Best Belizean Treats to Try Instead of Halloween Candy

When Halloween rolls around, most travelers picture buckets of chocolate bars, gummies, and lollipops. But if you’re in Belize this season, skip the imported candy aisle and head straight for local markets and village kitchens. Here, you’ll discover handmade Belizean sweets that are every bit as sugary and nostalgic—crafted from coconut, tamarind, sugarcane, and tropical fruits.

From wangla (Belizean caramel brittle) to tambran balls and fudge, these treats reflect the country’s cultural mix and inventive use of homegrown ingredients. So, whether you’re trick-or-treating in Belize or simply craving something new, here are the best Belizean treats to try instead of Halloween candy.

Wangla – The Belizean Brittle with a Crunch

If peanut brittle and caramel popcorn had a tropical cousin, it would be wangla. Made by melting raw sugar until it caramelizes, then mixing it with toasted sesame seeds, wangla is sweet, nutty, and slightly smoky.

You’ll often find it molded into bars or balls and wrapped in wax paper at roadside stalls and local markets. It’s the perfect mix of crunch and sweetness—a satisfying alternative to the store-bought Halloween candy bars you grew up with.

Traveler Tip:The best wangla comes from local vendors in Dangriga and Belmopan, who still prepare it the traditional way using wood-fire heat.

Tambran Balls – Sweet, Sour, and Addictively Tangy

If you like sour gummies, you’ll love tambran balls, a Belizean favorite made from tamarind pulp, brown sugar, and sometimes a hint of pepper or salt. The combination is mouth-watering—sweet, tangy, and a little spicy.

Tamarind trees grow everywhere in Belize, so tambran balls are a true taste of the tropics. Locals often roll them in sugar or coconut flakes for an extra layer of texture.

Why It’s Perfect for Halloween: They satisfy that craving for chewy candy but come packed with natural fruit flavor and zero artificial dyes.

Coconut Fudge – Creamy, Caramelized, and Irresistible

Forget chocolate fudge—Belizean fudge is in a category of its own. Made with condensed milk, sugar, and grated coconut, it’s cooked slowly until thick and caramel-colored. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth square that delivers a burst of tropical sweetness.

You’ll find variations across the country—some add rum, vanilla, or cinnamon for a deeper flavor profile.

Traveler Tip: Visit the San Ignacio market or small town bakeries to sample homemade versions wrapped in banana leaves.

Tableta – Belize’s Answer to Toffee

Tableta (pronounced tah-BLEH-tah) is another classic Belizean candy that rivals any caramel treat. It’s made by cooking grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes ginger or food coloring until it forms a sticky mixture that hardens as it cools.

It’s sweet, chewy, and slightly crispy around the edges like a tropical version of peanut brittle. Many locals still remember buying tableta from school vendors or making it at home during festivals.

Why You’ll Love It: Tableta has that nostalgic, handmade quality that makes every bite feel special.

Dulce de Plátano – Sweet Plantain Delight

For something softer and fruitier, try dulce de plátano, or candied plantains. Ripe plantains are sliced and simmered in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a sticky, syrupy dessert that pairs beautifully with ice cream or coconut milk.

This treat is especially popular during holidays and local fairs, where cooks display trays of golden plantains glistening in syrup.

Traveler Tip: Try it warm with a scoop of local ice cream from The Ice Cream Shoppe in San Pedro.

Coconut Tart – A Sweet Slice of Island Life

If your idea of a treat involves pastry, the Belizean coconut tart will win you over. It’s a buttery crust filled with shredded coconut, sugar, and spices, often tinted red or pink for a festive look.

You’ll find coconut tarts in nearly every bakery from Belize City to Placencia and they make a lovely snack with afternoon tea or coffee.

Why It’s a Great Halloween Swap: Instead of chocolate bars, you get a bite of real island flavor wrapped in golden pastry.

Local Market Favorites – Sweets from Every Corner

One of the best ways to experience Belize’s sugary side is by exploring local markets. Vendors sell everything from pepper-dusted tambran to fudge, wangla, and coconut drops in colorful plastic bags.One of the best ways to experience Belize’s sugary side is by exploring local markets. Vendors sell everything from pepper-dusted tambran to fudge, wangla, and coconut drops in colorful plastic bags.

You’ll also find rare regional specialties like:

• Powder bun – lightly sweet bread with nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Coconut drops – small chewy balls of caramelized coconut.
• Peppermints – old-school mints that come in vivid colors and bold flavors.

Why Belizean Treats Are Perfect for Travelers

Belizean sweets aren’t just delicious—they connect you to local culture. Many are made with hand-harvested ingredients, often cooked over open fires or on small stoves. Buying them supports village artisans and family vendors, helping preserve culinary traditions that go back generations.

Plus, these treats are less processed, often using natural sugar and local produce, making them a healthier indulgence than most packaged candy.

Where to Find the Best Belizean Treats

Here are a few places you shouldn’t miss when looking for these local sweets:

• Belize City Market – Great for fudge, tableta, and coconut drops.
• San Pedro, Ambergris Caye – Great for coconut fudge, tarts, and wangla
• Dangriga Town – Known for wangla and tambran balls.
• San Ignacio Market – Try fresh tambran and seasonal fruit treats.
• Placencia Village – Bakeries sell coconut tarts and dulce de plátano.
• Hopkins Village – Known for handmade Garifuna sweets made with cassava and coconut.

Bringing the Sweetness Home

Before heading home, pick up a few packets of Belizean fudge or wangla as souvenirs. They travel well and make wonderful gifts for friends who want to taste Belize’s unique flavors. You can even find recipes online and try making them yourself—it’s a delicious way to relive your Belize trip long after Halloween ends.

Final Thoughts

Halloween in Belize doesn’t have to mean candy corn or chocolate bars. The country’s homemade sweets are rich in flavor, tradition, and creativity—offering travelers a deeper, more authentic taste of the Caribbean.

So this Halloween, skip the supermarket treats and fill your bag with Belizean fudge, wangla, tambran balls, and tableta. They’re proof that the sweetest memories come from local kitchens, not factory wrappers.