Confession: we’ve probably eaten way too many sugary candy canes this holiday season. So it was time to put a healthier spin on this favorite holiday treat!

Over two afternoons, we had fun making faux candy canes with red-and-white foods. First up was a fruit version. I sliced strawberries and bananas and set them on a cutting board, then challenged Travis to arrange them like a candy cane (or as Veronika calls it, a “minty”).

He quickly got the hang of it, and then both kids loved devouring this trompe l’oiel snack.

Needless to say, the red stripes (a.k.a. strawberries) didn’t last long.

The next day it was time for a savory spin on the treat! This time I set out piles of sliced tomato and vegan feta cheese. Travis again quickly figured out how to line them up like candy cane stripes.

And the kids quickly polished it off for a snack! What foods would you use for a pretend candy cane? Please share in the comments!