When the craving for something sweet strikes, many of us reach for traditional candies—loaded with sugars, artificial dyes, and additives. While no candy can be considered perfectly healthy, several brands have stepped up to offer cleaner, more thoughtful options made with natural ingredients and fewer chemicals. Here’s a guide to some of the best healthy candy alternatives that are better for you than the usual treats on the shelf.
Why Choose Cleaner Candy Options?
Let’s be real: even these healthier candies still contain sugars and should be enjoyed in moderation. But compared to conventional candies, these alternatives use natural ingredients, avoid high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes, and often meet dietary preferences like gluten-free, vegan, or non-GMO. In a world where junk-filled sweets are the norm, these brands make it easier to indulge without the worry of added chemicals and overly processed sugars. Here’s our list of top picks across different candy types!
Why It’s Better: Hu Kitchen is committed to using organic, paleo-friendly ingredients, which means their chocolate contains no refined sugars, dairy, or soy lecithin. Their chocolates are minimally processed, focusing on simple, whole ingredients, making them a guilt-free option for chocolate lovers who want to steer clear of unnecessary additives.
Taste Experience: Rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, Hu Kitchen’s Dark Chocolate Gems offer a smooth indulgence without the processed ingredients often found in conventional chocolates.
Why It’s Better: SmartSweets takes a unique approach by making their gummies low in sugar (only 3g per bag!) and high in fiber. With no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors, these gummies are made with plant-based ingredients. SmartSweets is a much cleaner choice for anyone who wants a gummy fix without the extra sugar and synthetic additives.
Taste Experience: With a perfect sour kick, these gummies pack the flavor of traditional candy without the heavy sugar load, offering a satisfyingly chewy texture.
Why It’s Better: Cocomels swaps dairy for coconut milk, making these caramels not only dairy-free but also plant-based and lower in sugar compared to typical caramel candies. Their caramels are made with organic ingredients and are free from gluten and refined sugars, making them a clean, creamy treat that’s also kinder to your body.
Taste Experience: The rich coconut milk gives a smooth, decadent flavor with a caramel sweetness that’s unmistakably delicious.
Why It’s Better: YumEarth is known for its allergy-friendly sweets that are free from the top eight allergens, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial dyes. Their lollipops are made with organic ingredients and are also gluten-free, kosher, and vegan, offering a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions or anyone who simply prefers cleaner, more natural sweets.
Taste Experience: These lollipops come in fun flavors like pomegranate, mango, strawberry, and watermelon, delivering real fruit flavors that make it easy to skip the standard sugar-laden lollipops.
Why It’s Better: Unreal offers a range of chocolate-based treats made with fair trade chocolate and without sugar alcohols, artificial dyes, or GMOs. From Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars to Peanut Butter Cups with crispy quinoa, Unreal’s focus is on clean ingredients and sustainable sourcing. They even avoid artificial colors, instead using natural alternatives.
Taste Experience: Unreal’s candies offer a rich chocolate flavor and satisfying textures, with options like crunchy quinoa for added variety. These treats are perfect for anyone who wants a chocolate fix that’s also ethically sourced and lower in sugar.
Treat Yourself Mindfully
While none of these options are “perfectly” healthy, they certainly are better than conventional candy. By opting for brands that use natural, clean ingredients, you’re not only cutting out artificial additives but also supporting companies that prioritize sustainability, fair trade, and thoughtful sourcing. So, the next time your sweet tooth calls, consider these healthier alternatives—you’ll satisfy your craving while making a more mindful choice!
Remember: Candy is still candy, so moderation is key. But with options this clean, you can indulge a little more freely.
