Candy is traditionally full of added-sugar, dyes and various chemicals. One 5oz package of gummy bears has 63 grams of sugar which is 4 times the recommended daily intake for kids and almost 3 times the recommended intake for adults.
It also contains some ingredients such as yellow 5, red 40, and blue 1 which have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens.
On top of all that yuck, sugar is also know to cause serious dental issues in both children and adults! It also causes your skin to age prematurely making you look older than you actually are! So lets agree that slowing our roll on the amount of sugar we ingest is a good idea!
Giving up candy would suck though so instead of kicking candy to the curb, why not just choose smart brands that use non-toxic, real ingredients!
So inserting a little disclaimer here guys, this stuff is still candy! Some of it has ingredients that while non-toxic, they are manufactured in a lab. So obviously if you want something totally healthy, eat a piece fruit, am I right?
So remember, kinda natural Mama here is always going to choose to have some candy here and there.
Here is my go to list for healthy low or no sugar, all natural candy!
*This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you buy! This helps support me to continue developing resources for you and I am truly appreciative, thank you!*
Zollie Candy
Zollie Candy is an awesome small business created by a Dad and daughter duo! Their candy is vegan, all-natural, and sugar-free. They also have a charitable organization that educates students on tooth decay and gives back to the community! Bundle with 6 or more products to save 20%. This candy has good ingredients, gives back to charity and tastes amazing, win-win-win! You can grab some treats for as low as $3.50 or get big bundles and save!
Essential Candy
These are like the superhero’s of candy! They are fun candies but also target different health ailments with all natural ingredients and essential oils. They also have a CBD line that you can order candy from as well. These do also contain sugar but it is all organic and only 2g per candy. Heck you probably need these for when you eat too much of all the other candy! You can grab a bag for between $12-15 dollars from their website.
Beyond Good
Beyond Good makes some bomb chocolate but they also are doing a ton of humanitarian work to fix the broken industry that surrounds chocolate. Cocoa farmers are paid wages that perpetually keep them in overly and beyond good has vowed to pay 3x the industry standard and work to create healthy lasting relationships with their farms. You can grab a 6 bar gift set for 24.99 if you double up and spend over $40 you get free shipping too!
Smart Sweets
This brand is woman created and owned! Their phrase is kick sugar, keep candy which I can totally get down with! All their products do contain sugar but its a minimal amount, I am all about moderation and their products let you enjoy without that massive hit of sugar like traditional candy. They also contain high quality, well researched ingredients! They are pretty easy to locate and even in your local target. Prices for a package start at just under $3 a bag.
Yum Earth
This brand is also really good and easy to find! I’ve tried many of their products and regularly use their peppermints for after meals or upset stomach! They are sold in a ton of local places making them a quick grab if you’re short on time! They have organic ingredients, are vegan and contain no artificial coloring. I did include this brand as last because they do have moderately high sugar at closer to 3/4g for a piece of the candy. Yum earths products start around $4 a bag and go up for different things.
I strive to consistently make better choices about products, food and my overall lifestyle. A big part of this for me is reading actual research from peer reviewed sources to ensure that I provide as accurate information as possible!
This is a study called the toxicology of food dyes which discusses their finds on various food dyes regularly used today. Click here for the link if you’d like to read to more!
Which brand did you try or do you have any go to brands you like?
Wow! I had no idea there is that much sugar in those gummy bears. Thanks for showing me a great alternative!
Yes! Let me know which ones you try!