Organic or not, candy is candy… right? While excessive amounts of any candy are not healthy (moderation is key!), it is hard to avoid 100% of the time. The good news is, you can be reassured you are making a ‘healthier’ choice for your family by choosing organic and forgoing some of the questionable ingredients found in traditional brands.
Organic candies have flavors and colors that come from natural ingredients like beets, turmeric, and pomegranates, yet they don’t sacrifice the sweetness of traditional candies. But, flavors and colors are not the only natural ingredients found in organic candy brands. Raw, unprocessed sweeteners and non-GMO ingredients are found in ‘healthier’ candy options that are *often* free of common allergens as well.
Several yucky ingredients are typically found in traditional candies that are not found in organic candies:
- GMO Ingredients
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Preservatives
- Soy Bean Oil (Soy Lechin)
- Canola Oil
- White Sugar
- Artificial Flavors
- Artificial Colors
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Preservatives
Whether you have a serious sweet tooth or are looking for healthier Halloween candy options, we’ve got your covered!
Here are the best organic candy brands of 2021:
1. Yum Earth
Made without artificial colors or flavors, these candies are also organic, allergy-friendly, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan — making them a top choice for my sweet tooth! Giggles (pictured above) are my favorite alternative to my former love, Skittles!
Yum Earth Favorites: Lollipops, fruit sours, hard candies, chewies, chocolate and so much more are a few of our favorites from Yum Earth.
2. Lovely Organic
Made with natural colors and flavors, these yummy organic candies are also vegan, kosher, and gluten-free!
Lovey Favorites: Lollipops, hard candies, chewies (similar to Starbursts)
3. Justin’s
The best responsibly sourced organic peanut butter cups on the market! Made with Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa and Orangutan Friendly Responsibly Sourced Palm Oil (RSPO) these organic peanut butter cups are better for you and the environment.
No, they do not taste exactly like Reeces, but are the closest I’ve found.
4. Wholesome Candies
Made with organic ingredients, Wholesome Candies are Fair Trade Certified, kosher, gluten-free, and free of artificial colors and flavors!
Wholesome Favorites: Fruit chews and the DelishFish!
5. Surf Sweets
Made using organic ingredients in a nut-free factory, Surf Sweets makes delicious gummies without artificial colors, flavors, or gluten!
Surf Sweet Favorites: Gummies
6. Annie’s
One of my go-to brands, Annie’s offers a few individually wrapped favorites (perfect for Halloween) including yummy fruit snack gummies, cocoa krispy bars and cracker variety packs.
Annie’s Favorites: Fruit Snacks
7. Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Pops
Made with organic ingredients, manuka honey, and zero artificial flavors or colors, these yummy lollipops are made by one of my favorite brands… Wedderspoon! These pops also contain 100% of your daily vitamin C.
Healthier Non-Organic (or partially organic) Candy
The following candies are better than traditional brands, but do not always contain organic ingredients (see below). However, they are free of artificial flavors and colors, making them a better choice for your family.
*Unreal
Best for chocolate cover candies including peanut butter cups, milk chocolates, and chocolate covered coconut bars, Unreal candy is made up of partially organic ingredients without any of the nasty additives. *Made with some organic ingredients
Unreal Favorites: Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems
*Comvita Manuka Honey Pops
Made with UMF 10+ Manuka honey and mostly organic ingredients, these pops come in three flavors: grape, lemon, and orange. They double as a sore throat soother and sweet treat and contain 150% of your daily vitamin C – perfect for when your little (or you) get sick with a sore throat! Free of artificial colors and flavors. *Made with some organic ingredients
*Smart Sweets
Smart Sweets candy isn’t organic, but is naturally sweetened without sugar alcohols or added sugar and doesn’t contain any artificial colors or flavors making it a much better choice than conventional brands. Smart Sweets is also soy free, peanut & tree nut free, dairy free, and gluten free! *Not organic
Smart Sweets favorites: Fish, peach rings, and yummy gummies
Where can I purchase organic candy?
Organic candy is much easier to find now-a-days than in years past. Whole Foods, Amazon, local grocery stores and even stores like Home Goods and TJ Maxx sell organic options.
Now, you have permission to indulge – at least for a day or two!
Stay sweet and healthy!
Looking for other vetted non-toxic products for your family? Check out my Amazon Storefront for my favorite go-to’s.
Additional Reading: “Artificial Food Dyes: Are they actually harmful?”
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