Better for You Candy
Happy Halloween! Among the many #doitbetter brands that are on the rise are candy companies that are making it a little bit better when that sweet tooth hits. Who doesn't love those addictive red and pink Starbursts and that flavor you can't seem to get anywhere else? The truth is, most candies and high processed foods are colored with artificial dyes to achieve those bright vibrant colors and added value to our favorite sweets and treats. Think about it this way, if artificial dyes exist that is a hint that it is an extremely high processed food with little to no nutritional value.
The Gist:
The issue with common candy brands is high fructose corn syrup and AFCs (artificial food coloring).
The source of most artificial dyes have been known to be a petroleum by-products or coal-tar.
The consumption of AFCs has been directly correlated to adverse behavior in children, especially those with ADHD. (Read more here).
The most commonly found dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 and are known carcinogens.
So how does the FDA regulate food dyes? In 1960 an amendment was made to the 1938 Food, Drug and Cosmetics act stating that the FDA must approve any new food additive before it hits the market. Our regulation is weak compared to other companies. For example: a Fanta in the US has Red 40 and Yellow 6, while in the UK it is colored with pumpkin and carrot extract.
It is never good to overindulge in too much sugar, but every now and then when you need to treat that sweet tooth look to these brands below for better for you treats without any of the tricks.
Here are some value snippets from each brand:
Yum Earth: They are on a mission to use “simple flavors, colors and ingredients.” They are free of the top 8 allergens: soy, fish, peanuts, egg, milk, shellfish, wheat and tree-nuts. The coloring is from organic concentrate from things like apples, pumpkins, carrots etc. All of their products are USDA Organic and Non-GMO.
Smart Sweets: I really love the founder’s story here. Tara Bosch created Smart Sweets in her home after kicking a sugar addiction. All of their candies are free from sugar alcohols and artificial flavors. Only 3 grams of sugar per package!!
Little Secrets: They are reimagining chocolate as we know it using fair trade chocolate, fruit and vegetable extracts for coloring and being certified Non-GMO.
Unreal: Their milk chocolate gems are better than M&M’s in my opinion! Their candies are Non-GMO and are organic, fair trade, non artificial ingredients.
Justins: The best peanut and almond butter cups around! Justin’s started with their incredible nut butters and has expanded into making delicious nut butter treats. They use organic, Non-GMO and fair trade ingredients. They also have many sustainability initiatives with the Rainforest Alliance and using sustainably sourced palm oil .
So excited to bring you this list of my top Better for You Candy Brands. Use these links to shop. Or you can usually find them at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Erewhon.
Lily’s: my go to for baking chocolate chips!
Surf Sweets: great gummy bear option with no synthetic flavor or coloring.
Beauty Bar Chocolate: The best of the best handcrafted sugar free chocolate with pearl collagen, adaptogens and other benefits. Use code DETOXMETUESDAY for 20% off.
Smart Sweets: The best peachy ring swap!
Yum Earth: Great candy go to. I love their lollipops and gummies.
Torie and Howard: great starburst swap!
Justin’s: Amazing nut butter’s and peanut butter cups!
UnReal: My favorite brand for anything chocolate! Gems, cups, nougats etc!
Alter Eco: Organic, fair trade and non GMO chocolate that will spoil anyone.
