Top Healthier Candy Swaps

Ditch the artificial petroleum based food dyes and artificial flavors found in many of the main candy brands these days! While it’s not about being perfect, these are some great better-for-you candy options for when you can mix them in.

It’s extremely hard to control what surrounds your kids outside of your house but for in your own home or if you want to have some alternatives on-the-go, I got you!

Looking for more help with your nutrition? Join our Master Your Health Crew for custom meal plans, recipe library, macros and calories included, grocery lists, 24/7 email support, accountability group, optional personalized workouts + so much more! Click here to learn more.

The Main Problems With Leading Candy Brands

TBHQ: TBHQ is a synthetic preservative linked to numerous health issues. It is currently banned in the EU and not used in Japan. The claim is the U.S. is that the FDA regulates the amount of TBHQ that can be added to foods, and considers it safe in small amounts. However, research suggests that Americans may be consuming more TBHQ than is safe and honestly overall it is an unnecessary additive.

Artificial Food Dyes: Food dyes made from petroleum. These are linked to behavioral issues in kids and other health concerns. In the E.U, a warning label is required if brands use it so many do not use them in the E.U.

PGPR: Aka polyglycerol polyricinoleate is an emulsifier used on my chocolates and food products. PGPR is considered safe but the main concerned is the contaminants in the manufacturing process that include epichlorohydrin and glycidol, which may be present in PGPR from the manufacturing processes of polyglycerols.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: High processed sweetener. HFCS has a glycemic index of 87, while cane sugar has a glycemic index of 60 (so even worse for blood sugar control). HFCS is made from cornstarch and is usually 55% fructose and 45% glucose. Cane sugar is made from sugarcane and is made up of equal parts glucose and fructose. Manufactures use HFCS because it’s cheaper. UK and Europe has restrictions on HFCS, japan has a high tariff on HFCS and Mexico has a 20% tax on items sweetened with HFCS over sugar. This may be more due to monetary reasons but it’s also a reason you’ll see less of it in these countries.

Overall, there are other brands out there using better ingredients. While some of these other brands are not perfect, they are so much better for you!

Better Gummy / Candy Brands

Yum Earth Giggles (swap for Skittles) 

Solely Organic Fruit Gummies

Yum Earth Organic Lollipops 

Bear Fruit Rolls (swap for fruit roll ups) 

Smart Sweets (swap for Swedish fish, sour gummies etc) 

 

Better Chocolate Based Candy Brands

Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Skinny Dipped Peanut Butter Cups

Justin’s Organic Almond Butter Cups 

Unreal Coconut Minis 

 

Healthy Dark Chocolate Brands

Hu Dark Chocolate (70%+) (7g sugar. 3g fiber per serving)

Theo Dark Chocolate (85%) (4g sugar, 3g fiber per serving)

Lily’s Sea Salt Dark Chocolate (70%) (0g sugar, 5g sugar alcohols, 7g fiber)

Evolved Signature Dark Chocolate (72%) (7g sugar, 3g fiber)

Alter Eco Classic Dark Chocolate (85%) (4g sugar, 3g fiber)

 

Healthier Chocolate Chip Brands

Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips

HU Dark Chocolate Gems

 

Healthier Marshmallow Brands

Max Mallow 

S’mallows

 

I hope you found this helpful! Make sure to check out our Master Your Health coaching program for more meal plans, recipes, nutrition tips, optional workouts, accountability group + more much more.