In a few days, kids will be coming home with bags full of sweets... but research shows that candymakers, even those who sell their products on the mass market, are upgrading their confections by reducing sugar and by eliminating transfats, corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors. As a dentist, although I love sweets and a good bar of dark chocolate, I will be giving away toothbrushes...
In an effort to be green this Halloween, I've done a little research on high fructose corn syrup candy alternates. Below are just a few organic treats that are perfect for Halloween parties, favors for your children's classmates, or to hand out to mini witches and goblins.
YumEarth® makes candy with certified organic or natural ingredients. All their products are free of gluten, peanut, tree nut, chemical colors, artificial flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. Candies come in a variety of sizes: snack, individual, family, and bulk. YumEarth® offers lollipops, gummies, sour candy, and artisanal candy. You can purchase YumEarth® candies from its website.
Surf Sweet® uses only natural colors and flavors, as well as organic fruit juice and sweeteners in their candies, no corn syrup. Surf Sweet® candies include a variety of gummies, sour candy, and jelly beans that come in two sizes. Gummy Bears and Sour Berry Bears also come in handy snack packs multipacks. These gluten-free, allergy-free and GMO-free candies are available online and grocers like Publix and Whole Foods. Spooky Spiders are available just in time for halloween. Pure Fun™ candies are made with 100% organic ingredients. The company has an impressive list of candies like: cotton candy, candy canes, chocolate meltdowns, citrus slices, mint pinwheels, fruit pinwheels, fruit rocks, pure pops, Barrels of fun, and Jaw boulders. The Halloween pack includes six different lollipop flavors and is USDA Certified Organic, Kosher, Vegan, allergy-free, and gluten-free. You can find these organic treats from online retailers.
Angell Bars makes organic candy bars free of GMO products and corn syrup. There are currently three available flavors that include gluten free, superfood, and vegan choices. Angels Bars are available online.
Torie & Howard hard candies are made of all natural ingredients, with no preservatives, additives, artificial flavors, chemicals, or dyes. These Kosher candies come in four mouth-watering flavors. Torie & Howard candies come in two ounce tins, six ounce handbags, or five pound bulk; single or assorted flavors. You can buy these hard candies online on the company website.
Newman's Own Organics has a variety of candies and sweet offerings. The entire product line is made with certified organic ingredients. The chocolates are Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance Certified™. Newman's Own Organics candies can be purchased online. Some online retailers where you can buy natural and organic candies; some cater specifically to natural candy and others have a wider selection of sweets.
Do you have a favorite organic sweet treat you like to hand out during Halloween? Can we find some in Lebanon? Let us know...
