Are you craving something sweet, but want to indulge guilt-free? Look no further! Discover the 7 healthiest candy options that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your wellness goals. In this article, you’ll explore a range of nutritious treats that offer both flavor and health benefits, including dark chocolate, gummy and chewy candies, dried fruit and nut-based options, low-sugar chocolate indulgences, and fruit leather and taffy alternatives. Prepare to be amazed by the array of good candy for you that can be part of a balanced lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the 7 most healthy candy options that satisfy your sweet cravings without guilt.
- Explore nutritious candy treats that offer both flavor and wellness benefits.
- Learn what makes a best healthiest candy and the top options for special diets.
- Indulge in high cacao candy, nut and dried fruit candy, and other best candy for you.
- Discover sugar-free candy, fruit leather candy, and taffy candy as healthier alternatives.
What Makes a Candy Healthy?
When seeking out healthier candy options, the key is to look for dark chocolate with high cacao percentages and treats that incorporate nuts and dried fruit. Dark chocolate with a high cacao content typically contains fewer added sugars and more antioxidants compared to milk chocolate or other sugary confections.
Seeking Out High Cacao Percentages
The higher the cacao percentage in dark chocolate, the more beneficial compounds it contains. Aim for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao, as it provides a richer, more intense flavor along with a nutrient boost. Brands like Endangered Species and Ghirardelli offer delicious dark chocolate bites and bars with cacao percentages ranging from 72% to 88%.
Choosing Candy with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Candies that incorporate nuts and dried fruit can be a nutritious choice. Nuts provide heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while dried fruit offers natural sweetness and fiber. Look for options like Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, SkinnyDipped Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, or nib mor Sea Salt Organic Dark Chocolate bars that feature these wholesome ingredients.
By prioritizing dark chocolate with high cacao percentages and candies made with nuts and dried fruit, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while also enjoying the health benefits of these nutrient-dense ingredients.
Dark Chocolate Treats
For those seeking a healthier candy option, dark chocolate stands out as an excellent choice. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidant-rich cacao, which can help reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Brands like Unreal, Alter Eco, and Chocxo offer delicious dark chocolate candy made with fair trade and organic ingredients, free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Taza’s 85% Super Dark Chocolate Disks, for instance, provide a robust 85% cocoa content, delivering 230 calories per serving (1.35 oz. or 38 g), along with 15 g of fat, 10 g of saturated fat, 16 g of carbs, 9 g of fiber, 6 g of added sugar, and 4 g of protein. BarkTHINS Snacking Dark Chocolate, Pumpkin Seed & Sea Salt offer 160 calories per serving (1.1 oz. or 31 g), with 12 g of fat, 6 g of saturated fat, 14 g of carbs, 10 g of sugar (including 10 g of added sugars), and 4 g of protein.
| Product | Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UnReal Milk Chocolate Gems | 140 per oz | 8g | 4.5g | 18g | 14g | 3g |
| Endangered Species Dark Chocolate Bites | 120 for two pieces | 9g | 6g | 8g | 2g | 2g |
| Taza 85% Super Dark Chocolate Disks | 230 per 1.35 oz serving | 15g | 10g | 16g | 6g | 4g |
| BarkTHINS Snacking Dark Chocolate, Pumpkin Seed & Sea Salt | 160 per 1.1 oz serving | 12g | 6g | 14g | 10g | 4g |
For those seeking a more affordable dark chocolate candy option, Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups provide a delicious and budget-friendly alternative. Regardless of your preference, incorporating high cacao candy into your diet can be a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Gummy and Chewy Candies
If you’re craving a sweet and satisfying treat, healthy gummy candy and healthy chewy candy options can be a delightful choice. Brands like SmartSweets, Project 7, and Black Forest offer a variety of low-sugar and low-calorie gummy bears, worms, and rings that still pack a flavorful punch.
These fruit-based gummy candy alternatives are often made with real fruit juices and purees instead of artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. For instance, SmartSweets Cola Gummies contain just 3 grams of sugar per 50-gram bag, compared to 17 grams of sugar in a 40-gram bag of Haribo Happy Cola gummies.
If you prefer low-sugar gummy candy, consider trying Solely Organic Whole Fruit Gummies, which are made entirely from real fruit and provide a full serving of fruit in each packet. Cocomels Bites also offer a healthier alternative to traditional chewy candies, with only 3.5 grams of sugar per 10-gram serving, about half the sugar content of Rolos.
For a unique and low-calorie gummy candy experience, check out Golly Lolli’s Pops, which have just 1 gram of sugar per lollipop and are made primarily from organic ingredients. Raisels Chili Limón Pineapple are another wholesome option, featuring natural sugars from whole-fruit candies without any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
By exploring these healthy gummy candy and healthy chewy candy alternatives, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while prioritizing your well-being. Enjoy the delicious flavors and guilt-free indulgence that these innovative products offer.
Healthiest Candy Options
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, not all candies are created equal. The healthiest candy options are those that are lower in sugar, contain beneficial nutrients like fiber and protein, and use high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. By opting for these best healthy candy, top healthy candy, most nutritious candy, and nutrient-dense candy choices, you can indulge in a treat without the unnecessary additives.
Some brands that offer healthier candy alternatives include Justin’s, YumEarth, and Dr. John’s. These companies provide peanut butter cups, sour gummies, and hard candies that are not only delicious but also better for your body. For example, Justin’s Super Dark Chocolate PB Cups contain 80% cacao, offering more antioxidants, while Hu Kitchen’s Dark Chocolate Gems are vegan and organic, made with just three ingredients: cacao, coconut sugar, and cocoa butter.
Other great options include Alter Eco’s Assorted Truffles, which feature classic dark chocolate, sea salt chocolate, and salted caramel varieties made with organic ingredients, and Unreal’s Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, which contain only 3 grams of sugar and are vegan. By choosing these best healthy candy, top healthy candy, most nutritious candy, and nutrient-dense candy options, you can satisfy your sweet cravings without sacrificing your health.
When selecting the healthiest candy, look for the following characteristics:
- Lower sugar content
- Presence of beneficial nutrients like fiber and protein
- Use of high-quality, minimally processed ingredients
By keeping these factors in mind, you can indulge in your favorite treats while prioritizing your overall health and wellbeing.
Dried Fruit and Nut-Based Treats
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthier way, dried fruit and nut-based candies can be an excellent option. These treats not only offer natural sweetness but also provide a range of essential nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats.
SmartSweets Sour Melon Bites
Replacing traditional gummy candies, SmartSweets Sour Melon Bites offer a delightful, guilt-free alternative. Made with real fruit juice and sweetened with stevia, these chewy bites pack a punch of fruity flavor without the excess sugar found in many mainstream gummy candies.
Manuka Honey Pops
For a unique and nutritious twist on lollipops, consider trying Manuka Honey Pops. These artisanal treats are crafted with pure, raw Manuka honey, a variety known for its exceptional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The natural sweetness of the honey is the star, allowing you to indulge your sweet cravings without the usual added sugars.
Dried fruit and nut-based candies can be a healthier way to satisfy your desire for something sweet. By choosing options like SmartSweets Sour Melon Bites and Manuka Honey Pops, you can enjoy the natural sweetness and nutritional benefits of these ingredients, making them a more wholesome choice compared to traditional candy.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Indulgences
For chocolate lovers seeking healthier options, there are plenty of low-sugar and low-calorie chocolate candies on the market. Brands like Russell Stover, DOVE, and Little Secrets offer low-sugar chocolate candy and stevia-sweetened chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, and crispy wafers that satisfy cravings without the guilt.
These healthiest chocolate candy options provide fewer calories and grams of sugar per serving compared to traditional chocolate candies. For instance, a Snickers bar contains 25 grams of added sugar, representing 50% of the recommended daily value, while the low-calorie chocolate candy alternatives evaluated all fell within the same calorie range of 210 to 250 calories.
| Candy Bar | Sugar Content | Nutritional Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Musketeers | 36 grams (9 teaspoons) | Highest sugar content, surpassing recommended daily intake |
| Reese’s Sticks | 26 grams | Lowest saturated fat content among evaluated bars |
| Kit Kat | 21 grams | Higher in vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium |
| Almond Joy | 24 grams | Considered a healthier option due to almonds and coconut |
| Hershey’s Milk Chocolate | 24 grams | One of the healthier options with recognizable ingredients |
When selecting low-sugar chocolate candy, look for options sweetened with alternative sweeteners like monk fruit extract, allulose, or stevia. These natural substitutes can provide intense sweetness with minimal or no added sugars, carbs, or calories. Dark chocolate versions are also highlighted as better alternatives due to their lower sugar content and beneficial properties like antioxidants and trace minerals.
Remember, moderation is key when indulging in any type of chocolate candy. Enjoy these healthiest chocolate candy options in moderation to satisfy your cravings without exceeding your caloric needs or displacing more nutritious foods from your diet.
Fruit Leather and Taffy Alternatives
If you’re craving a sweet treat, don’t settle for traditional candy filled with artificial ingredients. Opt for healthier alternatives like fruit leather and taffy that satisfy your sweet tooth while offering more nutritional benefits.
Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars are made with real fruit purees and juices, providing a naturally sweet and chewy fruit leather treat. With no added sugars or preservatives, these bars are an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Numa Banana Cream Taffy Candy offers a soft, creamy texture with less sugar and more protein than traditional taffy. This natural candy alternative is crafted using simple, wholesome ingredients like banana puree, coconut oil, and plant-based protein, making it a nutritious indulgence.
| Product | Calories | Sugar (g) | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars | 80-100 | 12-14 | Fruit purees, fruit juices, no added sugars |
| Numa Banana Cream Taffy Candy | 90 | 8 | Banana puree, coconut oil, plant-based protein |
These fruit leather and taffy alternatives are not only delicious, but they also provide a healthier way to satisfy your cravings for natural candy and organic candy. Indulge in these sweet treats without the guilt!
Healthiest Candy Options for Special Diets
Satisfying your sweet tooth doesn’t have to mean compromising your dietary needs. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diet, there are plenty of healthy candy options available that cater to your specific requirements. Let’s explore some of the best guilt-free treats that you can indulge in without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
For those with food allergies or sensitivities, brands like YumEarth offer a wide range of allergy-friendly candy. Their organic fruit pops, for instance, are free from the top eight allergens and contain no artificial dyes or preservatives. Cocomels, on the other hand, specializes in dairy-free coconut milk caramels, providing a creamy alternative for those who avoid dairy products.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, JOJO’s dark chocolate bars are a fantastic option. These vegan-friendly treats are not only gluten-free but also fortified with plant-based protein, making them a satisfying and nutritious indulgence.
For vegan candy lovers, there are several brands that offer delectable options. Lily’s Sweets and Unreal both produce vegan chocolate bars and cups that are free from refined sugars and packed with wholesome ingredients.
| Brand | Product | Dietary Needs Covered | Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YumEarth | Organic Fruit Pops | Allergy-friendly (top 8 allergen-free) | 60 calories, 0g fat, 15g carbs, 11g sugar |
| Cocomels | Coconut Milk Caramels | Dairy-free | 90 calories, 5g fat, 13g carbs, 9g sugar |
| JOJO’s | Dark Chocolate Bars | Gluten-free, vegan | 170 calories, 11g fat, 17g carbs, 14g sugar, 2g protein |
| Lily’s Sweets | Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries | Vegan, low sugar | 150 calories, 10g fat, 17g carbs, 14g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g protein |
| Unreal | Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups | Vegan, low sugar | 140 calories, 13g fat, 13g carbs, 0g sugar, 6g fiber, 3g protein |
By choosing these healthier candy options, you can satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising your dietary needs. Enjoy the guilt-free indulgence of healthy candy for special diets, and let your taste buds dance with delight.
Conclusion
By exploring the 7 healthiest candy options, you can indulge your sweet cravings without compromising your health. From dark chocolate and gummy candies to dried fruit and nut-based treats, there are plenty of nutritious and delicious choices available. Whether you’re looking for low-sugar, allergy-friendly, or high-protein options, the candy brands featured in this article provide flavorful alternatives to traditional sugary confections. With a little bit of mindfulness, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body.
From NeoCell Beauty Bursts with 4 grams of sugar per serving to Zollipops with tooth-friendly xylitol and erythritol, the healthiest candy options offer a range of guilt-free indulgences. Brands like Reserveage Organics, Aloha Superfood, and YumEarth Organic provide sweet treats that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. By making informed choices, you can enjoy the pleasures of candy while nourishing your body with essential nutrients and minerals.
Ultimately, the key to incorporating healthiest candy options into your lifestyle is to practice moderation and mindfulness. Savor the flavors, textures, and health benefits of these nutritious candy alternatives, and you’ll be well on your way to satisfying your cravings in a more wholesome way.
FAQ
What makes a candy healthy?
Why is dark chocolate considered one of the healthiest candy options?
What makes gummy and chewy candies a healthier option?
What are some examples of healthy dried fruit and nut-based candy options?
How can I find low-sugar chocolate indulgences?
What are some healthy candy options for those with dietary restrictions?
Source Links
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/healthy-candy-100-calories-or-less/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/g39094391/healthy-candy/
- https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-healthy-candy
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-candy-alternatives
- https://www.signos.com/blog/healthy-candy-options
- https://www.eatthis.com/healthy-candy/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/best-and-worst-candies-for-your-health/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-chocolate-snacks
- https://www.blueberrypediatrics.com/health-tips/healthy-candy-kids-halloween
- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/healthier-lower-sugar-candy-satisfy-sweet-tooth.html
- https://fitonapp.com/nutrition/healthier-easter-candy/
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/healthiest-candy
- https://www.theleangreenbean.com/healthy-fruit-snacks/
- https://www.mytableofthree.com/easy-nut-and-fruit-trail-mix/
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthiest-candy-bars_l_5c7984d1e4b087c2f295e353
- https://www.levels.com/blog/healthy-candy-low-blood-sugar
- https://www.candystore.com/blogs/facts-trivia/what-is-the-healthiest-candy-in-the-world
- https://www.today.com/food/healthier-candies-chocolates-your-valentine-s-day-sweetie-t122363
- https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/best-and-worst-halloween-candies
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19984587/healthy-halloween-candy/
- https://cheatdaydesign.com/candy-bars/
- https://slate.com/human-interest/2015/10/a-comprehensive-review-of-healthy-candy.html
- https://candycave.ie/blogs/candy-cave-news/healthy-candy-alternatives-satisfy-your-sweet-tooth-without-the-guilt?srsltid=AfmBOorjn5exFMUR-zV0Xd_o0xZKaUbRBs4tmlIL7fm9H24BUOitRrDe
