If the thought of a high-fructose, gluten-filled Halloween sends chills down your spine, it's about time you lose those fears. Kids who have food sensitivities or allergies do not have to spend a Halloween without candy, and parents who have cut the long list of unhealthy additives from their children's diets now have alternatives. Lollipops, gummy bears, and dark chocolate are three delicious examples of Halloween candies that are free of gluten, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, artificial dyes, and other scary ingredients.
Organic and gluten-free candy options continue to grow in popularity, and can even be found in some corporate supermarket chains. The brands discussed here are widely available in most health food stores around the country. They may also be purchased online.
Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops
With flavors like wet-face watermelon, googly grape, and strawberry smash, the award-winning Yummy Earth lollipops taste like real fruit in lollipop form. In spite of the fact that they lack the unhealthy ingredients commonly found in lollipops--things like artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup--they are arguably the best tasting lollipops on the market. Yummy Earth has a variety of candies in 21 flavors that all use real fruit extracts and and natural coloring from vegetables and roots. They are entirely free of gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, and all forms of corn syrup.
Surf Sweets All Natural Gummy Bears
Surf Sweets gummy bears have a taste and texture that is very similar to their conventional ursine equivalents. Sweetened with organic fruit juice and cane juice, these gluten-free and gelatin-free gummy bears are bursting with the sweetness kids love. They even sneak in 100% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C! Surf Sweets also makes other fruit-flavored snacks, including jelly beans and gummy worms. These chewy bits of delight are also dairy free and contain no other common allergens, like nuts and soy.
Endangered Species Organic Chocolate Bug Bites
Endangered Species chocolate is one of the best-tasting chocolates on the market. This certified gluten-free organic chocolate treat does not compromise in taste or ethical trade practices. Their fair trade cocoa is purchased from family-owned land, and helps preserve natural animal habitats. Endangered Species chocolate contains soy and is processed on equipment that is shared with nuts, so it is not entirely allergen free. Endangered Species produces a variety of chocolate products, including an assortment of bars and squares.
As the demand for gluten-free products continues to grow, healthier alternatives to conventional foods will also increase in availability. People have become more informed of the health hazards found in the common ingredients of processed foods. As a result, the demand for more nutritious choices continues to rise. Remember, although these organic and natural products are healthier alternatives, they still contain sugar. Don't go overboard, and enjoy them in limited amounts.
Elizabeth Davis - Liz is mom to a toddler, an avid researcher of issues related to food and diet, and experienced in nutrition and supplementation.
