Sugar Savvy

Last week I celebrated the wonderful world of chocolate bunnies and cream filled eggs for various tastes and diets, including vegans and dairy-free consumers.  But what would an Easter basket be without some colorful candy thrown into the mix?

Yet, plain old peeps and jellybeans are so yesterday.  As we transition into a world of socially, environmentally, and health conscious individuals, our candy too must eventually evolve.  Though it didn’t keep in lockstep with the energy bar revolution, candy is quickly gaining ground as small manufacturers present their organic and special diet sweets…just in time for Easter:

YummyEarth – Founded by two kid (and sugar) loving fathers, YummyEarth proudly manufactures organic, gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free, nut-free, kosher certified…whew…vegan lollipops and candy drops.  These all-natural gems come in fun flavors like pomegranate pucker, cheeky lemon, and mango tango.
Where to Purchase:  The easiest way to order YummyEarth confections is via Amazon.

Let’s Do Organic™ - Organic vegan gummi bears, what’s not to like?  Straying from their gummi ancestors (loaded with corn syrup and yellow #5), these gummis derive their colors from organic fruit juices.  They come in unique flavors, including apples, apricots, pineapples, blackcurrants licorice, and elderberries.  Plus, Let’s Do Organic promises sweets that are non-GMO, vegan (dairy, egg, and gelatin free) and gluten-free. 
Where to Purchase:  I have spotted Let’s Do Organic in various natural food stores, including Whole Foods.  You can also order their products online via Amazon.

College Farm Organics –This manufacturer boasts their line of organic Naturepops™, which contain absolutely no gluten, nuts, dairy, soy, or eggs, and they have been accepted by the U.S. Feingold Association.  Along with their three non-dairy, organic hard candies (roast coffee, chocolate mint, and luscious lemon), Naturepops™ are vegan and kosher certified.
Where to Purchase:  College Farm Organics are widely distributed.  View their list of retail stores, or buy direct online from Amazon.

PureFun™ - We are eagerly awaiting the release of Pure Fun’s organic hard candies, slated to hit Canadian and U.S. stores around April 15th.  In the mean time, their very popular (and colorful) Cotton Candy Floss is already available for Easter.  Pure Fun maintains a vegan (dairy, egg, and gelatin free), all natural, organic, gluten-free, and GMO free policy for all of their treats.  The new hard candies will surely appeal to all ages, with flavors like Go Goji Berry, Ginger Spice, Raging Raspberry, Pure Pomegranate, Giddy Green Apple, Canadian Maple, and Root Beer.
Where to Purchase: Pure Fun’s Candy Floss is already available via Amazon and in select stores.  Keep an eye on the shelves of your natural food grocer in the coming month’s, as other Pure Fun™ products should begin appearing.

Divvies – When diet and food allergies are the primary concern, Divvies comes to the rescue.  Their facility and products are guaranteed free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and eggs.  For Easter baskets, Divvies offers fun filled bags of gumballs, jellybeans, blue rock candy and jawbreakers.  If you are seeking some extra holiday indulgence, they also ship freshly baked vegan (food allergy-friendly) cupcakes with frosting.
Where to Purchase:  Order Divvies cookies, popcorn, candy, and cupcakes direct from Divvies online.  Use the coupon code “DairyFree10″ for 10% off your order any time.

St. Claire’s - Last but not least, EcoNatural Solutions has also taken on the world of food allergies with their line of St. Claire’s Organic Tarts.  Packaged in single servings, these sweet tarts are vegan and free of all “top 8″ allergens. 
Where to Purchase:  St. Claire’s are available from select natural food retailers, or they can be bought online, direct from Amazon.