Looking for the best non-toxic and organic Christmas candy in 2023? I’ve scoured the wide web for healthy, safe, and allergy-friendly Christmas candy that’s perfect for stocking stuffers, party favors, and even for sending a sweet surprise to loved ones you can’t be with in person this year. (Maybe to pair with an eco-friendly holiday card, too!?)
Read on to find the most mouthwatering options—from organic candy canes to Fair Trade chocolate bars, advent calendars, and more.
🎄 P.S. Find the rest of our holiday/Christmas guides right here!
Table of Contents
- Our Organic Christmas Candy List for 2023
- The Most Toxic Ingredients Found In Candy
- 11 Non-Toxic, Allergy-Friendly, and Organic Christmas Candy Brands
- Even More Organic & Non-Toxic Candy Brands
- FAQS!
- What Is The Most Eaten Candy At Christmas?
- Are there healthy candy canes?
- What Christmas candy is allergy-free?
- What is the best organic candy to give for Christmas?
- Wrapping Up: Best Organic Christmas Candy In 2023
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.
Featured Image Credit: YumEarth
Our Organic Christmas Candy List for 2023
Let’s face it: indulging in a wide variety of candies is one of the joys of the holiday season, and there’s certainly no shortage of delectable options to choose from.
However, not all candies are created equal… Conventional candies contain things like artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors (some of which have been banned in the EU and certain states like California!). Plus, there’s things like pesticide residues and other potentially harmful ingredients.
Not to mention, many candy brands contain a slew of allergens that managed to send my best friend to the emergency room on more than one occasion. But, that’s a story for another day…
Luckily for us and our taste buds, 2023’s best organic Christmas candy is manufactured to be allergen-friendly (well, in many cases, anyway) making a lot of the brands below safe for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities. These candies are often labeled clearly to help people with dietary restrictions make informed choices.
Last, but not least, organic candy brands are more often than not also committed to ethical and fair trade practices, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and work under safe conditions.
After a day of preparing Christmas dinner, decorating, or wrapping gifts, treat yourself to these delightful allergy-friendly Christmas candies.
The Most Toxic Ingredients Found In Candy
Here are some ingredients that you may want to watch out for as you do your holiday candy shopping:
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): HFCS is a highly processed sweetener that is commonly used in candies and many other processed foods. Excessive consumption has been associated with various health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. The good news is that many brands have been transitioning away from HFCS in recent years.
Artificial Colors and Flavors: Artificial colors and flavors are often used to make candy more visually appealing and to mimic natural flavors. Some people may have sensitivities or allergies to these additives. Most importantly, concern is being raised as to a possible link between food additives and neurological development, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Many places, including the EU and now the state of California, have begun banning certain artificial colors.
Artificial Sweeteners: Some candies are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. While they provide sweetness with fewer calories, their long-term health effects are a have become quite controversial. “Artificial sweeteners widely used in diet drinks and low-calorie foods, as possibly carcinogenic to humans,” the W.H.O. has said. The verdict is still out on which artificial sweeteners are harmful—and how bad they may be—but those who prefer to adhere to the ‘precautionary principle’ may want to limit their intake.
Preservatives: Chemical preservatives are used in many candies to extend their shelf life. These may include ingredients like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
Excessive Sugar: Most of us know this one. While sugar itself is not inherently “bad,” many candies contain extremely high amounts of added sugar, which can contribute to health issues like diabetes and dental problems when consumed in excess.
GMO Ingredients: Some candies may contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While the safety of GMOs is a topic of debate, some consumers prefer to avoid them. The main concern is not with the GMOs themselves, but rather the high amounts of pesticides that are sprayed onto them.
Allergens: Ingredients like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and gluten are common allergens and can pose serious health risks to individuals with allergies when not properly labeled.
Heavy Metals: Because heavy metals such as lead are present in soil, crops can easily become contaminated with it. Each year, Consumer Reports tests chocolates of various brands and types, and they almost always find heavy metals in them. You can decide what to do with this info… Since it’s practically impossible to completely avoid heavy metals in foods, you may want to simply consume dark chocolate in moderation.
It’s important to read ingredient labels and make informed choices about the candy you consume, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns. Opting for non-toxic Christmas candy, with more natural, organic, and allergen-friendly ingredients can be a healthier choice.
11 Non-Toxic, Allergy-Friendly, and Organic Christmas Candy Brands
YumEarth
From lollipops and hard candy to gummy bears, gummy worms, jelly beans, and licorice, YumEarth is the best place to get allergy-friendly and organic Christmas candy of all kinds.
They also offer seasonal options to delight all your guests this winter! The holiday collection includes some of their all-time best sellers—organic candy canes (regular and blue raspberry!), mini candy canes, holiday gummies, Giggles (which is like their version of Skittles), and even a fun allergy-friendly Gingerbread House Kit.
YumEarth’s candy is free from major allergens, including gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, egg, and fish. So it’s a great choice for those with food sensitivities or allergies.
Use this link to get $10 off your first order of $20 or more.
Shop YumEarth at: YumEarth.com | Thrive Market | Amazon | Walmart | Target | Or find a local store
OCHO
Ocho’s delicious non-toxic Christmas candy is not allergy-friendly (for example, some of it contains milk), BUT it is certified USDA organic and Fair Trade!
Denis Ring, a natural food expert, had been waiting for years to see an organic candy bar that really tasted great on the market. When it didn’t happen, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He began experimenting with various concepts and had his friend, entrepreneur Scott Kucerik, taste his creations. After just one bite, Scott was convinced, and Denis invited him to join the OCHO Candy venture.
Now, OCHO Candy is making its mark in the world of organic sweets. Their holiday offerings include milk chocolate tree-shaped candies with caramel or peanut butter fillings, as well as dark chocolates filled with peppermint.
Find OCHO at: Ochocandy.com | Natural Candy Store | Vitacost
No Whey Chocolate
No Whey has a ton of options for allergy-friendly Christmas candy, including chocolate Advent calendars, truffles, and more.
This is another excellent choice if you’re on the lookout for allergy-friendly options. You won’t find any milk, peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, egg, sesame, or artificial colors or flavors here. Unfortunately, they are not organic. However, all of their candy is completely vegan and Kosher.
If you want to delight the allergy-friendly Christmas candy lover in your life, opt for the Vegan Advent Calendar. They can open a new door each day and reveal the delicious, holiday-themed milkless chocolate inside.
The brand also offers holiday-themed pretzels, milkless smooches, holiday truffles, chocolate lollipops, and milkless choco bars. So delicious!
Shop No Whey Foods at: NoWheyChocolate.com | Amazon | Other select retailers
Theo Chocolate
Theo Chocolate is committed to producing high-quality, Fair Trade, and organic chocolate right from the cocoa beans.
Founder Whinney was a trailblazer, establishing the first company to manufacture and supply organic cocoa and chocolate products in bulk to the U.S. food industry. The company goes the extra mile by using third parties to ensure that everyone they work with is honest in their claims. They also work on negotiating stable prices with their farm partners and prioritize full transparency in their business relationships.
For the holiday season, Theo Chocolate offers a range of special organic Christmas candy, including:
- Gingerbread Spice Milk Chocolate
- Nutcracker Brittle Dark Chocolate
- Peppermint Crunch Dark Chocolate
- ‘Milk & Cookies’ Milk Chocolate
- Peppermint Cocoa Cups
P.S. Note that heavy metals have been found in certain varieties of Theo’s! This is not uncommon for chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Because of this you may choose to completely avoid dark chocolate, or you may choose to simply eat it in moderation.
Shop Theo at: TheoChocolate.com | Walmart | Natural Candy Store
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Lake Champlain has a lot of organic Christmas and Hanukkah chocolates, from truffle boxes to chocolate coins, hot chocolate mixes to chocolate pops, and more.
A lot of it is USDA certified organic and/or Fair Trade. They make it really easy to sort according to your priorities using the sidebar. You can check the boxes for organic, vegan, fair trade, Kosher, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and more.
Lake Champlain is a family-owned company that’s based in Vermont. Not only are they a certified B Corp, but they also have various different conservation and community-based initiatives as well!
If you use our link, you can get 10% off of your order (but you do have to give them your email address first).
Hammond’s
Hammond’s offers a LOT of candy, and only some of it is organic. But they do have organic candy canes and root beer candy canes, organic mint pillows and ribbons, natural peppermint cocoa stirrers, organic mint lollipops, and more!
Depending on the specific product, they come with various third-party certifications, including USDA organic. They are not entirely allergy-friendly though, because most of the candies are manufactured in a facility that also processes egg, milk, mustard, peanuts, sesame, soy, sulfites, tree nuts, and wheat.
Thrive Market
If you’re a fan of Thrive Market, then I’ve got good news for you: it’s one of the few brands that carries organic candy canes!
These candy canes check a lot of boxes: they’re USDA certified organic, colored with organic fruit and vegetable juice concentrate (instead of artificial colors), gluten-free, plant-based/vegan, and made with ethically sourced cane sugar.
You probably already know about Thrive Market, but in case you don’t: it’s basically an online grocery store that carries healthier and more organic/sustainable goods for your pantry and home. You DO have to be a member in order to make a purchase, but they always have good promotions going on for first-time subscribers. Plus, you can choose between an annual or a monthly membership—whichever works best for your budget.
Cocomels
Cocomels’ organic and non-toxic Christmas candy is certified USDA organic, vegan, Kosher, and free from common allergens like soy, gluten, and corn syrup.
It’s important to note that they are produced in facilities that also produce allergen-containing items. However, Cocomels says they have an allergen cleanse protocol and testing, which is implemented between the production cycles of their products.
On their virtual shelves, you can find delicious caramels, oat milk chocolate-covered toffee barks and squares, toffee, crispy, sea salt, vanilla bits, and <1g sugar (which are a good option for kids with diabetes and/or adults on keto).
Most Cocomels are sweetened with organic cane sugar and organic brown rice syrup. But if you are on the hunt for a treat that’s cane sugar-free, give the Coconut Sugar Caramels a try. They are sweetened with coconut sugar and tapioca syrup instead of cane sugar and brown rice syrup.
Each year, they release limited-edition holiday options, which include Maple Cocomels, a Toffee Bark Holiday Gift Box, and a Caramel Squares Gift Box.
Find Cocomels at: Thrive Market | Walmart | iHerb | Amazon | Vitacost | Other grocery stores & retailers
Even More Organic & Non-Toxic Candy Brands
The following brands don’t specifically make Christmas candy (yet?!), but they’re still good options if you’re looking for allergy-friendly candy made with more natural ingredients any time of the year.
Unreal
Unreal’s candy it’s not allergy-friendly due to nut products, but it offers some healthier alternatives that are lower in sugar, gluten-free, non-GMO, and Fair Trade certified.
You can find a slew of options that are similar to conventional favorites, such as peanut butter cups (like Reese’s), chocolate gems (like M&M’s), coconut bars (similar to Almond Joys), and caramel peanut nougat bars (akin to Snickers).
The brand is committed to using non-genetically modified (non-GMO) ingredients and is gluten-free, catering to a range of dietary preferences. Many of their ingredients are organic and sourced through Fair Trade. Plus, If you’re following a vegan lifestyle, Unreal has you covered with various vegan candies, too. (Just be aware that their milk chocolate gems and dark chocolate caramel peanut nougat bars contain milk and are not vegan.)
Shop Unreal at: Unrealsnacks.com | Thrive Market | Walmart | Amazon (Also available at certain Target and Costco locations)
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s (yes, the soap brand!) is a fantastic brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding by third-generation German Jewish soapmaker Emanuel Bronner in 1948. Even after more 70 years, Dr. Bronner’s remains a family-owned business. They continue to uphold their founder’s vision of offering high-quality socially and environmentally responsible products while donating profits to various causes.
In recent years, the brand has expanded into the production of regeneratively grown foods. They co-founded the Regenerative Organic Alliance in 2018, alongside The Rodale Institute and Patagonia, to certify products as regenerative organic. Dr. Bronner’s boasts the first Regenerative Organic Certified coconut oil. Most recently, they launched a line of regenerative dark chocolate bars in various flavors, which align with their commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainability.
For the holiday season, Dr. Bronner’s introduces the cool peppermint cream chocolate bar, offering a delicious and ethically produced treat for those celebrating the holidays. It comes with a slew of third-party certifications, including USDA Organic, Fair for Life, Certified Vegan, and others.
Shop Dr. Bronner’s Chocolate at: Hive | Grove | Thrive Market | Walmart | DrBronner.com
Torie & Howard
Although technically not “Christmas” themed, Torie & Howard’s Chewie Fruities and hard candues are still good choices for the holidays, especially if you need something that’s individually-wrapped to go inside a candy bowl or something.
The brand believes in the power of organic and natural ingredients. Their candy is crafted with USDA Organic and Kosher-certified ingredients. However, while they are free from things like GMOs, artificial flavors and colors, gluten, soy, and dairy products, be aware that they ARE processed in a facility that also processes nuts, dairy, and soy.
Shop Torie & Howard at: Natural Candy Store | Amazon | Rite Aid
FAQS!
What Is The Most Eaten Candy At Christmas?
Candy Canes: Perhaps the most iconic Christmas candy, candy canes are often used as decorations on Christmas trees or stuck on stockings. Organic candy canes are made with minimal ingredients, and they skip the artificial red dyes.
Chocolate Coins: Chocolate coins wrapped in gold or silver foil are a popular holiday treat. These are often used as delicious stocking stuffers for little kids to enjoy, or presented in a candy bowl as an edible decoration.
Gingerbread: While gingerbread cookies and houses are a popular Christmas treat, they are not technically candies. However, they are a sweet and spicy holiday favorite, and they’re super fun to decorate as a group activity. YumEarth carries an allergy-friendly Gingerbread House Kit!
Christmas Chocolates: Assorted organic chocolates and truffles in holiday-themed packaging or with festive flavors are often shared and given as gifts during the Christmas season.
Fruitcake: Though not everyone’s favorite, fruitcake is a traditional Christmas dessert made with candied fruits, nuts, and spices. Obviously, you can choose the ingredients to make it as organic and/or allergy-friendly as you want.
Christmas Gummies: In recent years, various gummy candies and fruit snacks in holiday shapes and flavors have gained popularity as well.
Are there healthy candy canes?
Yes, you can find many healthy(ish) organic candy canes that don’t contain artificial additives, colors, or flavors. YumEarth, Thrive Market, and Hammond’s are three great choices. Many options are made with fewer allergens and use natural flavorings and extracts and skip the petroleum-derived artificial dyes.
What Christmas candy is allergy-free?
YumEarth and No Whey Chocolate carry some of the best allergy-friendly Christmas candy options in 2023. These delicious treats are free from gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, egg, and fish as well as from high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, GMOs, and animal products. Some are even made with Fair Trade ingredients in their products, making them a good choice for individuals with various food allergies. Of course, always be sure to check the labels to make sure the product meets your specific criteria!
What is the best organic candy to give for Christmas?
Organic candy canes, organic chocolate bars, caramels, and gummies are some of the best organic Christmas candy picks. They are crafted ethically with high-quality ingredients and offer a rich, indulgent taste. Plus, most of the brands mentioned here go a step further by promoting environmentally sustainable and ethical farming practices. Luckily for us, there are plenty of healthy choices to treat your loved ones during the holiday season.
Wrapping Up: Best Organic Christmas Candy In 2023
There you have it: 11 amazing, non-toxic Christmas candy brands with a treasure trove of mouthwatering treats to make your holiday season all the sweeter. From indulgent chocolate bars and caramels to environmentally conscious regenerative delights, these allergy-friendly Christmas candy picks offer a delectable fusion of flavor and ethics. Happy holidays!
