16 Healthiest Candy Options According to a Nutritionist in 2025

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 | 0 Comments
healthiest candy

When a sweet craving hits, what are the healthiest candy options to eat? Is there even such a thing as healthy candy? In some cases, yes — especially when you choose smaller portions and simpler ingredients.

Contrary to popular belief, candy eaten occasionally is not directly linked to adverse health effects in otherwise healthy adults. This may sound strange at first, but research indexed by the National Library of Medicine suggests that candy eaten in moderation is not associated with worse overall health markers.

And to help you find the perfect treat, we've rounded up the best healthy candies for those who want to watch their intake of calories, saturated fat, added sugar or all three. Our curated guide also highlights healthy candy that has minimal or no added colorings and flavorings and has as minimal an ingredient list as possible that prioritizes natural ingredients. 

Of course, even when eating the healthy candies listed here, it’s important to enjoy candy, as with all foods, in moderation. Since most candy comes in small portions, a piece or two is usually fine.

As outlined by the American Heart Association, most adults will also want to keep added sugar consumption below 25 grams daily for women and 36 grams for men. People who manage blood sugar should follow individualized carbohydrate targets and check how sweets affect their glucose.

So, with those health notes covered, what are the healthiest candies to indulge in relatively guilt-free? From gummies to chocolates, read on for 16 nutritionist-approved healthy sweets that taste good while also not being too bad for you.

 

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16 Healthiest Candy Options

1. Alter Eco Brown Butter Dark Chocolate 

Our first pick on this list of the healthiest candy is a decadent brown butter dark chocolate bar by Alter Eco. This standard-size organic chocolate bar is made with 70% cacao and free of artificial sweeteners, additives and gluten — it also includes fleur de sel de Guérande, a special artisanal salt.

The only drawback is how calorie-dense dark chocolate is in general. However, the richness of this healthy dark chocolate means that many will only want to eat a few pieces, keeping the serving size down. On top of being organic, the bar is also gluten-free, has no corn or soy ingredients and uses Fairtrade ingredients. 

If you've tried the brown butter flavor and want to branch out, this healthy candy brand makes many other dark chocolate bars with similar nutritional values, including mint-, coconut toffee- and orange-flavored organic dark chocolate. 

Alter Eco Brown Butter Dark Chocolate Nutritional Info (per 30-gram serving):

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 14 grams (18% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 9 grams (45% DV)
  • Sodium: 50 milligrams (2% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 13 grams (5% DV)
  • Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 8 grams
  • Added Sugar: 8 grams (16% DV)
  • Protein: 2 grams
Dark chocolate is the one of the healthiest candy options
via Alter Eco

2. ChocZero 70% Dark Chocolate Squares

As a chocolate and candy brand with a standout low-sugar chocolate lineup, ChocZero deserves a mention on this guide to the healthiest candy. The brand’s 70% dark chocolate squares feature rich cocoa flavor made with simple ingredients — including unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soluble corn fiber, monk fruit extract and Madagascar vanilla beans.

With all the sweet intentions and none of the actual sugar, this is a lovely option if you want to give your partner the best Valentine's candy. It's also a good gift for those who prefer no- or low-sugar candy.

Each 34-gram serving has 170 calories and the chocolate is naturally sweetened without sugar alcohols, which means it’s gentle on digestion and less likely to spike blood sugar. Still, portion control is key — even this healthier candy is calorie-dense. Enjoy one square at a time to satisfy a chocolate craving without overdoing it.

ChocZero 70% Dark Chocolate Squares Nutritional Info (per 34-gram serving)

  • Calories: 170
  • Total Fat: 16 grams (21% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 10 grams (50% DV)
  • Sodium: 0 milligrams
  • Total Carbs: 14 grams (5% DV)
  • Fiber: 12 grams (43% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 0 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 2 grams
A bar of Sugar Free Chocolate Candy.
via ChocZero

3. LILY'S Creamy Milk Chocolate Style Bar  

Sometimes you crave a good old-fashioned milk chocolate bar. And if you're searching for the healthiest candy, LILY'S comes out on top in the milk chocolate category. This brand’s chocolate bar is a showstopper among its lineup of chocolate treats, providing a delicious flavor without the added sugar usually seen in milk chocolate bars. 

This healthy candy bar is made with unsweetened chocolate, erythritol and cocoa butter, as well as skim milk, stevia extract and a few other ingredients that combine to create a simple, smooth treat for any time of day. Candies made with sugar alcohols may cause digestive discomfort if eaten in large amounts.

Even though it's considered one of the healthiest candy options, eating too much of this chocolate can still cause detrimental effects like weight gain, so be sure to only indulge in a few squares each day.  

LILY'S Creamy Milk Chocolate Style Bar Nutritional Info (per 31-gram serving):

  • Calories: 130
  • Total Fat: 10 grams (13% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 6 grams (30% DV)
  • Sodium: 25 milligrams (1% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 18 grams (7% DV)
  • Fiber: 6 grams (21% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 2 grams
Packaging for LILY'S Creamy Milk Chocolate Style Bar
via Lily's

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4. Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Mini Bars

This next pick is an awesome answer for the next time someone asks you, “What is the healthiest candy?” These vegan-friendly dark chocolate coconut bars by Unreal are made with only three ingredients: shredded coconut, rich dark chocolate and a mere 3 grams of sugar.

The limited ingredient list definitely makes this one of the healthiest candy bars to go for if you’re craving a Bounty bar alternative. While there is minimal coconut per bar, you will be getting some nutritional benefits from the coconut.

As the Cleveland Clinic points out, coconut is a source of fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage linked to inflammation. While eating fresh coconut provides the most benefits, you can still get some of its nutrients and satisfying texture from this healthy candy bar.

Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Mini Bars Nutritional Info (per 15-gram bar):

  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 5 grams (6% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams (23% DV)
  • Sodium: 0 milligrams 
  • Total Carbs: 8 grams (3% DV)
  • Fiber: 1 gram (4% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 3 grams (6% DV)
  • Protein: <1 gram
Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars are one of the healthiest candy.
via Unreal

5. Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate Bar  

If you're on the hunt for another of the healthiest candy bars in the dark chocolate category, Endangered Species makes some of the best chocolate bars for your needs. The brand is known for offering an “extreme dark” chocolate bar, made with 88% cocoa (which is Fairtrade). It also includes ingredients like chocolate liquor, cane sugar, soy lecithin and a dash of aromatic vanilla. 

This top pick on our list of the healthiest chocolate bars also earns extra points for its animal conservation efforts (hence the brand name: Endangered Species). The Extreme Dark bar specifically brings awareness to the struggles of jaguar populations. 

While a portion is quite high in fat and calories, you do get 4 grams of fiber and only 3 grams of added sugar, plus no sodium. As with all options on this list of the healthiest candy, practice portion control and this chocolate bar can be part of a balanced diet. 

Want to support Endangered Species some more? If so, you'll be pleased to learn that this healthy candy brand has other chocolate bars, such as 72% Dark Chocolate with Almonds & Sea Salt (bringing awareness to the plight of Eurasian eagle-owls) and 72% Dark Chocolate with Cherries (which supports puffins). 

Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate Bar Nutritional Info (per 28-grams):

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 13 grams (17% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 8 grams (40% DV)
  • Sodium: 0 milligrams 
  • Total Carbs: 11 grams (4% DV)
  • Fiber: 4 grams (14% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 3 grams (6% DV)
  • Protein: 3 grams
A bar of extreme dark + 88% dark chocolate.
via Endangered Species

6. Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups 

Imagine the perfect chocolate peanut butter cup without all the unnecessary added ingredients. Justin's is a candy brand that executed this perfectly. This healthy candy for adults perfectly pairs the richness of dark chocolate with the nostalgia of a peanut butter cup, one of the most popular snacks in the U.S.

As one of the healthiest candy options available, Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a variation of the original treat made with organic peanut butter and chocolate. Nothing more, nothing less. 

Plus, this candy is sold in pre-portioned packets of two, making portion control easy. As two peanut butter cups have 220 calories, plus 14 grams of fat and 16 grams of added sugar, you may need to portion them further (eating one at a time or even cutting one in two) to meet your specific dietary needs. 

If you don't like peanut butter or want to vary it up, you can also get cashew butter and almond butter variants with a similar nutritional profile. Milk chocolate variations are also on offer, which, surprisingly, have a similar nutritional profile and are great for kids. However, you do miss out on the health benefits of dark chocolate when going for the milk variety. 

Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Nutritional Info (per 40-gram pack):

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 14 grams (18% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 7 grams (35% DV)
  • Sodium: 120 milligrams (5% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 20 grams (7% DV)
  • Fiber: 1 gram (4% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 16 grams
  • Added Sugar: 16 grams (32% DV)
  • Protein: 4 grams
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
via Justin's

7. Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems

Chocolate‑covered peanuts are a classic, and Unreal’s version is our next pick of the healthiest candy that you'll want to try right away. Rounding out our chocolate options in our healthy candy guide is this fan favorite, made with dark chocolate, roasted peanuts and a candy shell colored with natural vegetable sources like beet juice and spirulina.

This almost guilt-free candy is also vegan and gluten-free. Plus, all ingredients are non-GMO and Fairtrade. Those with soy allergies will also be pleased to learn that none of this common allergen can be found here. So, next time you go to grab the more well-known chocolate-covered peanuts, why not give these healthy candies a go instead? 

Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems Nutritional Info (per 30-gram bag):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 10 grams (13% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 4 grams (20% DV)
  • Sodium: 0 milligrams
  • Total Carbs: 16 grams (6% DV)
  • Fiber: 2 grams (7% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 13 grams
  • Added Sugar: 12 grams (24% DV)
  • Protein: 3 grams
One of the healthiest candy is candy coated peanuts and chocolate
via Unreal

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8. SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites

This delicious, sweet gummy treat brand hails from Canada. A few of the brand's offerings feature on this list of the healthiest candy, with SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites being some of the most popular.

These healthy candies are low in sugar, with no added sugar and are high in fiber for a candy. What's best is that we find these no-added sugar sweets don't taste sugar-free at all, resembling other sugar-packed watermelon candies on the market.

And, while we would recommend only eating a few at a time, a whole 50-gram bag has just 130 calories and 3 grams of naturally occurring sugar, meaning indulging in the whole bag once in a while isn't that big of a deal. 

SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites Nutritional Info (per 50-gram bag):

  • Calories: 130
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 100 milligrams (4% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 40 grams (15% DV)
  • Fiber: 6 grams (21% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams
A pink packet of SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites
via SmartSweets

9. SmartSweets Sweet Fish

If you enjoy Swedish Fish, you’ll love this SmartSweets alternative. Sweet Fish looks like Swedish Fish with its iconic red shade and fish shape, but skips the added sugar. 

Each bag has 3 grams of naturally occurring sugar, plus 6 grams of fiber, 130 calories and no major allergens. Not only is there no added sugar, but this healthy candy has a whopping 92% less total sugar compared to its counterparts, too. Now, that’s sweet!

SmartSweets Sweet Fish Nutritional Info (per 50-gram bag):

  • Calories: 130
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 100 milligrams (4% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 40 grams (15% DV)
  • Fiber: 6 grams (21% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams
A bag of SmartSweets Sweet Fish candy
via SmartSweets

10. YumEarth Organic Jelly Beans

Jelly beans have always been popular, but this type of sweet is tricky to find among the healthiest candy options. But, YumEarth has stepped in to offer a healthy version of this all-ages favorite. 

YumEarth's jelly beans are not only organic, but also allergy-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and free from artificial dyes and flavors. These are also one of the best Halloween candy options, thanks to the individual portion size and allergy-friendly status, and even come in an egg-shaped Easter candy version in the spring. 

Those watching calories will notably be interested in this low-calorie candy, with a bag having only 50 calories. The one drawback is that each 14-gram bag has 11 grams of added sugar (which is 22% of the daily recommended allowance for adults and around 45% for kids, depending on age). Therefore, while a healthier candy for sure, these should still be enjoyed in moderation as a treat. 

YumEarth Organic Jelly Beans Nutritional Info (per 14-gram serving):

  • Calories: 50
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 20 milligrams (1% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 13 grams (5% DV)
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Total Sugar: 11 grams
  • Added Sugar: 11 grams (22% DV)
  • Protein: 0 grams
Allergy-friendly, organic Jelly Beans in a snack pack.
via YumEarth

11. That's It Mini Fruit Bars

That’s It offers mini fruit-based bars in conveniently portioned packs. Flavors in each variety pack pair apple with blueberry, mango and strawberry but there are also cherry, banana and fig available. 

These minis qualify as some of the healthiest fruit snacks and among the healthiest candy you can enjoy because they’re made only from fruit with no added sugar, no gelatin and no artificial flavors or colors. The sweetness comes from whole fruit and the fiber helps make each bite satisfying.

However, it’s important to note that natural fruit sugar still counts toward your daily intake. A mini bar delivers about 60 calories, roughly 12 grams of naturally occurring sugar and 2 grams of fiber, so portion control is still smart.

Yet, if you can’t shake a gummy or jelly candy craving, these chewy minis are a better choice than many other kinds on the market. For anyone looking for healthy candy that travels well, the minis tuck easily into lunch boxes or gym bags.

That's It Mini Fruit Bars - Blueberry Nutritional Information (per 18-gram serving)

  • Calories: 60
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 0 milligrams
  • Total Carbs: 12 grams (4% DV)
  • Fiber: 3 grams (11% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 9 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 1 gram
Fruit bars can be the healthiest candy.
via That's It

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12. Red Vines Made Simple Berry Twists

This next choice on our list of the healthiest candies is for the licorice lovers out there. Red Vines Made Simple makes a red licorice candy called “mixed berry twists,” which tastes just as great as more mainstream versions but with a slightly better nutritional profile.

This healthy candy's ingredients list includes cane sugar and natural flavors, plus radish extract for color. These licorice-style treats are also GMO-free and plant-based as no gelatin is used, making them a great treat for vegans, vegetarians and anyone else who avoids gelatin.

While the use of cane sugar is a little better than something like corn syrup, it still contributes to a serving of this candy having 18 grams of added sugar. Although the rest of the nutritional profile is pretty healthy, practice moderation and portion these well (not exceeding one serving) to avoid eating too much added sugar. 

Red Vines Made Simple Berry Twists Nutritional Info (per 30-gram serving):

  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 10 milligrams
  • Total Carbs: 21 grams (8% DV)
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Total Sugar: 18 grams
  • Added Sugar: 18 grams (36% DV)
  • Protein: 1 gram
Red Vines mixed berry twists are on of the healthiest candy choices
via Red Vines Made Simple

13. Behave Gummy Stars

Behave Gummy Stars is a wonder-filled bag of gummy candies in raspberry, apple and pineapple flavors. It’s one of the healthiest candy options on the market due to being low-sugar (only 1 gram of sugar per serving) and made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.

Interestingly, a serving of these gummy stars is also very high in fiber. The brand promotes the candy as diabetic- and PCOS-friendly. 

Of course, like any food, be careful not to enjoy too many at a time in case there are adverse health effects. The 17 to 20 grams of fiber in one bag may additionally cause gas or cramping if you’re not used to large doses of soluble fiber.

Along with the gummy stars, Behave sells regular and sour gummy bears, as well as a sour version of the stars. These are all similar nutritionally, but the sour versions have an extra 2 grams of sugar per serving. 

Behave Gummy Stars Nutritional Info (per 50-gram serving):

  • Calories: 80
  • Total Fat: 0.5 grams (1% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 10 milligrams
  • Total Carbs: 36 grams (13% DV)
  • Fiber: 19 grams (68% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 3 grams
  • Added Sugar: 3 grams (6% DV)
  • Protein: 4 grams
A light pink-purple pack of Behave Gummy Stars
via Behave

14. Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Ultimate Hard Candy Collection

Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets are a standout for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional candy. Created by dentists, these hard candies are sugar-free, rich in fiber and come in a variety of bright natural colors made from fruit and vegetable extracts. Each serving provides 10 grams of fiber and a boost of vitamin C, helping to satisfy sweet cravings without added sugar.

The candies use low-glycemic sweeteners such as isomalt and soluble fiber, which can suit reduced-sugar eating patterns. However, because sugar alcohol content varies by flavor, it’s best to check labels and enjoy them in moderation — consuming too many may have a laxative effect due to the high fiber and polyol content.

Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Ultimate Hard Candy Collection Nutritional Info (per 18-gram serving):

  • Calories: 40
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 40 milligrams (2% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 17 grams (6% DV)
  • Fiber: 10 grams (36% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 0 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams
A bag of Ultimate Hard Candy Collection.
via Dr. John's

15. Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Pops

Manuka honey is a popular ingredient that’s useful for all kinds of recipes (and even skincare!). So it’s no wonder that Wedderspoon, a well-known Canadian honey company, offers these lollipops, which are some of the tastiest and healthiest candy options to try. 

Wedderspoon’s pops rely on organic manuka honey for sweetness, and also include vitamin C while skipping artificial colors. Each 10-gram pop still delivers 8 grams of added sugar, so nutritionally, they somewhat mirror a standard lollipop, but they provide the distinctive flavor of manuka honey and a short, recognizable ingredient list.

It's also important to note that some of the added sugar comes from the honey (with some also from cane sugar and rice syrup), whereas standard lollipops use mainly or exclusively cane sugar and even corn syrup. 

Ultimately, while not a health food, if you’re looking into how to start eating healthy but don't want to give up lollipops, incorporating these candies into your lifestyle as an alternative to traditional lollipops could be a great way to start.  

Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Pops Nutritional Info (per 10-gram serving):

  • Calories: 35
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 0 milligrams
  • Total Carbs: 9 grams (3% DV)
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Total Sugar: 8 grams
  • Added Sugar: 8 grams (17% DV)
  • Protein: 0 grams
Manuka honey pops are some of the healthiest candy.
via Wedderspoon

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16. Tom & Jenny’s Classic Sugar-Free Soft Caramels

Our final pick on this list of the healthiest candy options is Tom & Jenny’s Classic Sugar-Free Soft Caramels. They’re made with fresh heavy cream and certified sustainable palm oil, replacing sugar with plant-derived maltitol and non-GMO xylitol. Each five-piece serving contains about 8 grams of sugar alcohol, which contributes sweetness with a lower impact on blood glucose compared to regular sugar.

There are also a few flavored versions, such as chocolate and spiced rum, which make use of natural flavors like cocoa powder and spices. 

With 4.5 grams of total fat (3 grams saturated) and 150 milligrams of sodium per serving, they’re best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring fat or sodium intake. Still, for anyone managing sugar intake, the no sugar recipe doesn't affect the taste too much, with this healthy candy closely resembling the standard caramels. 

Tom & Jenny’s Classic Sugar-Free Soft Caramels Nutritional Info (per 30-gram serving):

  • Calories: 80
  • Total Fat: 4.5 grams (6% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 3 grams (15% DV)
  • Sodium: 150 milligrams (7% DV)
  • Total Carbs: 22 grams (8% DV)
  • Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
  • Total Sugar: 0 grams
  • Added Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams
Soft caramels that are sugar-free.
via Tom & Jenny's

What Is the Healthiest Candy? 

Candy is great. Finding some of the healthiest candy alternatives to your favorites? Even better.

Still, you may be wondering what the healthiest candy overall is. Actually, even candy that’s advertised as healthy is still generally unhealthy, since it’s usually made with a lot of sugar and few nutrients.

If we had to choose, dark chocolate has an impressively high cocoa content and some of the least added sugar among all candies on the market, making it one of the healthiest types to go for.  

In terms of brands, SmartSweets, Behave and LILY’S are especially dedicated to creating healthier versions of treats. Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are also a good choice, pairing dark chocolate with protein-rich peanut butter. The other brands on this list also work hard to create their candy alternatives, although they may contain added sugar or sugar alcohols.

It’s important to remember that no matter what, candy is still candy and can only be healthier than its original counterparts to a certain extent. With that in mind, be sure to enjoy your treats in moderation. 

Dark chocolate with spices.
via Canva

How To Choose Healthy Candy 

While this list will be useful to those looking for the healthiest candy, what if these options aren't available at your local store? How to choose healthy candy among the many options on the shelves?

When standing in the snack aisle, questioning, "What is the healthiest candy?", you'll want to turn to nutritional labels. Many healthy candy brands highlight their health benefits — such as having minimal added sugar or no artificial colors or flavors — on the front of the packet, so scanning for those claims is a good starting point.

You'll then want to take a look at the full nutritional information. Things to check specifically include:

  • Calories per serving.
  • Sugar content per serving, especially added sugar content.
    • Watch for hidden sugars on labels, including fruit juice concentrate, evaporated fruit juice, honey and agave. These count as added sugar and roll up under the added sugar line on the Nutrition Facts panel.
  • Sodium content per serving.
  • Ingredients, watching out for artificial flavors and colors, high-fructose corn syrup and unnecessary additives. 

Once you choose the healthiest candy at the store, remember that portion control still matters. Moderate portions help you enjoy sweets while staying within your goals.

The healthiest candy is made with real fruit juice
via Canva

How We Select the Healthiest Candy To Eat

At Cozymeal, we are passionate about connecting our audience with culinary experiences and food-based guides, including content centered around nutrition and the healthiest foods to eat. 

While we have experience creating guides for already healthy foods, such as the healthiest fruit or healthiest Greek yogurt, we also want to help our readers choose the best products at the store in less healthy categories like candy. 

To create this guide to the healthiest candy, we first looked to our own knowledge of healthy candy, including our team’s favorite healthy sweets. Then, we conducted in-depth research to confirm that our top picks are healthy and to discover even more healthy candy choices. 

We also ensure that each healthy candy choice meets the following set of criteria.

Our guide to the healthiest candy:

  • Has candy with under 250 calories per serving.
  • Favors candy with little to no added sugar and when sugar is present, favors simpler sources such as honey.
  • Prioritizes sweets that keep saturated fat in check.
  • Covers a range of categories including chocolates, chocolate bars, hard candy and gummy candy.

Finally, Jessica O'Shea, a Registered Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition, reviews the content. This ensures that we only recommend the healthiest candy on the market and correctly identify health drawbacks that may be associated with even the healthiest sweets. 

The result is a guide that is almost guaranteed to have a healthy candy for every taste and dietary need. We even offer some top tips on how to choose the healthiest candy at the store if none of these sweet treats are available.

Sea salt caramels in a wooden bowl
via Canva

Having read through this healthiest candy guide, you should have no trouble finding the perfect sweets next time you want a treat. One thing to remember is that it may be a bit challenging to find some of these healthy candies.

But that effort is worth it, especially to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the ingredients in your treats are safer and healthier in general. And, as people think more about what they eat, many of the healthiest candies are entering supermarkets nationwide, taking pride of place among more well-known treats. 

It's also important to remember that even candy that is good for you is still candy and should be consumed in moderation. Most studies link frequent added‑sugar intake with higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental caries, but occasional candy that fits within daily calorie and added sugar limits is unlikely to harm otherwise healthy adults.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.