16 Healthiest Candy Options in 2025

What are the healthiest candy options to try? Actually, is there such a thing as healthy candy? The answer, thankfully, is yes. We’ve rounded up the best candy options for those who want to keep their sugar content low and ingredient list natural. 

Contrary to popular belief, candy isn’t directly related to adverse health effects. This may sound strange at first, but a study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that people who enjoy candy in moderation aren’t directly at risk of negative health effects. 

Of course, 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. With that said, make sure to be careful with sweet treats if you have blood sugar-related health complications like diabetes. Aim to keep added sugar below 25g daily for women and 36g for men.

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• 16 Healthiest Candy Options
• What Is the Healthiest Candy?
• How To Choose Healthy Candy

16 Healthiest Candy Options

1. Alter Eco Brown Butter Dark Chocolate 

Our first pick of the healthiest candy that you can try today is none other than the 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. 

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

• Calories: 180 
• Carbs: 13g 
• Protein: 2g 
• Fat: 14g 
• Sodium: 50mg 
• Total Sugar: 8g 
• Added Sugar: 8g 
• Dietary Fiber: 3g

2. Russell Stover Sugar Free Chocolate Candy (Assorted)  

As a chocolate and candy brand with a prominent sugar-free chocolate lineup, Russell Stover deserves its mention on this list of the healthiest candy to try. The brand’s sugar-free assorted chocolates feature five kinds, like mint patties, peanut butter cups and caramels just to name a few. 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. 

Russell Stover Sugar Free Chocolate Candy Nutritional Info (per two pieces):

• Calories: 120 
• Carbs: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g 
• Sodium: 25mg 
• Total Sugar: 0g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g

3. LILY'S Creamy Milk Chocolate Style Bar  

Sometimes you crave a good old-fashioned milk chocolate bar as your healthiest candy treat. In that case, LILY’S gets the job done. This brand’s chocolate bar is a showstopper among its lineup of chocolate treats. 

It is made with unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, cocoa butter, skim milk, stevia extract and other ingredients that combine to create a simple, smooth dessert for any time of day. 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. 

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

• Calories: 130 
• Carbs: 18g 
• Protein: 2g 
• Fat: 10g 
• Sodium: 25mg 
• Total Sugar: 3g 
• Added Sugar: 0g 
• Dietary Fiber: 6g

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 dark chocolate coconut bars by Unreal are made with only three ingredients, including shredded coconut, rich dark chocolate and a mere 3g 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.

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

• Calories: 70 
• Carbs: 8g 
• Protein: <1g 
• Fat: 5g 
• Sodium: 0mg 
• Total Sugar: 3g 
• Added Sugar: 3g 
• Dietary Fiber: 1g

5. Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate Bar  

The good news for everyone is that there are tons of options among the healthiest candy bars available today. Endangered Species is one such brand that offers them. 

They’re known for offering an “extreme dark” chocolate bar, made with 88% cocoa that includes ingredients like chocolate liquor, cane sugar, soy lecithin and a dash of aromatic vanilla. It’s one of the top healthiest candy choices that you can conveniently grab and go. 

Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate Bar Nutritional Info (per 28g ⅓ bar):

• Calories: 180 
• Carbs: 11g 
• Protein: 3g 
• Fat: 13g 
• Sodium: 0mg 
• Total Sugar: 3g 
• Added Sugar: 3g 
• Dietary Fiber: 4g

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. As one of the healthiest candy options you can try, 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. 

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

• Calories: 220 
• Carbs: 20g 
• Protein: 4g 
• Fat: 14g 
• Sodium: 120mg 
• Total Sugar: 16g 
• Added Sugar: 16g 
• Dietary Fiber: 1g

7. Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems

Chocolate‑covered peanuts are a classic, and Unreal’s version is our next pick of the healthiest candy you can try. Rounding our chocolate options is this fan favorite, made with dark chocolate, roasted peanuts and a candy shell colored with natural vegetable sources like beet juice and spirulina. That’s why this is one of the best Halloween candy picks as well. 

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

• Calories: 150 
• Carbs: 16g 
• Protein: 3g 
• Fat: 10g 
• Sodium: 15mg 
• Total Sugar: 13g 
• Added Sugar: 12g 
• Dietary Fiber: 2g

8. SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites

This next delicious sweet gummy treat hails from Canada. SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites are some of the healthiest candies on the market, especially because of their low sugar and high fiber content. As an option on our healthiest candy list, it makes sense that these treats are also naturally flavored and skip the artificially sourced sweeteners too. 

SmartSweets Sourmelon Bites Nutritional Info (per 50g bag):

• Calories: 130 
• Carbs: 40g 
• Protein: 0g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 95mg 
• Total Sugar: 3g 
• Added Sugar: N/A 
• Dietary Fiber: 17g

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 3g sugar, 6g fiber, 130 calories and no major allergens. As one of the healthiest candy options, it has a whopping 92% less sugar compared to its original counterpart too. Now, that’s sweet. 

SmartSweets Sweet Fish Nutritional Info (per 50g bag):

• Calories: 130 
• Carbs: 40g 
• Protein: 0g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 100mg 
• Total Sugar: 3g 
• Added Sugar: 0g 
• Dietary Fiber: 6g

10. YumEarth Organic Jelly Beans

Jelly beans have always been popular, but tricky to find some in the genre of healthiest candy options. Check out these YumEarth organic jelly beans, which are great on their own or as egg-shaped Easter candy. These jelly beans are not only organic, but allergy-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and free from artificial dyes and flavors.

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

• Calories: 50 
• Carbs: 13g 
• Protein: 0g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 20mg 
• Total Sugar: 11g 
• Added Sugar: 11g 
• Dietary Fiber: 0g

11. Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears

Gummy bears are delicious. That’s a fact. But finding organic gummy bears can be a challenge. Luckily, Black Forest offers organic gummy bears in easy, convenient pouches. 

These bears are some of the healthiest candies you can enjoy because they’re made with real fruit juice, organic tapioca syrup, gelatin and other natural flavors. The colors come from natural sources like black carrot juice, red beet extract and yellow turmeric, so you can feel good while eating them.

Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears Nutritional Info (per 30g serving):

• Calories: 100 
• Carbs: 24g 
• Protein: 1g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 5mg 
• Total Sugar: 15g 
• Added Sugar: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g

12. Red Vines Made Simple Berry Twists

This next choice of healthiest candies is for the licorice lovers out there. Red Vines Made Simple makes a red licorice alternative called “mixed berry twists,” which taste just as great but with some of the healthiest candy ingredients like real sugar and natural flavors. It’s also GMO-free and plant-based, making this a great treat for vegans and vegetarians. 

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

• Calories: 100 
• Carbs: 21g 
• Protein: 1g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 10mg 
• Total Sugar: 18g 
• Added Sugar: 18g 
• Dietary Fiber: 0g

13. Behave Gummy Stars

Behave Gummy Stars is a wonder-filled bag of gummy candies in raspberry, apple and pineapple flavors in every bag. It’s one of the healthiest candy options, especially because they are low-sugar and made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.

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

Behave Gummy Stars Nutritional Info (per 50g serving):

• Calories: 70 
• Carbs: 36g 
• Protein: 4g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 0g 
• Total Sugar: 1g 
• Added Sugar: 1g 
• Dietary Fiber: 20g

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

Along with coming in gorgeous natural shades of green, red and yellow, Dr. John’s hard candy collection comes in bright natural colors and is surprisingly healthy. These hard candies are sugar-free and come with 10g fiber per serving, as well as a healthy dose of vitamin C. They rank among the healthiest candy picks, but enjoy them in moderation because eating too many can have a laxative effect.

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

• Calories: 35 
• Carbs: 18g 
• Protein: 0g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 0mg 
• Total Sugar: 0g 
• Added Sugar: 0g 
• Dietary Fiber: 10g

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 healthiest candy options to try. 

Wedderspoon’s pops rely on organic manuka honey for sweetness, add vitamin C and skip artificial colors. Each 10g pop still delivers 8g added sugar, so nutritionally they mirror a standard lollipop, but they provide a honey‑forward flavor and a short, recognizable ingredient list. If you’re looking into how to start eating healthy, 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 10g serving):

• Calories: 35 
• Carbs: 9g 
• Protein: 0g 
• Fat: 0g 
• Sodium: 0mg 
• Total Sugar: 8g 
• Added Sugar: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g

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

Our last pick on this list of the healthiest candy treats to try is Tom & Jenny’s classic sugar-free soft caramels. These are made with fresh heavy cream, certified sustainable palm oil and other natural flavors like cocoa powders and spices to create that chewy, decadent experience. 

Along with classic caramels, the brand also offers flavored versions like chocolate and ginger. Now, that’s not something you see every day. 

Tom & Jenny’s Classic Sugar-Free Soft Caramels Nutritional Info (per five pieces):

• Calories: 60 
• Carbs: 14g 
• Protein: 0g 
• Fat: 3.5g 
• Sodium: 120mg 
• Total Sugar: 0g 
• Added Sugar: 0g 
• Dietary Fiber: 0g

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 made with a high sugar content and few nutrients. If we had to choose, dark chocolate has an impressively high cocoa content and some of the least added sugars on this list and overall, making it one of the healthiest types to go for.  

In terms of brands, options like SmartSweets, Behave and LILY’S are especially dedicated to creating healthier versions of treats. The other brands on this list also work hard to create their candy alternatives. It’s important to remember that no matter what, candy is still candy and can only be healthier than their original counterparts to a certain extent. With that in mind, be sure to enjoy your treats as you’d like.

How To Choose Healthy Candy 

Now that the disclaimers are out of the way, you might be wondering how to choose healthy candy when that sweet-tooth craving strikes. There are definitely a few strategies. The main one is to check the nutrition facts on the package, which will cover information like: 

• Calories per serving
• Sugar content 
• Ingredients (including added nutrients) 

Feel free to do your own research on the nutrients you might want to look for or the sugar content that fits with your own goals or expectations in a healthier candy. 

Other factors include how often you enjoy your candy treats. Portion control is a big factor. Eating anything in moderation will help mitigate any negative effects while still letting you enjoy the positives.

So, what does it mean to find the healthiest candy available today? Overall, it probably means a bit more effort, since these options aren’t as common as original varieties of candy. 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. 

Most studies link frequent added‑sugar intake with higher risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and dental caries, but occasional candy within overall calorie limits is unlikely to harm otherwise healthy adults. Remember to choose your candy wisely. And if it’s chocolate-based, you can even try taking it with a grain of salt (to bring out the flavor). 

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