Let's talk about Candy...

We love it, we eat it, but what's in it?

Ah, candy — we love it. It’s the magical ingredient in nearly every holiday: Easter, Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day. We give it to our kids, our friends, our partners. "Give your love some candy! "But... are we really showing love, or slowly poisoning them?

Is that a joke? No, not really.

The thoughts of this blog actually started at work. I’ve watched so many kids — and even adults — eat huge amounts of candy. And while I’ve been on my own journey toward what I’ll call “healthier living” (still figuring out the name for it), something started to bother me.

I’d watch them eat this candy I know is packed with Red 40, Yellow 6, and who knows what else. So, I started reading labels. Chocolates, gummies, Skittles — you name it, I looked it up.

Here are some GREAT brands! Some even ok'd by the candy grubbers at work. You can find them in the Organic aisle in store or of course like almost everything else on Amazon.

Yum Earth Giggle (like Skittles) Got great ratings

Coming in at $12.49 for 10-5oz packs -Click here to check it out on Amazon #commissionsearned https://amzn.to/4lWtcW2

Here are some other options by Yum Earth

Yum Earth Sour Littles (like sour patch kids) https://amzn.to/44BlHy8

Yum Earth Jellybeans https://amzn.to/4557SYO

Yum Earth Lolly Pops https://amzn.to/44KgyCt

Other Gummie Options

SmartSweets (Not organic but much cleaner)

• Plant-based, low sugar (no stevia aftertaste), no dyes or sugar alcohols

• No GMOs, artificial colors, or high-fructose corn syrup

• Try: Sourmelon Bites, Gummy Worms

Surf Sweets Made with organic fruit juice and cane sugar, No synthetic colors, flavors, or top allergens. Try: Organic Fruity Bears, Sour Worms

Coming in at $8.88 -Click here to check out them out on Amazon #commissionsearned https://amzn.to/45aLooa

For the LOVE of Chocolate

Justin's Peanut Butter Cups (This one was approved by the grandkids and the husband)

Coming in at $38 for a 12 pack -Click here to check it out on Amazon #commissionsearned https://amzn.to/4mc3z3G

Here are some other options for Justin's.

Justin's White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups https://amzn.to/44FM5W4

Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Candies (like M&M's) https://amzn.to/44yGZfJ

Here are a few other options I have not tired.

Hu Kitchen: No refined sugar, dairy, or soy, Paleo and vegan-friendly, Sweetened with coconut sugar

Coming in at $8 -Click here to check it out on Amazon #commissionsearned https://amzn.to/4lPnoxY

Lily’s No added sugar (uses stevia), non-GMO, Gluten-free, keto-friendly. Try: Dark Chocolate Almond Bars, PB Cups, and Chocolate Covered Caramels

Coming in at $7.29 - Click here to check it them out on Amazon #Commissionsearned https://amzn.to/459lOQa

 Candy-Coated & Snackable

Unreal Fair Trade, non-GMO, no artificial flavors or dyes. Colored with beet juice and spirulina. Try: Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems (like M&Ms), Coconut Bars (like Almond Joy)

Coming in at about $6 a bag - Click here to check them out on Amazon #commissionsearned https://amzn.to/457I1hz

Little Secrets No corn syrup, synthetic colors, or GMOs. Chocolate coated bites and wafers. Try: Crispy Wafers, Chocolate Gems, Dark Chocolate Peanut & Nougat

Coming in at $7.50 -Click here to check them out on Amazon #commissionsearned https://amzn.to/3TZyMev

Marshmallows- I loved finding these! I had no idea they were out there. In my cart right now!

Dandies Vegan marshmallows made without gelatin or artificial flavors, Non-GMO, gluten-free. Try: Vanilla Mini Marshmallows (great for hot chocolate or baking)

Coming in at $3.99 a bag -Click here to check them out on Amazon #ad https://amzn.to/4f7fcGE

You don’t have to swear off sweets — just eat smarter. There are great alternatives that skip the toxins, like the ones above.

NOW that I have given you healthier and organic options let's talk about.....

What’s Really in Candy — And What It’s Doing to Your Body - If you want to dive a little deeper.

Let’s break it down: candy isn’t just sugar. It’s a chemical cocktail of artificial dyes, preservatives, and cheap fillers that can mess with your body in ways most people have no idea about.

1. Artificial Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.)

These aren’t just food coloring. They’re linked to:

• Hyperactivity, ADHD symptoms, and behavioral issues (especially in kids)

• Allergic reactions, skin rashes, migraines

• Possible cancer risks in animal studies

Found in: Skittles, Starburst, M&Ms, Sour Patch Kids

2. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

This processed sweetener:

• Raises risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver

• Causes inflammation and messes with blood sugar levels

Found in: Twizzlers, Hershey’s bars, Candy Corn, gummies

3. Titanium Dioxide

Used to make candy look shiny and smooth, but:

• Banned in the EU

• Linked to DNA damage, immune disruption, and gut inflammation

Found in: Skittles, Mentos, Jelly Belly

4. TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)

A shelf-life extender that may:

• Damage DNA

• Disrupt immune system

• Interfere with gut bacteria

Found in: Reese’s, Butterfinger, packaged chocolate bars

5. "Natural" & Artificial Flavors

Don’t let the word "natural" fool you. These:

• Often contain chemical solvents

• Can include MSG-like compounds

• May cause headaches, allergic reactions, and chemical sensitivity

Found in: Nearly every flavored candy on the shelf

6. BHT & BHA

Preservatives that:

• Disrupt hormones (endocrine system)

• Are possible human carcinogens

• Harm liver, kidneys, and thyroid in animal studies

Found in: Gum, processed chocolate bars

7. GMO Ingredients

Most candy includes genetically modified corn, soy, or sugar beets. These GMOs are:

• Sprayed with pesticides like glyphosate (a probable carcinogen)

• Linked to unknown long-term health effects

So, What Does All This Do to You?

Let’s go deeper — here’s how these ingredients really affect your body:

🧠 Brain & Behavior

Artificial dyes mess with the brain. They can:

• Trigger ADHD symptoms and hyperactivity

• Cause mood swings, irritability, and brain fog

• Increase risk of migraines and learning issues

Kids are especially sensitive, but adults are affected too.

🦠 Gut Health

Preservatives like TBHQ and BHA:

• Kill off good gut bacteria

• Contribute to leaky gut and poor digestion

• Lead to bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue, and inflammation

⚖️ Metabolism

HFCS and processed sugars:

• Contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

• Cause sugar crashes and cravings

• Lead to weight gain and fatty liver

💢 Hormones

Synthetic preservatives can:

• Disrupt estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones

• Increase risk of infertility, early puberty, and fatigue

🧬 DNA & Cell Health

Ingredients like titanium dioxide and TBHQ:

• May damage DNA

• Weaken immune defenses

• Raise risk of cancer over time

• 
  

We’ve been trained to see candy as a harmless treat — something fun and innocent. But when you look closer at what’s inside, it’s a different story.

If we’re serious about health — our own and our kids’ — it’s time to stop giving out chemical candy and start choosing treats that actually treat the body well.

Because real love doesn’t come coated in Red 40.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you checked the label on your favorite candy lately? What surprised you the most?

Drop a comment below, share your go-to clean candy, or tag me if you try one of the safer swaps I mentioned. Let’s help each other make smarter, healthier choices — one treat at a time. 💚

Thanks for being here and staying curious.

Stay smart, be safe and keep learning