Sweets & candy

We rank treats on the label first: colors from fruit, vegetables or spices, no artificial sweeteners, and as few ingredients as possible. Sugar comes next, then metals. Cocoa candies fared worst: Lead Safe Mama’s lab found lead, cadmium or arsenic in Hu, Unreal and Justin’s chocolate candies (opens in a new tab), so none is listed, and few makers publish results for any candy. A clean label does not make candy a health food (added sugar).

Ingredients 40%

Few ingredients, all named, colors from food, nothing artificial (dyes, sweeteners, flavors) and organic where possible. Each additive, unnamed flavor or sugar alcohol costs points.

Sugar 15%

Added sugar per serving against the others here, stated plainly. Lower is better, but not by swapping in sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.

Independent testing 20%

Metals or other contaminants that matter for the ingredients (cocoa, ginger, tamarind, chili, fruit) measured and published, by a lab the maker does not pay where possible.

Trust 10%

Highest when the maker names everything, answers questions, and has no recalls, warning letters, Prop 65 notices or lawsuits over safety or labeling. Points come off for unresolved problems and for paid promoters it does not disclose.

Value 15%

The price per serving or use against the other products here that pass. The cheapest score highest; a high price needs a reason.

Each product scores every one from 1 to 5, and its rating is the weighted average. We list only products rated 3 or above that break none of our rules.

We avoid

• Synthetic dyes: in trials, some children became more restless and inattentive after eating them.
• Artificial sweeteners, and large doses of sugar alcohols such as erythritol or maltitol.
• Imported chili candies, and candy sold in clay pots or printed wrappers, with no lead result: the FDA has found lead in them for years.
• “Healthy candy” claims: candy is a treat, however clean the label.

Read the research

• Added Sugar: What the Science Says About Its Health Effects
• The Sweetener Problem
• Maple Syrup, Agave, and Coconut Sugar
• Ultra-Processed Food: Harmful or Just Unhealthy?