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As Valentine’s Day approaches, the aisles of the grocery store transform into a sea of vibrant pinks, reds, and purples, all adorned with the tempting allure of heart-shaped candies. While it’s a sweet and love-filled celebration, as parents, we often find ourselves stressed about the artificial dyes and additives that are in these treats. At least, I know I do!
If your kiddo is school-aged or attends daycare, I understand it may be unrealistic to have them snack on only dye-free options while at school. All we can do is do our best by providing some for them and their friends! Including these dye-free treats with your valentines can be a great way to introduce dye-free options to other parents as well. Spread that dye-free love!
Are you looking for a quick guide laying out a bunch of different options for this Valentine’s Day?
Look no further because here at Happy Moms Club, we have you covered. I have compiled some great ideas for alternatives to traditional Valentine’s Day treats. Who doesn’t love better-for-you treats that are not only more nutritious but equally as delicious as well?
Most of these options are available to purchase in-store or online, but there are also some options that you can make at home!
This Valentine’s Day, let’s explore dye-free options that not only bring joy to our little ones but that you can feel better about giving them too.
1. Fruity Delights
Swap out artificially colored candies with naturally sweet options such as dried fruit. This is a great, super easy, and delicious option! Dried strawberries, mangoes, and cherries offer a burst of flavor without any added dyes. These are very easy to pick up at your local grocery store.
As I mentioned in My Littles Favorite Snacks, our all-time favorite brand is Crispy Fruit. These come in individually wrapped packages so they are perfect to give with a valentine!
You can also try making your own fruit leather or fruit skewers for a fun and festive touch.
2. Dye-Free Gummies
There are a few different dye-free gummy options on the market. As I mentioned in My Littles Favorite Snacks, we have used both the Plum Organics Teensy Snacks as well as Bear Fruit Minis. We definitely prefer Bear Fruit Minis due to fewer ingredients but if you can’t find them in the store, Plum Organics is another brand that has gummies you could opt for. Both of these gummies are great for many reasons, but I love the fact that they are flat which reduces the risk of choking by a ton!
You could also create your own gummy candies using natural fruit juices and gelatin. From heart-shaped molds to cute animal shapes, the possibilities are endless. You can find a great recipe for homemade gummies here.
3. Dark Chocolate
I couldn’t leave out a chocolate option! If you are craving chocolate this Valentine’s Day you could opt for higher-quality dark chocolate with organic ingredients. Dark chocolate is not only rich in antioxidants but is often free from artificial colors. Around Valentine’s Day, you can find heart-shaped chocolate bars meeting the organic criteria at your local grocery store (or check out your local chocolatier!).
You could also melt some of this chocolate down and make your own chocolate-covered fruit using strawberries or bananas. Yum!
4. Yogurt-Covered Goodies
Yogurt-covered snacks can be a fantastic dye-free alternative. There are many great yogurt-covered options like yogurt-covered pretzels, raisins, or nuts. These are sure to satisfy your kiddo’s sweet tooth (and yours) without compromising on taste.
Get creative and try making your own yogurt-covered treats at home! Or this tasty and easy Frozen Yogurt Bark. My little loves yogurt so these options are a win for us anytime!
5. Trail Mix
Craving a salty and sweet treat? Create a custom Valentine’s Day trail mix with a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Add a touch of dark chocolate or some yogurt-covered goodies to make it even more yummy. Package it in heart-shaped baggies and gift them for a festive, healthy Valentine’s treat!
6. Dye-Free Candy
With dye-free being an on-the-rise demand, there are so many different dye-free options that are available now (yay!). Explore the growing market of natural candy brands that prioritize using real fruit juices and natural colors. Many companies now offer dye-free lollipops, M&Ms, and other classic candies, making it easier than ever to find delicious alternatives. We love these dye-free lollipops from the brand YumEarth Organics, and these dye-free M&Ms from the brand UNREAL. With an easy Amazon search or a stroll through the organic department of the grocery store, you are sure to find a multitude of options!
7. Dye-Free Cupcakes or Cookies
Feel like having a cupcake or cookie? With many dye-free food colorings on the market now, you can dye your icing with beautiful, bright colors without artificial dye! Here is a great recipe for sugar cookies with dye-free icing. You could also just add dye-free red or pink coloring to your normal cupcake icing to give it that Valentine’s Day flare. Looking for something even more simple? Add dye-free sprinkles to your homemade sugar cookies or cupcakes. An even simpler hack – buy vanilla cupcakes from the bakery at your local grocery store and add your own sprinkles! Can’t get much easier than that!
Valentine’s Day can still be celebrated with candy and sweets but in a more nutritional way. And the best part? Your kiddo won’t even know the difference! With all of these great swaps, you and your little can still enjoy all of the candy and sweets that you normally would this Valentine’s Day. When it seems overwhelming in the store with so many bad-for-you options, remember, there are tons of better-for-you options too!
So whether you choose to make your own treats or grab some natural candy options at the store, embracing a healthier approach to Valentine’s Day is beneficial for the whole family.
After all, nothing says “I love you” like a healthier, dye-free sweet treat!
Do you have some dye-free recipes you love? Or great dye-free candy alternatives? We are always looking to broaden our dye-free horizon! I would love to hear all about your dye-free favorites!
XOXO,
Katie
