M&M’s are one of America’s most beloved candies.
They come in the shape of buttons and are covered in a crisp sugary shell with chocolate in the center, making them hard to resist.
And while there is no doubt that they taste delicious, we all know these little buggers aren’t healthy.
But worry no more.
I have compiled a list of 5 healthy alternatives to M&M’s that will satisfy your cravings without compromising taste or nutrition.
You won’t regret or guilt after eating these alternatives as much as you do with M&M’s.
But before we get to the list, let’s address an important question.
Read also: 9 Healthy Alternatives to Satisfy Your Oreo Cravings
Why do you need alternatives to M&M’s?
If you’re considering swapping out M&M’s, you may already be aware of the reasons behind your decision.
However, if you don’t, here are why M&M’s alternatives are worth considering.
- M&M’s are high in sugar.
- M&M’s contain artificial flavors and colors.
- M&M’s are full of processed ingredients.
- M&M’s contain hydrogenated oils.
- M&M’s are low in protein and fiber.
- M&M’s are not vegan.
- M&M’s may contain tree nuts and wheat due to cross-contamination.
5 Healthy Alternatives to M&M’s
1. Unreal Gems
Unreal Gems are one of the best vegan-friendly healthy alternatives to M&M’s.
These gems are made from milk chocolate, quinoa, and roasted peanuts.
Unlike M&M’s, these gems are not sweetened with regular sugar and corn syrup or colored with artificial colors.
Instead, these gems are sweetened with cane sugar and are colored with real veggies.
Although these gems are high in saturated fat, it’s worth noting that this saturated fat comes from cocoa butter rather than less healthy oils.
Moreover, Unreal Gems also contain more fiber and protein per serving than M&M’s.
Here’s how they outshine M&M’s:
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Good with protein and fiber.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- No use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Vegan-friendly.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- High in sugar.
2. YumEarth choco yums
Looking for dairy-free, dye-free, and organic alternatives to M&M’s?
Look no further than Choco Yums from YumEarth.
Choco yums are popular smooth chocolate candies made with organic ingredients. These stand out as a perfect substitute for M&M’s.
Unlike M&M’s, these candies are sweetened with cane sugar and derive their colors from natural sources.
Moreover, these candies are free of major allergens like dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, and eggs, making them suitable for a wide audience.
And when it comes to taste, most people find Choco yums even more delicious than M&M’s.
Here’s how they outshine M&M’s:
- Made with organic ingredients.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- No use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Vegan-friendly.
- USDA Organic and Non-GMO Certified.
- Free from top allergens such as nuts, soy, eggs, and fish.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- High in sugar.
- Average in protein and fiber.
3. Choco no no’s
Choco no no’s are popular button candies from Nowhey Foods that have secured a place in the hearts of many.
These candies are made with cane sugar, cocoa butter, and rice syrup powder coating around a milkless chocolate core.
Unlike M&M’s, these are sweetened with vegan cane sugar, and their fun colors come from fruit and vegetable juice.
Additionally, these are free from top allergens such as wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts, fish, and shellfish.
What’s even more impressive is that these candies are produced in a dedicated facility, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination.
Here’s how they outshine M&M’s:
- Made with natural ingredients.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- No use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Non-GMO verified.
- Free from top allergens such as wheat, nut, soy, eggs, and fish.
- Produced in a dedicated facility.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- High in sugar.
- Low in protein.
- No fiber.
4. Hu Dark chocolate gems
Hu Dark chocolate gems are made from simple organic ingredients such as cocoa, unrefined coconut sugar, and fair trade cocoa butter.
There is no use of refined sugar, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or any other weird ingredients.
These chocolate gems come in cool hexagonal shapes and are a great choice for both snacking and baking.
Although these don’t come in the fun colors that M&M’s do, you can still enjoy them in the same way as M&M’s.
Here’s how they outshine M&M’s:
- Made with simple organic ingredients.
- Good source of fiber.
- No refined sugar.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- No use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free, paleo, and Non-GMO verified.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- High in sugar.
- Low in protein.
5. YumEarth organic giggles
YumEarth offers a delicious alternative to M&M’s with their Organic Giggles.
These candies are made with simple, organic ingredients like cane sugar, rice syrup, and non-hydrogenated palm oil.
Unlike M&M’s, these candies get their colors from real foods like turmeric, purple sweet potato, carrots, and radishes – no artificial dyes!
Additionally, these are free from major allergens, so those avoiding dairy, wheat, nuts, soy, eggs, and fish can enjoy worry-free.
Beyond better-for-you ingredients, Organic Giggles comes in various indulgent flavors like Orange, Green Apple, Lemon, and Grape.
Here’s how they outshine M&M’s:
- Made with simple organic ingredients.
- Low in fat and calories.
- No refined sugar.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- No use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Vegan-friendly and Non-GMO certified.
- Free from top allergens such as wheat, nut, soy, eggs, and fish.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- High in sugar.
- No protein and fiber.
Final words
There are not many healthy alternatives to M&M’s in the market. But, the ones I’ve listed above are the finest you can find.
It’s important to note that despite being made with natural ingredients, these alternatives are not a free pass to indulge limitlessly.
Yes, they surpass M&M’s in various aspects, from ingredients quality to reduced artificial components. However, they are high in sugar and should be enjoy in moderation.
So next time a candy craving strikes, resist the urge to rip open a bag of M&M’s. Instead, give one of these healthier alternatives a try.
You won’t regret it.
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