6 Candy Choices That May Be Better for Your Health

6 Candy Options That May Be Better for You

There is no candy that counts as truly healthy, but some sweets are better choices than others when you want something sugary.

The 6 Healthiest Candy Options

1. UnReal Milk Chocolate Gems

Gorin says she is very impressed with these candies because they contain no artificial flavors or colors, and the color comes from natural ingredients such as turmeric.

Even so, the gems still have a fairly high sugar content, so it is best to choose the 1.3-ounce grab-and-go bags, which Kennedy says are an ideal single serving.

What’s Inside 170 calories per package, 10g fat, 6g saturated fat, 22g carbohydrate, 18g sugar, 4g protein

2. Endangered Species Chocolate Extreme Dark 88 Percent Cocoa Dark Chocolate

With only 3 grams of sugar per serving and a high cocoa content, this chocolate lives up to its “extreme dark” name.

It should still be eaten in moderation, since it also contains saturated fat, which can be harmful to heart health if consumed too often.

The American Heart Association advises keeping saturated fat below 6 percent of total daily calories, or about 13 g on a 2,000-calorie diet.

What’s Inside 180 calories per oz, 13g fat, 8g saturated fat, 11g carbohydrate, 3g sugar, 3g protein

3. Peanut M&M’s

The peanut filling adds a bit of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help reduce blood sugar spikes and make it easier to avoid overeating, says Mia Syn, RDN, owner of Nutrition by Mia in Charleston, South Carolina, and author of Mostly Plant-Based. Research also shows that protein may slow the rise in blood sugar when it is eaten with carbohydrates.

The same is true for fiber.

What’s Inside 90 calories per “fun-size” pack, 4.5g fat, 2g saturated fat, 11g carbohydrate, 9g sugar, 2g protein

4. Snickers

It may be surprising, but Gorin recommends a “fun-size” Snickers bar because it is more likely to leave you feeling satisfied, thanks to its protein content. She also notes that it has less sugar than some candies that are almost entirely sugar.

What’s Inside 80 calories per “fun-size” bar, 4g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 10g carbohydrate, 9g sugar, 1g protein

5. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Gorin says the peanut content gives these cups another advantage because peanuts provide protein. In addition, single cups are often easier to find than two-packs, making it simpler to enjoy them in moderation.

What’s Inside 110 calories per cup, 6g fat, 2g saturated fat, 12g carbohydrate, 11g sugar, 2g protein

6. Blow Pops

For anyone who prefers candy without chocolate, a Blow Pop can be a practical option. Gorin says it contains less sugar than many other candies and lasts longer because of its gum center.

What’s Inside 70 calories per pop, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 17g carbohydrate, 13g sugar, 0g protein