The Nut-Free Mom Blog

Nut-Free Valentine's Day: Supermarket Finds

Posted: 25 Jan 2013 11:45 AM PST

This Valentine's Day "candy bank" from Tootsie Roll Corporation (R) has
clear allergen labels. Labels like this are becoming easier to find.

I love the convenience and selection I get with online ordering for seasonal candy and nut-free items, but isn't it great when you can just stroll into the supermarket and find what you need? Here is a selection of nut-free (and other free-from) candy selections, cookies and treats for Valentine's Day.

Please note: You and your doctor are the best judges of what is safe for you and/or your allergic child to eat. This is meant as a guide, so please consider your own specific needs and check with your doctor about any foods or potential allergens that concern you. For additional product questions, check with the specific companies. Safety first! Thanks!

I discovered the following items at my local supermarket (a Safeway owned company), SuperTarget, Wal-Mart and Meijer. The following items were all marked as peanut and tree nut-free.

Not all items will be available in all locations, but in general, you will find these items in well-stocked stores:

Anything from the Tootsie Corporation, including pops, chocolate chews, and Andes Candies mints. Many of the seasonal varieties (such as the item pictured above) have Valentine's messages included. Andes Chocolate Mint Candies have a heart shape and message embossed on each chocolate. Sweet! See: http://www.tootsie.com/

Gimbal's Cherry Lovers Fruit Chews
These heart shaped candies are made by the Gimbal's company--top 8 allergen-free and gluten-free. Here's a link to the item on the Meijer website: http://www.meijer.com/s/gimbals-fine-candies-cherry-lovers-fruit-chews-1-bag-11-50-oz/_/R-173085;jsessionid=078083B9B44CC0FF3727B1CC134B3F0F.instance04
See: http://wwww.gimbalscandy.com

Pez Candies
Everybody's favorite! Peanut-free, tree nut-free and gluten-free. See: http://www.pez.com/allergy/

Dum Dums lollipops with Valentine's Day Messages
The time-honored kid favorite, free from peanuts, tree nuts and the most common food allergens. See: www.spanglercandy.com

Back of Dum Dums package.

Skeeter Snacks cookies made in a nut-free facility -- great flavors and taste! Available at many Costco stores and supermarkets. See: www.skeetersnacks.com

The following are available at Whole Foods/Natural Foods Stores/Some Supermarkets

Surf Sweets Fruity Hearts

Seasonal gummies in an adorable heart shape from this all natural, organic candy company. Watermelon and cherry flavors. See: www.surfsweets.com

Great out of the bag or as cupcake decor!

Sha Sha Ginger Cookies

Heart-shaped Ginger Snap cookies, made in a peanut and tree nut-free facility and made with healthy, whole ingredients. The heart shape makes them perfect for V-Day. See: http://www.shashabread.com/snaps-cookies/

Lucy's Cookies
Nut-free, gluten-free and free of many top allergens. Delicious flavor varieties, too. (Be advised, for the peanut allergic also allergic to legumes, Lucy's does use some legume flours). See: http://www.drlucys.com/

Enjoy Life Cookies/Candy Bars
Great variety of nut-free, gluten-free and top 8 allergen-free cookies and dairy-free chocolate bars. See: http://enjoylifefoods.com/#page=page-1

Yum Earth gummy bears/lollipops
Valentine's Day-themed packs of organic gummy bears and lollies free of peanuts, tree nuts and the top 8 allergens. Also available at Target stores across the U.S. See: http://yummyearth.com/

Nut-Free Facility?

The following item was unclear if made in a nut-free facility but does not appear to be made on shared equipment. However, many Dove Promises items are made in a nut-free facility, so see the link below/call the company for details.

Dove Promises Chocolate Hearts. The rep said their candy would be labeled for shared equipment (i.e., if no warning, the item is not made on shared equipment) but due to the hearts being a seasonal candy, couldn't tell me if they were made in nut-free facility as these facilities may change. Here is a link to nut-free facility product info for Dove Chocolates: http://www.dovechocolate.com/aboutDove/AllergenFreeFacilities

Remember, check with companies for more info if you require it, but I hope this gets you off to a good start!

KID MEALS

Saturday, January 26, 2013