Thursday, February 5, 2009

Allergy-Free Valentine's Day Treats and Sources

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted to share with you some great sources of safe treats.


Some of you may already know about these; if you don't then I'm happy to be able to introduce you to these sources! Please be aware that some of the sources are only "nut-free" and may contain other allergens.


The favorite chocolate treats in our house always arrive from Vermont Nut-Free Chocolate. I "heart" this chocolate seller! As I've found over the years, the more "gourmet" or "fancy" a chocolate product is, the more likely it is to contain nuts.


You never have to worry about that at Vermont Nut-Free. Check out their adorable Valentine's chocolates, including hearts, cupids and specially packaged "Skippers" (like an M&M, but nut-free) or heart-shaped chocolate pops. They also now sell sinful chocolate truffles that allergic adults will love to gobble up. My kids love this stuff--the whole family does. It is truly delicious, gourmet-style chocolate. If you have nut allergies in your family, do yourself a favor and check them out. You'll be a customer forever! (Note: they do use egg, dairy and soy).


Next up is A&J's Fancy Pants Bakery, the only online nut-free bakery I was able to find that sold Valentine-themed cookies. These are beautifully decorated and while they don't come cheap, if you want to offer your family some truly festive, nut-free, professionally decorated (unlike some of the attempts I make) cookies, you'll want to check them out. (Note: they do use egg and dairy and wheat.)


For multiple allergies, Enjoy Life Foods has some great Valentine's Day recipes that utilizes their allergy-free goodies. Check their site for local stores--they are sold at many supermarkets as well as Whole Foods Market. They have some really creative recipes that kids--and adults--will love for Valentine's Day! (Note: These treats are peanut-free, tree nut-free, dairy-free and egg-free--check the site for more details.)

Finally, FAB Snacks has special Valentine's Day treats packages geared towards many food allergies. Check out the site for details!

If anyone has any other Valentine-themed treats, let us know!

10 comments:

Slacmc said...

You are my new favorite person! Thank you so much for finding nut free M&Ms for me. My daughter is going to be thrilled when Mama says it is "okay, to eat the M&Ms!"

Elaine at Matters of the Heart) said...

Great list, thanks for the links...

Jenny said...

Hey Mama!

I'm so glad you found "M&M'S" that your daughter can eat.

I remember how hard it was for my daughter to give those up--but these are a really good substitute and they're also useful for decorating cakes or cookies.

I hope you like them! :)

Anonymous said...

Chocolates are best as Valentines Day treat... Thanks for the ideas!!

Anonymous said...

valentine's day for the food allergic child lends itself to being a bit more creative and resourceful right?? we just ripped open our box of divvies hearts yesterday..john LOVED them.

Jenny said...

Thanks Kelly--I didn't realize that Divvies had Valentine Day candies!

Everybody check them out, too! www.divvies.com

Anonymous said...

do you feel "safe" with any candy on the market available at grocery stores?

Unknown said...

Nice roundup of treats! And thank you for including FAB Snacks too! I love Vermont Nut Free Chocolate too, they are the best!

See also Karen's listing on avoidingmilkprotein.com, way at the top of the page is a link to allergy aware treats--her list is HUGE! It's actually surprising how many food allergy friendly treats there are!

I almost forgot--CONGRATULATIONS! I just spotted your badge for winning many many votes on Wellsphere! It's well deserved!

Mo said...

Have you found Wildtree yet for peanut and tree nut foods. An line of groceries created by a mom with children with dietary restrictions and who also had a nut allergy. Visit http://www.mywildtree.com/MoT/ for more information! Food should be all natural, easy to prepare and delicious all at the same time! It is with Wildtree!

Anonymous said...

Thank you SO much for posting about the "M&M's". My 2-year-old and I are very thankful!!!