I'm bringing back my Valentine's Day post about conversation hearts from Sweet Tarts. Please note: these have nut-free status, only. I will be sharing more Valentine's Day treat ideas soon, so keep visiting! When we first found out about my daughter's nut allergy, it was really hard to find "safe" candies for each holiday, especially the really iconic ones like candy corn for Halloween and of course, conversation hearts for Valentine's Day. It seemed like every candy heart package had a nut allergy warning on it, so she couldn't eat them at class parties or at home. Bummer.
Luckily, Sweet Tarts Hearts are the allergy-free answer to our nut-free conversation heart problem. The candies are the Willy Wonka brand, made by Nestle, so I did a little digging to ensure these candies are safe for peanut and tree nut allergies.
The Wonka web site states that you should "check the back of the package" to locate allergen information. Just to be sure, I called Nestle and asked about the Sweet Tarts Hearts. They assured me that if there were any cross-contact risk for the "Top 8" allergens, this info would be reflected on the label with warnings such as "Processed on equipment that also processed nuts (or the other top 8) or "Made in a facility that also processes peanuts (or egg, etc.)
To clarify: There is a product called Sweet Tarts brand GUMMY hearts and they DO have a peanut and tree nut allergy warning. It appears they are made in a different facility from the converation-style hearts. They look very different too, as they are larger than the candy hearts and a soft "gummy" style of candy. So be careful and read all labels.
Of course, if you ever are unsure about a candy, just call the company as I did. The side benefit of calling is that they usually send you free stuff or coupons.
Important note: This post refers to the Sweet Tarts brand candy hearts ONLY! You will often see other brands of conversation hearts in the stores. Two popular brands are Brach's and Necco. Many candy hearts carry peanut allergy and/or tree nut allergy warnings--at least in my most recent research. So be careful not to confuse Sweet Tarts with any other brand. It's up to you, the consumer to check! Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. :)
Personally, I like the taste of Sweet Tarts better than the "traditional" candy hearts. I bought these at Super Target, but I've seen them for sale everywhere. Enjoy!
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| Surf Sweets fruity hearts are always nut-free and free of the Top 8 food allergens. www.surfsweets.com for store locator |
9 comments:
I'd like to see Vermont Nut Free make candy corn! Maybe I'll suggest it. They are such a trustworthy company, with great, quality candy. :)
Lindsay, I agree!! VNF used to sell candy corn a few years ago. I'm not sure why they stopped. It was great!
Please contact them about it and I will again, too. :)
Hi, Jenny ~
I'm writing a post for the SunButter blog with Valentine's Day peanut free snacks and foods. Okay if I link to this post? Full credit to you, of course. Let me know. Thanks.
Elizabeth, of course! Just to let you know, I placed a phone call to Wonka about these just this week as a double check. They are still OK!
BEWARE Willy Wonka Labeling: I know this is a few months late, but...I bought a bag of Willy Wonka Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans which had no allergy label at all (made in Mexico), yet when I called Nestle/Wonka, they informed me that it should have had a warning(processed on line that processes peanuts, tree nuts, and something else). They said they are checking into why it had no label. However, my daughter had a reaction; swelling around eyes and body hives. I have pics of bag if you like.
Jelly Belly has cupid corn! I found it at TJ Max. The packaging states made in a peanut free facility. They also had Victorian Mellocreame Hearts with the same labeling.
Laura
Please be advised that Jelly Belly is peanut-free for some of their candy, but not tree nut free for any of their candy, I believe. Give Jelly Belly a call if you have questions on a specific item.
Regarding Willy Wonka candy bags with no allergen warning labels, that is very unusual for that brand as you point out. If I don't see any allergen labels on a food, I suggest everyone should call/e-mail to be on the safe side and/or avoid the candy if you can't get any answers. Thanks for sharing!
I never knew. Running to the store now...
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