Easter is less than a week away and CPG companies are out in full force with limited-edition assortments to celebrate the holiday.
Easter egg hunts, dinner with the family and a basket full of sweet treats is the standard for the spring kickoff, but in keeping with changing consumer preference for all things healthy, companies are increasingly touting better-for-you alternatives to the annual sugar-packed holiday.
Even Peeps is jumping on the health and wellness train this year, releasing a sugar-free version of its popular marshmallow chicks.
Keeping it keto on Easter
ChocZero is back again this year with its keto-friendly lineup of Easter-themed candy and cookies.
“These spring keto-friendly treats have no added sugar and absolutely no sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. From chocolate Easter eggs filled with vanilla crème to solid chocolate Easter bunnies, we have something for everyone,” the company said.
The zero-sugar alternative to traditional chocolate is available in the traditional Easter Bunny and Egg varieties. “Our dark chocolate Easter bunnies are dairy-free and vegan-friendly. That means folks who can’t enjoy dairy can still enjoy a delicious chocolate Easter treat.
ChocZero is also debuting its Vegan Chocolate Easter Egg, which contains silky dark chocolate ganache, the company said.
Bunnies go gummy
Smart Sweets positions itself as “Candy You Can Feel Good About” with its Easter-themed berry bunnies.
The company notes on its website that the gummy candies contain 92% less sugar compared to traditional gummy candies. The gummies are naturally flavored and contain no artificial sweeteners or synthetic dyes, Smart Sweets said.
The stevia-sweetened treats are gluten-free and also free of common allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, milk, eggs, fish or shellfish, the company said.
The 50-gram bag contains 6 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar and 130 calories.
Milk-free Easter
UK-based dairy-free chocolatier Moo Free released a range of products this Easter for what it markets as an “ethical Easter.”
“Our allergy-friendly free-from selection is completely free of all major food allergens and is also vegan-friendly, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the Easter festivities,” the company said.
The company noted on its website that its Bunnycomb Egg chocolate is free of gluten, soya and palm oil, “making it perfect for those with food intolerances, allergies or anyone choosing a plant-based lifestyle,” the company said.
