DEHAY: Healthy Candy Alternatives

By Savanna DeHay

Intro

We’re approaching that time of year when sugar-filled, chemical-laced candy becomes the centerpiece of every gathering, every meal, and every gift. While it is great visiting with family and friends, it’s easy to feel guilty for not partaking in junk “food” that negatively impacts physical and mental health. Here’s the thing: you should not feel bad about refusing harmful products, but you don’t have to completely abstain either. Here are four keto-friendly candy dupes made with ancestrally appropriate ingredients. Enjoy!

Jolly Ranchers

Who doesn’t enjoy a sour, sticky candy bursting with fruity flavor? Crazy people, that’s who. These candies take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 to freeze. Depending on the tea you use, each one is basically a delicious multi-vitamin!

Makes 24 bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered allulose
• ⅓ cup strong brewed fruity tea (hibiscus, blueberry, lemon, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, rose hip, etc.)
• ¼ tsp fruity flavor extract of choice
• ½-3 tsp citric acid

Directions:

1. Combine allulose and tea in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently until mixture reaches 310-330° F.
2. Remove from heat and stir in extract and citric acid.
3. Pour mixture into silicone candy mold of your choice. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to set.
4. Store the candies in the molds or in a non-stick container for up to a year. Enjoy!

*Recipe courtesy of Maria Mind Body Health

Gummy Bears

Chewy and delicious, these gummy bears have zero sugar, zero carbs, and are packed with electrolytes! You just need a silicone gummy tray (or any shape you like), sugar-free flavored electrolyte powder, and gelatin.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup water
• 1 ½ TBS gelatin
• 1 packet sugar-free flavored electrolytes of choice

Directions:

1. Pour water into a medium bowl.
2. Whisk in the gelatin and electrolytes. Heat mixture in the microwave or over the stovetop until it begins to boil.
3. Use a turkey baster (or similar kitchen tool) to fill the gummy tray with the hot liquid.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours – or, better yet, overnight. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

*Recipe courtesy of Maria Mind Body Health

Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter cups are a classic favorite! Unfortunately, the mainstream ones are loaded with chemicals and sugar. This version is zero-sugar and quite honestly tastes better than the original.

Makes 12 cups

Ingredients:

Chocolate Layer:

• 9.5 oz sugar-free chocolate
• 2 TBS coconut oil

Peanut Butter Layer:

• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 TBS coconut oil
• ¼ cup powdered erythritol (or another powdered keto sweetener)
• 2 tsp almond flour
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring between each to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can melt over a double boiler.
3. Add about 1 TBS of melted chocolate to the bottom of each liner, tilt to coat evenly.
4. Place trays in the freezer for 10-15 minutes while you make the filling.
5. To make the filling, microwave the peanut butter and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds, or until the oil melts. Stir to combine.
6. Stir in the powdered sweetener, almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt (if using) until fully combined.
7. Divide the peanut mixture into the 12 cups. Freeze for 10-15 minutes.
8. Top with remaining chocolate, dividing among the 12 cups. Freeze for 10-15 minutes.
9. Serve and enjoy! For a softer texture, allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before consuming.
10. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks.

*Recipe courtesy of Sweet as Honey Co.

Peppermint Patties

Many of us have fond memories of peeling back that sliver of a wrapper and sinking our teeth into a creamy minty center. This keto version is made with whole food ingredients, keeping those memories alive.

Makes 12 patties

Ingredients:

Filling:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• 4 TBS powdered sugar-free sweetener
• 2 TBS heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Coating:

• 4 oz bakers’ chocolate, keto chocolate chips/bar, or cacao paste
• 1 TBS coconut oil

Directions:

1. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the coconut oil until barely softened – not melted. Add in the powdered sweetener and cream together with an electric mixer.
2. Pour in the cream and peppermint extract and beat until fully combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Divide into 12 equal portions and press into 1 ½ inch circle patties. Freeze until completely solid, about 30-60 minutes.
5. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave or over a double boiler.
6. Dip each patty to coat completely in chocolate.
7. Return patties to the tray and freeze for another 30-60 minutes.
8. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks. They also keep well in the freezer – just let them soften for a few minutes before enjoying.

*Recipe courtesy of Primal Edge Health

Conclusion

Stop trying to “resist” candy temptations. Make your own healthy copycats with zero chemicals or artificial ingredients. This way, you can have a full stomach and pants that still fit.

• Click HERE for 20% off your order of keto-friendly Matt-Hat Jerky!
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• Craving chocolate? The Good Chocolate offers sugar-free, keto chocolate with just 1g net carbs per serving. Great taste minus the crash! Click HERE for chocolatey goodness.
• Tired of chemically laden products and want to upgrade your haircare? Vita Prima offers ancestral hair products formulated with natural ingredients. Learn more HERE!
• In need of a holistic health curriculum? Learn all about Politically Incorrect Nutrition HERE.

Sources

• “Keto Peanut Butter Cups (fun, easy to make! vegan option).” Texanerin Baking, 19 July 2025, https://www.texanerin.com/keto-peanut-butter-cups/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
• Mama Natural, https://www.mamanatural.com/wp-content/uploads/Healthy-Gummy-Bear-Recipe-using-fruit-and-honey-by-Mama-Natural.jpg. Accessed 13 June 2026.
• Maria Mind Body Health, https://mariamindbodyhealth.com/. Accessed 10 June 2026.
• Primal Edge Health, https://www.primaledgehealth.com/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
• Samantha. “Homemade Gummy Bears Recipe.” My Kitchen Love, 19 April 2020, https://www.mykitchenlove.com/gummy-bears/. Accessed 4 June 2026.
• Sweet as Honey Co., https://www.sweetashoney.co/. Accessed 21 June 2026.
• Top Secret Recipes, https://topsecretrecipes.com/images/product/jolly-rancher-hard-candy-copycat-recipe_1.jpg. Accessed 13 June 2026.

About Savanna DeHay

Savanna DeHay graduated from North Idaho College in 2022, and currently lives in North Idaho. She writes about health, current events, and other important issues.

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