What are some healthy sweets to buy for a guilt-free treat?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that less than 10% of Americans get enough daily fiber, and many people mistake thirst for sugar cravings? For those looking to curb a sweet tooth healthily, finding the right packaged options can be a challenge. This guide will help you discover what are some healthy sweets to buy that are satisfying, nutritious, and won't sabotage your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

Explore nutritious alternatives to traditional sugary confections, including high-cacao dark chocolate, fruit-based snacks, low-sugar cookies, and protein-packed bars. Learn how to read labels to make informed choices that satisfy cravings while supporting a healthier lifestyle.

Key Points

Embrace High-Cacao Dark Chocolate: Choose chocolate with 70% or more cocoa for higher antioxidant content and lower added sugar compared to milk chocolate.
Opt for Fruit and Date-Based Bars: Select energy bars made primarily from dates, nuts, and fruit for natural sweetness, fiber, and satiating power.
Choose Mindfully Sweetened Cookies: Look for cookies made with alternative flours like almond or coconut and sweetened with dates, monk fruit, or stevia to reduce processed sugar intake.
Prioritize Protein and Fiber Bars: Brands like RXBAR and Kind offer bars with whole-food ingredients, providing protein and fiber to help you feel full longer.
Consider Pectin-Based Gummies: For candy cravings, seek out vegan gummies that use plant-based pectin instead of gelatin, often offering sugar-free options.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the 'Added Sugars' and ingredient lists to ensure you are buying a product made with minimal, wholesome components.

Navigating the Sweet Aisle with Nutrition in Mind

For many, having a sweet tooth doesn't have to mean compromising on health. The key is moving away from treats loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives and toward options made with whole, natural ingredients. Fortunately, grocery stores now offer a wide range of products that can satisfy your sweet cravings in a guilt-free way. By understanding what to look for on labels and knowing which products to choose, you can make smarter decisions that benefit your overall well-being.

Dark Chocolate and Cocoa-Based Treats

If you're a chocolate lover, there's no need to give it up entirely. The quality and cacao content of your chocolate make all the difference. High-cacao dark chocolate (70% or more) is a healthier choice, as it contains higher levels of antioxidants and important minerals like magnesium. Many brands now offer dark chocolate bars with no added sugar, instead using natural alternatives such as stevia or monk fruit. When paired with fruit or nuts, dark chocolate becomes an even more nutritious treat. Chocolate-covered fruit, such as frozen bananas or cherries, is another decadent yet healthy option available in many freezer aisles.

Fruit and Date-Based Snacks

Nature’s candy is always a great go-to when you need a sweet fix. Fruit-based snacks offer natural sweetness along with a dose of fiber and vitamins. For a convenient option, look for fruit bars, such as those from the brand That's It, which contain nothing more than fruit puree. Date-based energy balls and snack bars are another fantastic choice, often combining dates with nuts and other whole-food ingredients for a satisfying, nutrient-dense bite. Brands like Larabar use minimal, wholesome ingredients to create naturally sweetened bars that are filling and delicious.

Smartly Sweetened Cookies and Baked Goods

Cookies don't have to be a sugar-filled indulgence. Health-conscious brands are developing delicious cookie alternatives made with high-quality ingredients and lower sugar content. Look for options made with almond flour or coconut flour, which provide healthy fats and fiber while reducing refined carbohydrates. Some brands sweeten their cookies with dates, coconut sugar, or monk fruit. For example, Maxine's Heavenly uses coconut sugar and dates in their cookies, and Simple Mills offers thin, crispy cookies made with a seed and nut flour blend.

List of Healthy Cookie Brands to Explore:

Partake Chocolate Chip Cookies
Simple Mills Crunchy Cookies (e.g., Chocolate Brownie Sweet Thins)
Siete Grain Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies
Maxine's Heavenly Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Voortman Zero Sugar Fudge Brownie Chocolate Chip Cookies
HighKey Mini Cookies (Chocolate Chip)

High-Fiber and Protein Bars

For a more substantial sweet treat that keeps you full longer, protein and fiber bars are excellent choices. Many of these bars use whole-food ingredients to deliver a complete nutritional profile. Brands like RXBAR list their simple ingredients prominently on the packaging (egg whites, nuts, and dates), containing no added sugar. Kind Bars are another popular option, typically featuring nuts as the first ingredient and offering high fiber content with lower amounts of added sugar than many competitors. Vegan options like GoMacro and Aloha provide plant-based protein and use natural sweeteners.

Vegan and Low-Sugar Candies

When a craving for classic candy strikes, there are vegan and low-sugar alternatives. Many gummies are now made with plant-based pectin instead of animal-derived gelatin, making them suitable for vegans. Brands like SmartSweets offer a range of low-sugar gummies sweetened with stevia and other natural alternatives. While some people may be sensitive to sugar alcohols used in these products, they can be a great option in moderation. Many popular candies, like Skittles and Starburst, are also surprisingly vegan-friendly, but always double-check the ingredients for updates.

Comparison: Healthy Sweet Options at a Glance


Sweet Type	Primary Ingredients	Sweetener	Key Benefit
Dark Chocolate (70%+)	Cacao, cocoa butter	Low or no added sugar, sometimes stevia	Rich in antioxidants and minerals
Fruit & Nut Bars	Dates, nuts, dried fruit	Natural fruit sugars	High in fiber and satiating
Sugar-Free Gummies	Pectin, natural flavors	Stevia, monk fruit	Low/zero sugar impact; vegan-friendly
Almond Flour Cookies	Almond flour, nuts, seeds	Dates, coconut sugar, monk fruit	Low-carb alternative with healthy fats
Protein & Fiber Bars	Egg whites, nuts, dates, protein blends	Dates, nuts	High protein & fiber for fullness

How to Read Labels for Truly Healthy Sweets

To ensure your sweet purchase is genuinely healthy, reading the nutrition label is crucial. Start by checking the 'Added Sugars' line, aiming for products with a low amount or none at all. Be mindful that natural sugars from fruit or dates still contribute to the overall sugar count but are typically accompanied by beneficial fiber. Also, scrutinize the ingredient list; the fewer and more recognizable the ingredients, the better. Be aware of certain sugar alcohols, such as maltitol and sorbitol, as excessive consumption can lead to digestive discomfort. A truly healthy treat will prioritize whole-food ingredients and functional nutrients over empty calories.

Conclusion: Mindful Indulgence

Finding healthy sweets to buy is not only possible but can also be an enjoyable part of your wellness journey. By focusing on whole ingredients, natural sweeteners, and products that offer functional benefits like protein and fiber, you can satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Whether you choose a square of high-cacao dark chocolate, a fruit-and-nut bar, or a smart cookie alternative, mindful indulgence is about making informed choices that align with your health goals. With so many great options available, a sweet treat can easily become a nutritious and satisfying part of your day. For more information on vegan options, see PETA's Guide to Vegan Candy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dark chocolate with 70% or more cacao is a healthier option as it contains antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate. However, it should still be consumed in moderation due to its fat and calorie content.

You should check the 'Added Sugars' line and aim for products with low or no added sugars. It's also important to read the ingredients list and prioritize options with whole-food ingredients and minimal artificial additives or excessive sugar alcohols.

Many protein and energy bars, especially those from brands like RXBAR and Kind, use whole-food ingredients and are high in protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and healthy sweet snack that promotes fullness.

Many popular candies are 'accidentally' vegan, like Skittles, but others are intentionally made without animal products. Look for gummies made with plant-based pectin instead of gelatin, or dairy-free chocolate bars.

Opt for simple, minimally processed options like fruit-based bars that contain only fruit, or try frozen fruits dipped in high-cacao dark chocolate.

Some sugar-free products use sugar alcohols like maltitol or sorbitol. Excessive consumption of these sweeteners can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and gas, especially for sensitive individuals.

Yes, many brands offer healthier cookies using alternative flours and sweeteners. Look for options from brands like Simple Mills, Maxine's Heavenly, or Siete, which use ingredients like almond flour, coconut sugar, and dates.

Staying well-hydrated is key. Many people mistake thirst for hunger or sweet cravings. Before reaching for a sweet, try drinking a glass of water, fruit-flavored sparkling water, or tea.