There is a wrong way to eat a Reese's- The Ethical Halloween Candy Guide

In June of this year, the Washington Post published an article entitled, "Cocoa's child laborers" with the headline reading, "Hershey, Nestle, and Mars won't promise their chocolate is free of child labor." If you have not read the article, I would highly encourage you to give it a read. The (heartbreaking) reality that the chocolate industry is riddled with child labor, and has been for decades, is a shocking revelation to most people with whom I speak. For those of us in the Fair Trade community, this news is no longer surprising, but it never fails to be heart-wrenching.

It is now October, and we are creeping closer to one of the biggest candy seasons of the calendar year- Halloween. And as you walk the seasonal aisle of the grocery store, you might be wondering- is there ANY ethical Halloween candy for you to buy? 

And the answer is- YES!!! 

There are fantastic, DELICIOUS, ethical chocolate and candy brands out there (I made a sacrifice and taste-tested many of them for you ;p). And with that, below is my comprehensive guide to purchasing ethical candy for the Halloween season. This guide is perfect whether you are trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, giving candy to a classroom, giving candy to teachers, or however else you may gift candy for the Halloween season (or if you are just feeling hungry).

The Ethical Halloween Candy Guide

Below, I have split up my guide into 3 sections- ethical chocolate candy, ethical candy best for food sensitivities, and ethical non-candy food alternatives.

Ethical Chocolate Candy

Below is a list of ethical chocolate candy brands, and their websites.

• Little Secrets Chocolate- www.sharelittlesecrets.com (YUM!)
• Theo Chocolate- www.theochocolate.com
• Unreal Chocolate- www.getunreal.com
• Zazubean Chocolate- www.zazubean.com
• Divine Chocolate- www.divinechocolate.com
• Tony's Chocolonely- www.tonyschocolonely.com
• Endangered Species Chocolate- www.chocolatebar.com
• TCHO Chocolate- www.tcho.com
• Lake Champlain Chocolates- www.lakechamplainchocolates.com
• Alter Eco Chocolate- www.alterecofoods.com
• Equal Exchange- www.equalexchange.coop
• Trader Joe's Chocolate- www.traderjoes.com
• Lily's Chocolate- www.lilys.com
• Chuao Chocolatier- www.chuaochocolatier.com
• Simple Truth Organic Chocolate- www.kroger.com (this is Kroger's private label chocolate)
• Wild Ophelia Chocolate- www.wildophelia.com (the Caramelized Banana Peanut Butter Cups are my FAVES)

Ethical Candy good for Food Sensitivities*

*All allergen information listed below is taken directly from the brand's website. 

Below is a list of ethical candy brands that are good for different food sensitivities, and their websites. These brands are generally good for these allergies and sensitivities, but please check the packaging on each individual package for allergen info specific to that item.

• Vegan
• Unreal Chocolate- www.getunreal.com
• Zazubean Chocolate- www.zazubean.com
• Lake Champlain Chocolates- www.lakechamplainchocolates.com
• Gluten Free
• Unreal Chocolate- www.getunreal.com
• Peanut and Tree Nut Free
• Wholesome Sweet- www.wholesomesweet.com (does not apply to all items on their site)
• No Sugar Added
• Lily's Chocolate- www.lilys.com
• No Artificial Ingredients or Flavors
• Little Secrets- www.sharelittlesecrets.com
• Wholesome Sweet- www.wholesomesweet.com
• Divine Chocolate- www.divinechocolate.com
• No Corn Syrup
• Little Secrets- www.sharelittlesecrets.com

Ethical Non-Candy Food

Below is a list of ethical food brands that are not candy, and their websites. This option is a good one for people who want to provide a healthier option for their children in lieu of candy.

•  Brite Snack- www.britesnack.com (the Kai Trail Mix contains Fair Trade Chocolate)
• Quinn Snacks- www.quinnsnacks.com
• This Bar Saves Lives- www.thissaveslives.com
• Living Raw Treats- www.livingrawtreats.com
• Equal Exchange- www.equalexchange.coop
• Bear Naked- www.bearnaked.com

I hope this guide makes your Halloween treat shopping a little easier! What is your favorite ethical candy/treat?