With Easter just around the corner, many of us are preparing to fill those colorful plastic eggs with sweet treats for our loved ones. For kids who need to follow a gluten-free diet, any holiday involving food or candy can get stressful. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free and dairy-free candies that are perfect for Easter egg hunts and baskets.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Diets
Understanding gluten-free and dairy-free diets is critical to choosing safe Easter treats for those with specific dietary needs.
A gluten-free diet excludes gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. This diet is necessary for celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or other health conditions.
A dairy-free diet eliminates all dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. This is crucial for people with lactose intolerance or an allergy to dairy proteins. Both diets require careful selection of food to avoid adverse health effects.
Top Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Candies for Your Easter Eggs
Finding candies that fit both gluten-free and dairy-free diets can be daunting, but the market has expanded significantly to include many delicious options.
- Swedish Fish
- Sour Patch Kids
- Starburst
- Skittles
- Smarties
- Dum Dum Suckers
- Jolly Ranchers
- Laffy Taffy
- Fun Dip
The Importance of Reading Labels for Hidden Ingredients
When selecting gluten-free and dairy-free Easter treats, one of the most crucial steps is reading labels meticulously. Gluten can hide under names like “malt” (derived from barley) or “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” which can sometimes come from wheat.
Dairy, on the other hand, can sneak in as “casein,” “whey,” or even “lactose” in products you might not expect.
Additionally, cross-contamination is another aspect to watch for; even if the candy itself doesn’t contain gluten or dairy, it may have been processed on equipment that handles these allergens, posing a risk for individuals with severe sensitivities or allergies. Be sure to check for this on the label before deciding on a candy.
Related Post: Why You Should Purchase Pre-Stuffed Eggs From N.E.T. Egg
Plastic Eggs From N.E.T. Egg
At N.E.T. Egg, we sell bulk empty plastic eggs or pre-stuffed Easter eggs. Contact N.E.T. Egg online or call toll-free 1-800-458-4116 for more information. We offer free shipping on all orders in the continental U.S.