In a season dominated by dairy-containing Reese's and Cadbury Eggs, vegan Easter candy isn't the easiest to find. As a vegan of four years, I've experienced the struggle of finding plant-based versions of beloved holiday-themed treats from my childhood. While there are plenty of non-seasonal, plant-based candies out there, sometimes you just want a vegan chocolate Santa or Easter bunny to make you feel like a kid again. Or maybe that's just me.
Even when I was a lactose-intolerant dairy-eater, I used to eat a crap-load of mainstream candies. I was the frickin' KitKat Kween (my AIM screen name was even kitkatkb494, add me). So after slowly going plant-based, I began phasing out 'typical' candies and seeking out dairy- and egg-free versions of the classics. I've found some mainstream treats to be accidentally vegan (hello Oreos, dark chocolates, and Skittles), and discovered even more high-quality, new-to-me sweets.
Overall, I've found a lot of vegan candy to have intense flavors and taste less 'junky' than classic candies. Many plant-based or allergen-friendly food companies tend to shy away from artificial colors and preservatives, making for treats that deliver high quality and flavor. And now, my taste buds actually prefer them (#gettingold).
So here's a roundup of vegan-friendly goods to fill your Easter basket with and put you in a hoppy, springy mood. Whether you're vegan, not into dairy, or shopping for someone with a dairy or egg allergy, these are all worth a try. With a little research and a careful eye, you can fill your basket with all the vegan Easter candy your inner-bunny desires.
1. Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans
It wouldn't be Easter without some Jelly Beans. Jolly Rancher makes gelatin-free beans for your vegan basket. Use them to make these creative jelly bean combinations.
2. Moo Free Easter Bunnycomb Egg
A scrumptious Bunnycomb egg makes the perfect centerpiece to any Easter basket. Crush it up and enjoy on this homemade vegan maple brown sugar ice cream.
3. Moo Free Organic Rosie Rabbit
Totes adorbs. Rumor has it you can find this brand at Aldi. Enjoy dipped in some homemade peanut butter.
4. Lake Champlain Dark Chocolate Carrot
Chocolate shaped as vegetables. Acceptable for Easter.
5. Skittles Egg
Skittles are vegan, and around Easter time you can scoop a bunch in an adorable egg for every vegan in your life. Use some to turn up with this Skittles vodka.
6. SweetTarts - Chicks, Ducks & Bunnies
Tangy, cute, and cruelty-free.
7. Trader Joe's Scandinavian Swimmers
Available year-round, these vegan TJs gummies put Swedish fish to shame, and the beautiful pastel colors are perfect for spring.
8. Lake Champlain Chocolate's Classic Dark Chocolate Easter Bunny
Lake Champlain Chocolate is some high-quality stuff. Just look at the bunny's expressive eyes. A classier Easter bunny may not exist.
9. No Whey Chocolate Cream Mini Veggs
These mini cream eggs aren't only super cute, but are also perfect for these adorable bird's nest treats (just be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips).
10. Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
These peanut butter cups are available all year, but make a great substitute for Reese's Eggs for the dairy-free chocolate peanut butter lover in your life.
11. Sour Patch Bunnies
Bunny-shaped sweet 'n' sour chewy goodness. Perfect for when you're feeling sweet and sassy, too.
12. No Whey Choco Cream Veggs
Like the classic Cadbury Creme egg, but with none of the dairy.
13. Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks
Annie's logo is perfect for Easter, and these snack packs are excellent for sharing the Easter spirit.
14. No Whey Chocolate Milk Chocolate Bunny
Yup. A milk-free milk chocolate bunny exists, and we're here for it.
15. Annie's Organic Bunny Grahams Baked Graham Snacks
Available year-round, these bunny-shaped crunchy graham cracker snacks make a wonderful Easter treat.
16. No Whey Deep Chocolate Brownie
Brownies? Yes, please. Not only are these deep chocolately brownies egg-, gluten-, and dairy-free, but they're also delicious warmed up with some homemade vegan ice cream.
17. SweetTarts SoftBites Bunnies
Yummy gummy bunnies, gelatin-free.
18. Eating Evolved Coconut Butter Cups
Available in original coconut butter as well as salted caramel, mint cream, banana cream, and strawberry, these cups are perfect for those with dairy and nut allergies, and make a special addition to any Easter basket.
19. Sjaak's Organic Chocolate Bunny Filled with Almond Butter
This "melk" chocolate bunny is filled with scrumptious almond butter, making for a delightful bunny treat.
20. Lindt Dark Chocolate Bunny
This accidentally vegan treat is an easy-to-find addition to your vegan Easter candy spread. Just be sure to grab the dark (not milk) variety.
21. Divine Dark Chocolate Easter Egg
The name says it all. This luscious chocolatey egg is simply divine. They come in a fun mini-size, too.
22. Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans
Made without gelatin, artificial colors, or preservatives, these organic jelly beans are another allergen-friendly addition to the fruity side of your Easter basket.
23. Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
If you're feeling crafty, this recipe for chocolate peanut butter eggs can help you fill your Easter basket with homemade goodies.
No matter your dietary preferences, these vegan Easter candies are worth a try. Grab some at a store near you, and have a hoppy, plant-based Easter!