Easter is a time of joy, celebration, and of course, chocolate! With many chocolate treats being milk chocolate, those with dairy allergies or intolerances may find their options limited. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious dairy free Easter chocolate options to enjoy.
Why is dairy free chocolate important at Easter?
For those with dairy allergies or intolerances like lactose intolerance, eating milk chocolate can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and stomach pain. For people with milk allergies, consuming milk products can be dangerous and cause life-threatening reactions. That’s why having dairy free Easter chocolate choices is so important.
Milk is a common allergen, especially among children. In fact, 2.5% of children under the age of 3 are allergic to milk. For these kids, having safe, dairy free chocolate to enjoy during the Easter holiday alongside friends and classmates is key.
Adults also deal with dairy issues. While milk allergy is more common in children, 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. Lactose intolerance can cause unpleasant symptoms if dairy is consumed.
Dairy free Easter chocolate ensures that everyone can partake in the classic holiday tradition of chocolate, regardless of dietary needs or restrictions.
What ingredients make chocolate dairy free?
When shopping for dairy free chocolate, it’s important to check the ingredient label. Avoid any products that contain:
- Milk
- Milk chocolate
- Milk powder
- Milk solids
- Butter
- Butterfat
- Cream
- Whey
- Casein
- Lactose
- Natural flavorings (which may contain dairy)
Instead, look for dairy free chocolates that use:
- Dark chocolate – cacao beans and cocoa butter
- Rice milk
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Oat milk
As long as the ingredients avoid all dairy products, including milk-derived ingredients like lactose, the chocolate can be enjoyed dairy free. Opting for vegan dark chocolate is always a safe bet too.
What brands make dairy free Easter chocolate?
The good news is that there are many brands offering dairy free Easter chocolate and candy:
Enjoy Life
Enjoy Life is a leader in allergy-friendly foods. They offer dairy free Easter chocolate in a variety of forms like bars, bags of chocolate chips, and chocolate covered treats. Their products are also free of the top common allergens.
Pascha
Pascha makes organic, dairy free chocolate. Their Easter collection features chocolate bunnies and eggs, free from milk and milk derivatives.
Survive Gummy Bears
Survive Gummy Bears offers gelatin-free, vegan gummy bears and other gummies that are dairy free. They have Easter themed dairy free gummy treats.
Nomo
Nomo creates milk free chocolate bars, buttons, and novelty chocolate. Their Easter range includes chocolate eggs and bunnies, all free from dairy, gluten and nuts.
Plamil
Plamil has been making vegan chocolate since 1965. Their dark chocolate Easter eggs and novelty chocolates are 100% dairy free.
Montezuma’s
Montezuma’s hand makes vegan chocolate with unique flavor combinations. Their egg shaped truffles and chocolate bunnies are dairy and gluten free.
Panda Licorice
Panda’s soft licorice candies are 100% gelatin free and dairy free. Their Easter candy collection features licorice chocolate eggs and jelly beans.
TruJoy Sweets
TruJoy Sweets specializes in allergy-friendly candy that is free of milk, eggs, nuts and more. Their treats like candy coated chocolate eggs are dairy free.
Amanda’s Own
Amanda’s Own offers handmade confections that are vegan and allergy friendly. Items like their chocolate covered marshmallow eggs are dairy and gluten free.
Choc Affair
Choc Affair’s chocolate bars, truffles, and assorted chocolates are handmade, organic, and dairy free. Their Easter range includes hollow chocolate bunnies and eggs.
There are fortunately many brands to choose from when looking for dairy free Easter chocolate and candy. Be sure to read the labels to ensure no milk-based ingredients are included.
What about dairy free white chocolate?
White chocolate is difficult to find dairy free as conventional white chocolate contains cocoa butter, milk solids, and milk fat. However, dairy free white chocolate options do exist:
Coconut Bliss
Coconut Bliss makes organic white chocolate and other chocolates using coconut milk and coconut butter instead of dairy. Their white chocolate is smooth, creamy, and completely dairy free.
Love Raw Love White Chocolate
Love Raw White Chocolate is vegan and contains no milk or milk derivatives. It uses a blend of cocoa butter, coconut, and agave nectar in place of dairy.
Plamil White Chocolate Style
Plamil uses a mix of cocoa butter, vegetable oils, and rice milk powder to create their popular dairy free white chocolate style product. It offers the melt-in-your-mouth quality of white chocolate without dairy.
Which dairy free chocolates are nut free for Easter?
For those with peanut or tree nut allergies, selecting chocolates that are both dairy and nut free is important. Here are some nut free, dairy free Easter chocolate options:
- Enjoy Life – Their chocolate and candy products are nut free
- No Whey – They offer chocolate chips, bars, and novelty items that are dairy free and nut free
- Survive Gummy Bears – Their gummies are free of dairy and nuts
- Amanda’s Own – Amanda’s confections are dairy, peanut, and tree nut free
- DeeBee’s Organics – Their candy and chocolate items are made in a peanut and tree nut free facility
Carefully reading the allergen information is key when selecting nut and dairy free Easter chocolate. Many brands now clearly label major allergens on packages.
What about organic or fair trade dairy free chocolate for Easter?
There are also options for those who want dairy free Easter chocolate that is also organic, fair trade, or both:
Alter Eco
Alter Eco Foods produces truffles, chocolate bars, and novelty chocolates that are certified Fair Trade, organic, and dairy free.
Theo Chocolate
Theo Chocolate makes all their products using organic and fair trade ingredients. Their Easter candy selection, like caramel filled chocolate bunnies, is dairy free.
Divine Chocolate
Divine Chocolate stands out for being the first Fair Trade chocolate brand. Their dark chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies are organic and dairy free.
What other dairy free Easter candy is available?
Beyond chocolate, other dairy free Easter candy options include:
- YumEarth gummy fruit snacks
- SmartSweets gummy bears and sour candies
- Surf Sweets gummy worms and jelly beans
- Annie’s Homegrown organic bunny fruit snacks
- Stretch Island fruit leather
- Colorful Coconut Flakes candy coated with nondairy colors and flavors
Marshmallow candies and peanut butter candies are also typically dairy free. Checking labels is still important though, as some companies may use milk derivatives or production processes that increase risk of cross-contamination with milk.
Tips for finding dairy free Easter chocolate
Here are some helpful tips for locating dairy free Easter chocolate and candy:
- Browse at natural food stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Earth Fare that carry allergy-friendly brands
- Check the health food or allergy-friendly section of grocery stores
- Search online sites that specialize in allergy-friendly foods like Enjoy Life, No Whey Chocolates, and Survive Gummy Bears
- Look for vegan chocolates that avoid milk and animal products entirely
- Scan ingredient lists carefully for any form of milk, milk solids, milk powder, etc.
- Contact manufacturers directly if unsure about ingredients or production processes
Are homemade dairy free chocolate options possible for Easter?
With some simple recipe substitutions, it’s possible to create homemade dairy free chocolate at home for Easter:
Dairy Free Chocolate Bars
Melt dairy free chocolate chips combined with coconut milk or nut milk instead of cream. Pour into molds to make into bars or allow to set in a pan for squares.
Dairy Free Fudge
Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream when making chocolate fudge. Butter can be replaced with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Dairy free condensed milk is available for fudge as well.
Dairy Free Chocolate Bunnies or Eggs
Use metal molds, plastic molds, or even balloon animals to create homemade chocolate shapes. Fill molds with melted dairy free chocolate chips or covert in chocolate with coconut oil and nondairy milk.
Dairy Free Chocolate Bark
Spread melted dairy free chocolate onto a pan and top with desired ingredients before cooling. Popular options are coconut flakes, nuts, dried fruit, or vegan sprinkles.
With dairy free chocolate and a little creativity, homemade allergy-friendly chocolate creations are possible for Easter.
Conclusion
Easter chocolate is a special tradition that everyone should be able to enjoy. Thankfully, there are many dairy free Easter chocolate and candy options to accommodate those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, and other dairy restrictions. From allergy-friendly brands like Enjoy Life and Survive Gummy Bears to vegan chocolates from Plamil and Montezuma’s, there are quality chocolate treats to fill Easter baskets and satiate chocolate cravings. Taking the time to read labels, search online, and contact manufacturers makes finding dairy free Easter chocolate an easy endeavor. With planning and care, the whole family can partake in the holiday’s classic chocolatey delights.