This Easter, it's time to ditch the drugstore. Sure, they're useful: everyone needs cold medicine. But your Easter candy shouldn't taste like Mucinex...and most of the sweet stuff from the candy aisle sadly does. So this year, cut the waxy plastic and upgrade your Easter basket with the stuff that actually tastes good. To help you out, here's a handy guide to Mouth-approved indie twists on classic Easter candies.
1. Candy to the Peeple
Vanilla Marshmallow Ducks made by Zoe's Chocolate in Waynesboro, PA
Photo via @zoeschocolate
For some, Easter is synonymous with a certain rubbery marshmallow chick covered in psychedelically colored sugar. But we don't want to eat candy that reminds us of insulation, which is why we tracked down handmade all-natural marshmallow duckies. These feathered friends, made by Zoe's Chocolate Co. in Waynesboro, PA, may say "quack" instead of "peep," but they're also real marshmallow (unlike those other birds), complete with flavors of rich honey and real vanilla. The crackly sugar coating doesn't hurt matters either.
2. Her? She's Kissed Those Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies made by Thumbs Cookies in Minneapolis, MN
Photo via @thumbscookies
What's better than a cookie sealed with a kiss? How about a bunch of cookies, all the size of a quarter! These tiny treats, made by Thumbs Cookies in Minneapolis, MN, have as much flavor as the biggest, best chocolate chip cookies out there, but packed into the cutest little bite. Plus, they're as buttery as their full-sized cousins but oh so much more adorable.
3. Candies that Pop Rock Our World
Oregon Cherry Sparkling Candy made by Quin Candy in Portland, OR
Photo via @quincandy
These sucking candies are pale pink with flavors of fresh, sweet Oregon cherries and a hint of effervescence...you know, the kind of candy that crackles and pops in your mouth. Not sour at all, these suckers from Quin Candy in Portland, OR, are perfectly sparkly – ideal for those that want a little fizz without all the crazy lip-puckering stuff.
4. Re-seize Peanut Butter Bunnies from the Kids
Peanut Butter Praline Bunnies made by Zoe's Chocolate Co. in Waynesboro, PA
Photo via @zoeschocolate
Hop hop hop to it, 'cause these chocolate peanut butter praline bunnies are gonna go quick. Made of creamy milk chocolate with white chocolate eyes, ears and fluffy bunny tails, they’re filled with rich, brown sugary, super peanut buttery praline that’s at once lusciously smooth and crispy with nutty bits. Another brilliant Easter basket upgrade from Zoë's Chocolate Co.
5. The Beans that Make our Bellies Jealous
Magic Beans made by Mouth in Brooklyn, NY
Is there any Easter candy more iconic than chewy fruity jelly beans? Well we've gone and upgraded classic: now, they're organic and all-natural, and every serving of these brightly colored beauties contains 100% of your daily vitamin C, so it's actually good for you! (That's what we keep telling ourselves, at least.) The only question is which flavor you like best.
6. And Her? She's Bunny-Obsessed
Milk Chocolate Bunny Pop made by Zoe's Chocolate Co. in Waynesboro, PA
Photo via @zoeschocolate
These solid milk chocolate bunny pops are made of super creamy, slightly nutty milk chocolate and accented by the pure milk flavor of white chocolate on the bunny's ears, eyes and nose. Tied with a pretty pink ribbon, they're perfect for popping into an Easter basket, or handing out to eagle-eyed (bunny-eyed?) egg hunt winners.
7. A Jolly Branching Out, Candy-Wise
Citrus Hard Candies made by Raley's Confectionary in Tallahassee, FL
Photo via @raleysconfectionary
These sweet-and-sour citrus candies, made by Raley's Confectionary in Tallahassee, FL, are our favorite way to get our daily recommended dose of fruit. With flavors like lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, we can’t help but pucker up!
So this Easter, whether you go for chocolate or pure sugar rush, fill your basket with the good stuff. Even better, give the good stuff – candy made with real ingredients by real artisans across the USA. No one will mistake these goodies for cough drops, that's for sure.