My Favorite Healthy Lollipops for Toddlers
As a parent, you want the best for your child's health, and that includes the sweet treats they enjoy. But oh my goodness, trying to figure out which lollipops are actually okay for them can be a total headache.
Most of the ones you find at the store are packed with sugar and those bright, artificial dyes that make you wonder, what even is that color supposed to be? I've been there, staring at the options, reading labels, and feeling totally stuck. My pediatric nutritionist always told me to look for healthier alternatives with less sugar, and that’s what led me on a journey to find the best options out there.
Related: 11 Best Clean Snacks for Kids, Thrive Market Review, and Thrive Market vs. Costco
Why We Switched from Traditional Hard Candy
It’s so tempting to just toss a bag of Dum Dums or some other classic candies into the cart. They’re everywhere! And the kids always spot them. But have you ever actually read the ingredients list? Yikes. Most are loaded with corn syrup, artificial flavors, and those neon food dyes that make you wonder if they glow in the dark. Not to mention, the sugar content can be alarmingly high, and we all know that too much sugar can have a negative impact. So I made it my mission to find a sweet treat they’d still get excited about… just without all the extra junk.
Our Go-To Lollipops
Yumearth Lollipops
Organic Lollipops
Okay, let’s talk about our absolute favorite healthy treats, Yumearth lollipops. They are a game-changer for parents who are trying to avoid artificial sweeteners and artificial colors. What I love most about them is that they're made with organic ingredients and fruit juice concentrates, and they're free of the common allergens that can be a concern for many families with food allergies.
The variety of flavors is fantastic, and my kids absolutely go crazy for them. We especially love the green apple flavor! They’re also super affordable, and we usually stock up from Thrive Market. Oh, and I’ve got a little bonus for you—a $40 discount code for Thrive Market! It’s such a great way to save money while stocking up on healthy goodies.
Lolleez
Organic Pops
When my little ones have scratchy throats or sore throats, I turn to Lolleez. These organic throat-soothing pops make it easy to give them something comforting that also feels like a treat. They come in fun flavors like Watermelon, Strawberry, and Orange Mango, and they’re made with a blend of essential oils and fruit juice concentrates. I love that they’re gentle, effective, and free from artificial colors and flavors, so I can feel good about handing one over when my kids aren’t feeling their best.
Beekeeper’s Naturals
Throat-Soothing Lollipops
Beekeeper’s Naturals is another brand I love for more than just their taste. Their lollipops are made with wildflower honey and vitamin C, giving them a natural boost for the immune system. They’re the kind of treat that feels indulgent for kids but also offers functional benefits, which is a win-win for parents. Whether it’s the middle of cold and flu season or I just want to add a little extra support to their day, these lollipops are a sweet way to do it.
Sparko Sweets
Healthy Lollipops
While Yumearth, Lolleez, and Beekeeper’s Naturals are our top picks, there are plenty of other healthy lollipop options out there worth trying. Lately, I’ve noticed brands like Sparko Sweets stepping up their game, using natural flavors and cutting back on the sugar, which is great for parents.
When I’m browsing for store-bought lollipops, I always flip the bag over and check the label. I look for organic cane sugar, natural ingredients I can actually pronounce, and maybe even a little extra nutritional boost.
Making Your Own Lollipops at Home
For special occasions, or just to have more control over the ingredients, you can also try making homemade lollipops. You can use lollipop molds and natural ingredients to create a delicious and healthy treat. With some lollipop molds and a few natural ingredients, you can whip up something sweet and healthy, completely customized to your family’s taste. Plus, the kids love being “official taste-testers.
Pro Tips for Parents
Finding the right lollipop is only half the battle—how you use them matters too. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way:
Keep a “treat stash” in the car—perfect for surprise meltdowns during errands or road trips.
Save sweets for after meals—this helps avoid sugar spikes (and crashes) and is gentler on little teeth.
Use them for special moments—instead of everyday snacks, make lollipops a reward for a job well done or a fun family outing.
Switch up flavors—rotate between fruity favorites so kids don’t get bored (and so you can sneak in a new flavor they might love).
Pair with water—a quick sip afterward helps rinse away any sticky residue on teeth.
Watch Out For: Ingredients to Avoid in Kids’ Candy
Even if a candy is labeled “natural” or “healthy,” it’s worth reading the fine print. Keep an eye out for:
High-fructose corn syrup—linked to excess sugar intake and often paired with other artificial ingredients.
Artificial dyes (like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1)—These add nothing but color and may cause reactions in some children.
Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin)—Some parents prefer to avoid these, especially for toddlers.
Too much citric acid—common in sour candies, but can wear down tooth enamel over time.
Long, unpronounceable ingredient lists— If it reads like a science experiment, it’s probably not the best everyday choice.
FAQs
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Yes—most “healthy” lollipops are made without artificial colors, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup, and they typically have less sugar. They may also use organic ingredients, fruit juice concentrates, or functional ingredients like vitamin C or honey. That means fewer questionable additives and a little more peace of mind.
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The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars for children under 2 years old entirely, and keeping it under 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) per day for kids 2 and older. So even with healthier lollipops, moderation is still key.
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Yes! Some brands use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar. Just make sure to read the label—some sugar-free candies use artificial sweeteners that you may prefer to avoid for young children.
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Some can! Brands like Lolleez and Beekeeper’s Naturals make lollipops with soothing ingredients like honey, vitamin C, and herbal blends that can help ease throat discomfort in a kid-friendly way.
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You can find them online (Thrive Market, Amazon, brand websites) or at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or even in the natural foods section of larger supermarkets.
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Absolutely! With lollipop molds, natural sweeteners, and fruit juice, you can create your own custom flavors and control exactly what goes in. It’s also a fun kitchen activity to do with the kids—plus, they’ll love being your taste-testers.
What to Look for Next Time You Shop
Next time you’re wandering down the candy aisle, try to resist the urge to just toss the first bright, shiny bag into your cart. Take a quick peek at the labels—look for words like organic cane sugar, vitamin D, and natural flavors. And if you see a long list of artificial colors, dyes, or sky-high sugar content… maybe slide that one back on the shelf.
Our kids’ health is worth those extra thirty seconds of label-checking. There are so many healthy, delicious treats out there now that you really can have the best of both worlds—something they’ll be excited to eat, and something you can feel great about giving them.
