Allergen Free Candy Corn?

Many readers of Food Allergy Buzz remember the candy corn saga from last fall. I tried to find truly peanut-free candy corn, from a completely peanut-free facility/factory and had no luck. I came close though--Blueberry Hill made candy corn in an enclosed peanut free section (could be considered a "facility") within a larger building or facility.

Some rumbles about candy corn are already beginning and Food Allergy Buzz is beginning to receive visitors in search of allergy free candy corn, allergen free candy corn, and peanut free candy corn. Blueberry Hill Foods has been bought out by another candy company, Sunrise Candies. I recently called Sunrise to find out if they are still producing "peanut free" candy corn. I learned that their candy corn is peanut-free and nut-free, made in a Mexican facility which does not use any peanuts or tree nuts. They make a lot of "private label" candy so there is a good chance your local supermarket's bags of candy corn may be from Sunrise. If you know of another brand of peanut/nut-free candy corn available for sale, please do send in a comment. The more options, the better--I am still looking too!

Another yet more elusive Halloween candy is egg-free, peanut-free, and nut-free candy corn. Does it exist anywhere? Does anyone know? That would be a great find! And what about gluten-free candy corn, without the risk of cross-contamination? Has anyone got a brand to recommend? 

Fingers crossed for some good tips!

BTW, I use the term "allergen free" loosely. Of course, nothing is truly allergen-free, but we each can hope to find things allergen-free of the things we need to avoid!

Isn't There Any Candy Corn Made in a Peanut-Free Facility?

**Special note 09/28/08: I have not published the emails from Blueberry Hill or Peanut Free Planet here due to their number and length.  They are available online now; the links are in a new post, The Rest of the Candy Corn Story**

Is there any candy corn made in a peanut-free, nut-free facility?   Internet searches turned up nothing helpful.  I actually telephoned the National Confectioners Association a few weeks ago with this very question.  Why? Trying to find a new halloween treat for my peanut allergic four-year old.   The National Confectioners Association told me they are not aware of any peanut-free, tree nut-free facilities making candy corn.  In fact, they informed me that much of the halloween candy sold in the U.S. is not even made in the U.S. anymore.  It is made in China and other distant locations, so there's no telling what the facilities are like.  They recommended I check with Gimbal's, a U.S.-based manufacturer best known for their jelly beans and fruit slices, which are free of the top 8 food allergens.  Unfortunately, Gimbal's does not manufacture candy corn.  

I remembered reading somewhere that Blueberry Hill Foods candy corn is made in a peanut-free facility, so I sent them an email in late August.  They responded on August 27 saying "Please know that we do use peanuts in our facility, however, they are contained in a separate area and the equipment used to make the candies is not shared."  What exactly is meant by separate area? Same room?  Same building?  I avoid scenarios such as that for other foods, so I've concluded that we'll skip candy corn again this year. Maybe Gimbal's or another peanut-free, nut-free candy manufacturer will begin candy corn production next year.  Until then, we'll stick with our nut-free chocolate made in the U.S.A. and supplement with Halloween stickers and other non-food items.

*UPDATE: I received an email from Peanut Free Planet on September 24, 2008 with additional information about Blueberry Hill candy corn and also more information from Blueberry Hill directly on September 25, 2008.  Read The Candy Corn Mystery to learn the details.

The Rest of the Peanut-Free Candy Corn Story

Do you remember Paul Harvey? I remember hearing him on WBZ 1030 in Boston years ago. He would close by saying "...and now you know the rest of the story." Given the strong reactions to the candy corn posts, I thought it would be best to make the email messages from Blueberry Hill Foods , Peanut Free Planet , and me available online so that you will know the rest of the "peanut-free candy corn story". I finally figured out I could publish them using Google Docs. These are the links for all the emails. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think. Thanks!

08/27/08 and 09/25/08 FAB/BH Foods Messages

08/27/08 & 09/25/08 More FAB/BH Foods Messages

09/24/08 & 09/25/08 (1st mess) Peanut Free Planet/FAB

09/24/08 & 09/25/08 (2nd mess) Peanut Free Planet/FAB
09/25/08 FAB Response to PFP

09/27/08 Message from Heather from Peanut Free Planet

Additional, new information is provided in the post linked below from Heather of Peanut Free Planet on peanutallergy.com.
10/04/08 http://www.peanutallergy.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showthreaded&Number=258938

I had to come back and add one more thought after first publishing this particular post! I am somewhat saddened that the discussion on candy corn has developed the way it has here and in the emails. As consumers (and many of us parents) dealing with food allergies, we want and need to be as well-informed as possible. I wrote my original post in the hope that someone would be able to recommend candy corn made by a completely peanut free facility. Blueberry Hill--in my humble opinion--seems to be the most peanut allergy friendly candy corn currently available, and that's good to know. In addition, please note that I did not seek out Peanut Free Planet--they contacted me. In fact, I did not solicit comments from any retailers; I only sought product information from candy manufacturers.

Those of you who have emailed me and commented have made many valid points, many of which I agree with wholeheartedly. And I thank all of you for sharing your views! But I would like to make one potentially impolitic point. As imperfect as they may appear, Peanut Free Planet remains one of the few allergy friendly online stores in the U.S. I really do want food allergy friendly companies to flourish--I think we all do. Hopefully, this will be the last post on this subject and we can move onto new items! Anyone have a good pumpkin pie recipe?

If you are reading this post and wondering what all this candy corn talk is about, here are the two posts which will give you the background: The Candy Corn Mystery

and Isn't There Any Candy Corn Made in a Peanut-Free Facility?

The Candy Corn Mystery

**Special note 09/28/08: I have not published the emails from Blueberry Hill or Peanut Free Planet here due to their number and length.  They are now available online; the links are in a newer post, The Rest of the Candy Corn Story. In my posts, I've summarized the information I received from the manufacturer (which also was supported by Peanut Free Planet, a retailer which sells the candy corn and was first mentioned in a comment to the first candy corn post).  In addition, I've made a few edits in the article below. **

The post below was orginally published on September 25, 2008

I received several helpful comments from readers in response to my recent post about the lack of peanut-free manufacturing facilities for candy corn in the U.S.  A special thank you goes out to Julie for going the extra mile and sharing what you learned.  (To read the original candy corn post and comments, click here.)  

Goelitz/Jelly Belly has information on their website that indicates their facilities are not peanut-free.  I contacted Zachary Confections and Brachs as well.  No one had a manufacturing facility free of peanuts. Blueberry Hill was unclear.  I had received an email from them indicating that their facility is not "peanut-free" but there is some separation of peanut-containing foods and non-peanut containing foods. Additional emails from Peanut Free Planet and Blueberry Hill state that that there are peanuts or peanut containing foods on the premises, albeit in separate and contained areas.  *NOTE: On 09/27/08, I added the words "and contained" and pluralized "area".  I also removed a statement with my opinion about whether or not the manufacturing facility is "peanut-free".  In addition I've changed the word "confirm" to "state".* 

Peanut Free Planet and Blueberry Hill, however, both emphasized the cross-contamination protocols in place which include a separate contained area of the building for peanut-containing products as well as testing of the area surrounding the "allergen room". The testing is done by a third party and Blueberry Hill's Quality Manager states that no traces of peanut have been found in any of those tests.  The other manufacturers did not address the issue of cross-contamination protocol.  Their responses simply were that peanuts are present.

Thank you to both Blueberry Hill and Peanut Free Planet for clarifying the candy corn mystery. Peanut Free Planet sent a very detailed email explaining what they knew of Blueberry Hill's manufacturing facility and also their own efforts to gather information about cross-contamination. This is helpful information for us to have in our shopping decisions for our allergic friends and family.  Many of us need and want to know if peanuts are used in a manufacturing facility and if so, what kind of cross-contamination protocol is in place.  Individual comfort levels with cross-contamination protocols can vary widely so I hope this additional information about the candy corn available this year will help in your Halloween shopping decisions.

If anyone else has additional information to add, please feel free to comment or send me an e-mail at jennifer@foodallergybuzz.com.

Candy Corn Courtesy of A & J

Now the start of school brings questions from my six year old--when is Halloween? When will Joe  (of A & J Bakery) get candy corn for Halloween? Well...it's time. If you are in the market for peanut-free, nut-free, gluten-free candy corn, call A & J Bakery right away! They have allergy friendly candy corn again this year and it's going fast. We already made candy corn rice krispie treats and plan to make candy corn ice cream next. I doubt we can make them last till Halloween but we're enjoying gobbling them up.  (By the way, when you call A & J, don't forget to order some biscotti too!)

I wanted to include a picture of the yummy candy corn rice krispie treats we made, but...we ate them all so fast!

I must give a big public thank you to A & J for the candy corn. We love A & J Bakery!  Visit their website at www.aandjbakery.net or phone (866) 426.9075.

Food Allergy Friendly Halloween Treats from A&J Bakery

Recently, we were the happy recipients of a package of food allergy friendly Halloween treats from A&J Bakery. A big thank you goes from my sons and I to A&J!!!There were spooky ghost purple sugar cookies and scrumptious big iced pumpkin sugar cookies--all free of the top 8 allergens!--, lots of candy corn free of peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat, and gluten (they do contain soy and egg), and delicious biscotti (their specialty item). I have learned over the years that treats from A&J don't last very long in our house. It is such a treat to get freshly baked food allergy safe sweets from a bakery!

 

The owner, Joe Hitzemann, has explained to me many times the efforts they go through to find quality, food allergy safe ingredients, so when they say it is nut-free or gluten-free, it really is--right down to the manufacturer of every single ingredient. Knowing this puts my mind at ease.

 

By the way, if you are having a hard time finding food allergy safe candy corn that is peanut-free, nut-free, dairy-free, wheat-free and gluten-free, consider calling A&J at (401) 228-8696 or visiting their website (http://www.aandjbakery.net) soon! It is difficult to find food allergy safe candy corn, and with clear allergen information!

 

Other candy corn is being sold at dollar stores in the US and Canada but based on a cursory Google search, I found it is apparently made by a company in Mexico with some history of lead contamination in their mint candies. I haven't been able to find information clarifying if that brand of candy corn is from the same factory as the contaminated mint candy. Jelly Belly makes candy corn which is peanut free, and does not contain tree nuts or dairy as ingredients, but I am finding unclear information about the possibility of cross-contamination with milk and nuts.

 

Beware of labeling tricks and enjoy some food allergy safe treats this Halloween!

Food Allergy Friendly Candy Corn--The Hunt is On!

Every year in October, thousands of people search for candy corn that is safe for their food allergies or their loved one's. Since I started writing Food Allergy Buzz, things have changed and now I can find peanut-free, tree nut-free candy corn. But what about egg-free, milk-free, or soy-free candy corn? Does it exist, and where? Here's the rundown, to the best of my knowledge. Please check and double-check ingredients on packages and call or write to the manufacturer to the get the scoop on cross-contamination risk.

Sunrise Confections: can be purchased in some dollar stores and online from Peanut Free Planet. It is peanut free and tree nut free.

Jelly Belly: can be purchased in stores or online. It is peanut-free and egg-free.

The site's FAQ section states "We make over 150 different candies and some of our products may contain ingredients that include commonly known allergens. Please carefully check the Ingredient Label on packages and bulk bins to determine the presence of any ingredient you wish to avoid."

A & J Bakery's Candy Corn: specially made for A & J Bakery. It is peanut-free, tree-nut free and gluten-free. May be purchased in-store or online.

Do you know of any other food allergy friendly candy corn? Let me know and I will add it to the list.

We Love that Candy Corn!

When my son first was diagnosed with his peanut and nut allergies, I could not find any candy corn that I felt was safe. We have clear instructions from the allergist--no food made in a facility where they use peanuts or tree nuts, and I do not stray from that. I found a lot of candy corn that was clearly unsafe and some that left me with questions. I think this makes 3 years that Joe and Amy of A&J Bakery in Cranston, Rhode Island have been offering peanut free, tree nut free and gluten-free candy corn. Recently, I also discovered they are baking peanut-free, tree nut free and gluten-free whoopie pies too! Yum! How cool is that?! I've been seeing whoopie pies with increasing frequency in the grocery store bakery section, but there is always a "may contains" warning. Every time I check in with A & J Bakery, however, they always have something new and safe for us to try. Any of you with food allergies or food allergic loved ones can appreciate how exciting it is to find a new, safe treat! 

So, as you begin to collect your food allergy friendly Halloween goodies, be sure to give A & J a call at (866) 426-9075 and snag some of that candy corn--and you have to get some biscotti too--before they sell out! (My personal favorite is white chocolate raspberry.)

You can tell, my two sons and I love A&J bakery--Amy and Joe are food allergy bakery pioneers!

Peanut-Free, Tree Nut-Free Candy Corn at A & J Bakery

If you've followed Food Allergy Buzz for any length of time, you've probably gathered that I'm a big fan of Rhode Island's A & J Bakery. To my now 6 year old peanut allergic son, it is one of the best places in the world because he can eat anything there, and it all looks and tastes so good. A & J is also a sponsor of Food Allergy Buzz.

I just heard great news from A & J: they now have peanut-free, tree nut-free candy corn from a U.S.-based peanut-free, tree nut-free candy manufacturer. My PA son is going to be thrilled to try it. He has not had candy corn due to his peanut allergy and my preference for U.S. made food products. Be sure to call soon if you want to receive it before Halloween. The telephone number is 866.426.9075.

Halloween with Food Allergies a la A & J Bakery

Instead of feeling anxious or worried about Halloween the way I did the first year or two after my now 10 year old son was diagnosed with peanut and nut allergies, I actually look forward to Halloween. It's a lot of fun, and I know he can safely enjoy it just like all the other kids. Every year, we enjoy peanut-free, nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free candy corn from Rhode Island's A&J Bakery. Last week, we were the happy recipients of a package containing A&J's candy corn, maple biscotti, birthday cake biscotti, white chocolate raspberry biscotti and two adorable large iced pumpkin sugar cookies. Anyone who has been following Food Allergy Buzz knows my sons and I love A&J Bakery. We're biased; I'll say it straight out. We've been enjoying baked goods and other sweets from A&J for many years now. I've known the owners for years now, and I have heard Joe explain the efforts he goes thru to source pure, un-contaminated (with peanuts, nuts, gluten...) ingredients. I know, when A&J says something is peanut-free, they mean the ingredients come from a pure peanut-free source AND their bakery is peanut-free. And tree nut-free and gluten-free too!

 

This year, the candy corn comes in attractive, handy reseal-able packages perfect for enjoying at home or gift-giving. We enjoyed trying new biscotti flavors. The maple is quite tasty and I like it with a cup of coffee. My sons got to work eating the birthday cake flavored biscotti right away. Still, my favorite biscotti flavor is the white chocolate raspberry! The three of us shared the delicious big iced pumpkin sugar cookies. The sweet icing and soft sugar cookie is--like all the goodies at A&J--peanut free, tree nut free, and gluten-free.

 

A&J is a family business, owned by Amy and Joe Hitzemann, both graduates of Johnson & Wales.

They are always busy at work coming up with new products. Joe got his start in Opryland and then worked as a bakery manager at Stop and Shop. Amy has been a teacher for years, and is getting her 2nd Master's, now in Counseling. These days, Joe is hard at work at A&J Bakery, from the wee hours in the morning. Amy continues her work as a teacher and then heads to work at the bakery later in the day to do cake decor. They're also parents too! I'm not sure how they do it all. I have a theory--either they don't sleep or they have cloned themselves. But seriously, they're two of the hardest working people I have ever met.

 

A&J is a great place to get your food allergy friendly Halloween goodies. (and don't forget their world-famous allergy friendly gingerbread house next month!) Visit their website, www.ajbakeryri.com, for more info and to check out your options.

Disclosure:My sons & I enjoyed a Halloween package courtesy of A&J Bakery for review/sharing on Food Allergy Buzz.

Food Allergy Consumer Alert: Halloween Candy

Each year, I find more and more food allergy safe options for my son. We've never missed trick-or-treating due to his food allergies, even though he does not eat any of the candy he gets while trick-or-treating. He is very happy to eat the safe candy I've got ready and waiting at home, and we have so much fun every year. As you consider your Halloween candy purchases (candy corn, marshmallow cremes, etc) and plans, I wanted to share some concerning information with you.

 

Over the last few years, I have noticed more and more food allergy families mentioning in online forums that they purchase food allergy safe candy at dollar stores. The labels say what we want to see: "This product is processed in a facility that does not use peanuts, tree nuts, milk or wheat." Like anyone, I love to get a bargain and I visit the dollar store myself from time to time. (not for toothpaste; not a big fan of antifreeze in my toothpaste.) I want to urge you to PLEASE do thorough research on the candy you buy. I recently discovered that Greenbriar International, which seems to be the Dollar Tree company, has had some problems with lead in their candy. From what I found in a cursory Google search, Greenbriar International (aka Dollar Tree) is related to Landmark Confections and Coastal Bay Confections, both candy brands sold at Dollar Tree stores. As recently as August 2014, some of their candy was found to be in violation of the California Health & Safety Code (Proposition  65). I found a "Sixty Day Notice of Intent to Sue for Violation of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986". In this notice, they discuss "Violations of Proposition 65 Concerning Candy Containing Lead". The notice states the violations have been occurring for more than three years!

 

There has been so much frightening news lately: Ebola, Enterovirus 68, people jumping the fence at the White House and getting in the White House! As the old saying goes, buyer beware! Check those labels, and then maybe check out the company that manufacturers the candy or food you buy. Those of us managing food allergies are pretty savvy consumers, so take a good long look when you are at the store and make sure you aren't getting more or less than you bargained for...

Food Allergy Consumer: Philly Swirl

My two sons and I enjoyed sampling Philly Swirl products and are very happy to share our experience with you! Philly Swirl was even kind enough to send their frozen treats direct to us, which was both impressive and exciting on a warm summer day. We found each Philly Swirl product to be as delicious and fun to eat as the next. The flavors are different than Popsicles or other freeze pops-- distinct fruity combinations and the CottonCandy flavor actually tastes like cotton candy! Some of the flavors include: Rainbow, CottonCandy, Sunburst, Hurricane, CherryMelon, and Blueberry Jam. Not only are Philly Swirls tasty but they are also dairy free, gluten free, peanut free, tree nut free (except for coconut), egg free, soy free, and fat free, and are manufactured in a peanut free facility. The facility is also tree nut free, except for coconut. 

In their email to me, Philly Swirl stated:

"PhillySwirl frozen novelties are free of the top 8 allergens and are made in a peanut and tree nut free facility.

• Fat Free
• Dairy Free
• Gluten Free
• Peanut/Tree Nut Free (with the exception of coconut)
• No high fructose corn syrup"

They also sent the following information:

"Our products are manufactured in a dedicated peanut-free facility on lines that also run dairy. Before manufacturing the PhillySwirl products without dairy, the lines are cleaned with our CIP system on a daily basis and sanitized before start up. We use a Neogen Reveal 3D Total milk test kit after each dairy run before we start a regular run. We run the dairy products at the end of a day, then clean up before a regular run. PhillySwirl is also egg-free and soy-free. "

 

In addition, if you are counting calories: a Swirl Popper is only 68 calories, a Philly Swirl cup with  Candy Spoon is 98 calories, and a Swirl Stix is  only 48 calories.

We think Philly Swirl is fantastic. They are free of the top 8 allergens, taste delicious and are a wonderful refreshing frozen treat!

FAB Review: Philly Swirl

Dedicated Facility: Yes. Package states: "Manufactured in a Peanut Free Facility"

Appearance: Eye catching purple box in freezer section with photos of product on package. Clear easy to find labeling states "GLUTEN FREE", "FAT FREE","DAIRY FREE", "PEANUT FREE" and Kosher Pareve. The package has a "Best by" date approximately 2 years from present.

Taste: Sweet, refreshing, and delicious! All of the flavors are excellent. My two sons and I each have a different favorite flavor; our favorite flavors are Rainbow, Orange Dream, and Cotton Candy. We tried Swirl Popperz (8 in a box), Original Philly Swirl Italian Ice Swirls with Candy Spoonz (6 in a box), and  Swirl Stix (6 in a box).

Texture: Just right! Easy and fun to bite or eat with a candy spoon, and they don't melt too quickly.

Convenience: Available at many supermarkets around the U.S. They are currently on sale at my local supermarkets in southeastern Massachusetts--2 boxes for $5.00. Top 8 allergen-free, 2 boxes for $5? Not bad at all!

Buy again? Absolutely! It's a no brainer for me--a dedicated peanut free/tree nut free (except coconut) facility, does not contain top 8 allergen ingredients, and a super taste!

Philly Swirl website: www.phillyswirl.com
Philly Swirl Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PhillySwirl

Food Allergy Friendly Halloween Round-Up

A & J Bakery:"Treat your palate to indescribable tastes and flavors from A & J Bakery, a new family-owned-and-operated Nut Free bakery with more than 25 years' combined experience. From Biscotti to a myriad of Cookie Trays, and custom birthday cakes, our goods are both affordable and creative—there's nothing in our selection that will displease your taste buds!"

Note: A&J is nut-free and gluten-free, and is one of the few places you can find nut-free and gluten-free candy corn. Better hurry tho!





Fancypants Bakery: "All Natural, Nut Free and Delicious! Fancypants Baking Co. proudly bakes delicious, hand-crafted cookies that are 100% natural and completely nut-free. Using only the finest ingredients, talented artisans design an array our gourmet cookies (a true labor of love) that taste as great as they look. For a truly special gift, we will ship a collection of our distinctive cookies in an elegant box anywhere in the country!"






So Lucky Gifts: "We are a business that provides all gourmet gluten free gifts beautifully giftwrapped! We have multiple items that are allergy friendly, gluten free and dairy free and are continually working to offer a more allergy friendly selection."

• So it's Halloween (gluten-free, dairy-free)
• So Festive Halloween
• So It's Time to Entertain Halloween Party

Sweet Alexis: "All Sweet Alexis products are PNF, NF, EF and DF! We do not use preservatives or fillers and all of our products are also Vegan. We ship nationally (cupcakes ship with frosting on the side - sprinkles not included). Both are fresh baked and sold sell by the dozen."

From Food Allergy Mom Doc, Halloween with Food Allergies: Feet, Eats and Non-edible Treats

From Stacy Molter, Food Allergies Friendly Muddy Buddies Recipe and

Halloween Chocolate Candy and Lollipops Recipe

How were these fine folks selected for this post, you wonder? They asked! You can be included too if you hurry and send me your info, if you are a food allergy friendly business with Halloween treats or a food allergy friend who has a recipe, post, craft, tips to share! Just email me at jenniferATfoodallergybuzzDOT com. 

Thanks to everyone who participated! Happy Halloween!

*PLEASE vote for Food Allergy Buzz today so we can stay in the Top 25! Click on the pink circle on the right and scroll down till you see us, and give us a thumbs-up!*

Mostly Allergen-Free Alternative to Candy Corn

The photo says it all.

From the Tootsie website:


"Do any of your products contain peanuts or nuts?

    At this time, all of our confections are completely peanut, tree nut and nut product free. We have no peanut or tree nut products in any of our facilities.

Which of your products is gluten free?

    At this time, all of our confections are gluten free. We do not use wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, spelt or any of their components and that includes our dusting on our conveyor belts. We do use corn and soy products in the manufacturing of our products."

Here is a link to the allergen and nutrition information for DOTS:

Food Allergy Friendly Business News

Here are a few food allergy friendly specials to keep in mind this September!

A & J Bakery - Nut and gluten free candy corn and many other goodies for sale on the A & J Bakery website

Onespot Allergy - 10% off Back to School sale ends on September 14.  Hurry! (I am a huge fan of Onespot's Best Epipen Belt.)

Vermont Nut Free - Many adorable nut free chocolates available for Halloween and Thanksgiving

Please take a moment to answer our polls on the left. Recent reaction in emails and comments to the posts about candy corn underscore that "peanut-free" means different things to different people.  We want to know what you think.  Thank you!

Must Get Gummies

Okay, maybe I am behind the times here. Have you tried Surf Sweets yet? I haven't seen them in any stores near me, but those Surf Sweets people have got my number on Twitter. All day long, I get little Surf Sweets messages that whisper sweet nothings to me about gummy bears and worms and...I am going to have try them now. (Do not doubt the power of Twitter!) I visited the Surf Sweets website and they sound good, fun and food allergy friendly. What more could I ask for?

If you haven't heard of them, listen to this:

• "Made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners
• natural colors and flavors...
• free of corn syrup and GMOs
• made in a nut free facility
• gluten free"

According to the FAQs, they are free of "wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish." I emailed to inquire about a few additional allergens. Their reply: "Although we don't have sunflower seeds, poppy seeds or sesame in our facility, our products and other products in the facility are made with organic sunflower oil." In terms of their food allergy friendliness, it sounds like Surf Sweets picks up where Gimbals left off. They have gummy worms, gummy bears, sour worms, jelly beans, fruit bears and gummy swirls.

For those of you who are more on top of candy than I am, what do you think? Do you like Surf Sweets? Do your kids like them? How are they priced?