AL’s editors explore what’s on offer for those avoiding some of the top allergens for Easter and Passover. Most are peanut-free, nut-free and dairy-free. We indicate when they’re free of gluten or other top allergens, too.

Updated for 2013 with files from Erin Stevenson, Website Coordinator

Available in the United States and Canada

^[1]Amanda’s Own Confections – This year offers an impressive selection, includng the stately Garden Bunny Box ^[2] containing 17 individually-wrapped chocolate basket-holding bunnies. Also available are chocolate Passover and Easter lollipops. All products are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and nut- and peanut-free. Shop at www.amandasown.com ^[3] or www.peanutfreeplanet.com ^[4].
^[5]
Divvies – You may know them for their divine free-from cupcakes, but Divvies’ owners also produce gourmet candy and at this time of year, make that a high-caliber solid chocolate bunny ^[6] who’s peanut-, tree nut-, milk-, egg-, and gluten-free. All your bases covered! Also available for your basket: delicious jelly beans in springtime pastels. Available at Whole Foods locations in the U.S. and Canada. For more stores visit www.divvies.com ^[7].

^[8]Gimbal’s Fine Candies – Liven up an Easter basket with jelly beans in 41 lip-smacking flavors – free of gluten and the Top 8 food allergens. Available at grocers throughout the U.S. and in Canada at select Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and London Drugs stores. Also buy online at www.gimbalscandy.com ^[9] or www.peanutfreeplanet.com ^[4].

^[10]Premium Chocolatiers – Just the thing for a teen or adult gift: Premium’s dozen Egg Truffles ^[11], fashioned from exquisite fudge that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free and egg-free. (They do contain soy.) Plus, for the younger set, there’s the big bunny holding a decorated egg, free-from foil-wrapped chocolate eggs, and a box of ganache-filled white rabbits. The company also offers a wide assortment of boxed chocolates and truffles suitable for kosher pareve diets. Order at www.premiumchocolatiers.com ^[12].

Next: More great Easter/Passover treats

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Sweet Alexis – One of our favorite allergy-friendly cookie makers offers beautiful egg-shaped cookies ^[14] for Easter – frosted to look like pastel-colored Ukrainian eggs. The cookies are free of: dairy, eggs, tree nuts and peanuts. Order at www.sweetalexis.com ^[15].
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Vermont Nut Free Chocolates – This chocolatier is well-known for fabulous products from a facility that’s dedicated free-from nuts and peanuts. There is an impressive array of bunnies, truffles, filled eggs, Easter baskets and more, in a range of prices. Shipping is in U.S. and Canada. Visit www.vermontnutfree.com ^[17].

U.S. Only

^[18]Chocolate Emporium – Superb chocolates for your Passover Seder that are milk-free, gluten-free, certified kosher pareve, peanut-free, soy-free and corn-free. Easter bunnies also available if ordered by March 15 in the U.S. at www.choclat.com ^[19].
^[20]
Simply Nut Free Chocolates – Lovely handmade, Euro-style chocolate bunnies, eggs and lollipops that are peanut- and nut-free. U.S. residents order at www.simplynutfree.com ^[21].

Canada Only

^[22]Kinder Surprise – Give kids twice the delight with a Kinder Surprise Egg ^[23]. The certified peanut- and nut-free chocolate egg contains a small toy ready to assemble for an extra dash of fun & learning. No egg either, but contains dairy and soy lecithin.

^[24]Vadeboncoeur Chocolates – This Canadian company is famous for its whimsical take on holiday chocolate-making. From the slap-shooting, hockey-playing bunny (can you get any more Canuck?) to the chocolate Dora the Explorer, these peanut- and nut-free confections are bound to delight. Widely available in Canadian stores and pharmacies. See more details at  www.chocolatvadeboncoeur.com ^[25].