We all want our kids to be healthy! Walking down a candy aisle is like navigating a maze of artificial dyes many people are trying to avoid. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is committed to making parents’ lives easier. In June 2026, our Colchester, Vermont-based gourmet, nut free chocolate company relaunched one of the most popular items, Skippers®, with plant-based colors. Based on our own customer inquiries and requests over the last five years, removing artificial dyes is the #1 ask we hear. We listened. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is on track to be 100% artificial dye-free by the end of 2026.
- More than 70% of adults are concerned about synthetic dyes in food.
- 66% believe companies should be required to phase them out completely. (Source: Consumer Reports® American Experiences Survey, March 2026)
Company Decision, Not FDA Pressured One
The Food and Drug Administration asked food manufacturers to voluntarily phase out petroleum dyes by the end of 2026. Nestlé USA became the first major food manufacturer to eliminate all FD&C artificial colors from its U.S. portfolio, completing the switch in June 2026. That result is proof the shift to plant-based colors is achievable at scale. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates started planning for the transition to plant-based colors and taste testing options before the FDA made the request. An August 4, 2026 Fast Company article, “Natural food dyes are winning the snack wars”, outlines just what our customers have told us, they want to buy healthier alternatives.
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is growing. Our goal is to provide more access to better-for-you candy and snack options - that are always nut-free. Removing artificial colors from our products enables us to align further with what consumers want. A new report from the National Confectioners Association backs this up: naturally colored candy sales are up 19%.
Customer Reviews of Plant-based Skippers®
Today, Skippers® are available without artificial colors. We spent a few years creating the best option for people who love a sweet treat. Don’t trust us to tell you how good they are - the reviews speak for themselves! And we sure appreciate what you’ve shared.
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"It’s a great option for kids no die or harsh chemicals and they taste amazing better than the big name brand" -Ryan I.
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"We absolutely love these little candies. We have severe nut allergies and these are the closest (but better, IMO) to the iconic name brand version. We bought both milk and dark
and love them both. Love them even more now that they are dye free AND still have beautiful color to them!" -Ashley D.
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"Good flavor in the coating and the chocolate. Loving the natural dye coating color. It is a welcome addition to cookies and snack mixes." -Joanne H.
Today, when you order from Vermont Nut Free Chocolates, Skippers®, hand-rolled and dipped fruit creams, and our seasonal peppermint bark are all free of artificial colors. We're working through our last two products: sprinkles and jelly beans to provide the high quality our customers expect and the plant-based colors you deserve.
Part of the work we’re doing right now is assuring our customers can find us in more locations. Our goal is to expand our partnerships with Whole Foods and stores across the country to reach more people craving a gourmet treat that’s healthier.