7 Best Substitutes for Chocolate Candy This Valentine’s Day

Love is definitely in the air, isn’t it? It’s easy to tell Valentine’s Day is approaching from the heart-studded cards, roses, and teddy bears popping up everywhere — not to mention the boxed chocolates. 

Yet even though chocolate candy is a staple this time of year, this sweet treat can also be high in calories, fat, and added sugar. So what can you substitute for chocolates on Valentine’s Day?

Luckily, there are plenty of other options to help you celebrate, all of which are every bit as delicious. Below, we take a closer look at seven irresistible options — and easy ways to prepare them yourself.

1. Fruit Pie

Not only can fruit pie be a simple way to squeeze in a few extra servings of fruit, but it also doubles as a delectable, chocolate-free dessert. 

Apple pie is one example of a tasty treat that might even offer some health benefits. “Apples are low glycemic, meaning they do not shoot up your blood sugar, are rich in fiber, and are naturally sweet,” explains Shinta Galej, RDN.

If apples aren’t your thing, there are lots of other nutritious, fruity options out there, like our Perfect Peach Galette or this Gluten-Free Fruit Tart, which features dates, walnuts, and fresh berries.

2. Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt parfait is a simple snack that can help you stay on track toward your health goals. Beyond the research that shows it brings a hearty dose of protein and probiotics, yogurt has also been linked to several health benefits, including improved heart, bone, and gut health, according to research published in April 2021 in Nutrition Reviews. 

The perfect parfait should start with plain, unsweetened Greek or plant-based yogurt, followed by your favorite toppings, says health and wellness coach Sophie Lauver, RD. Her go-tos include “antioxidant-rich berries, agave syrup or maple syrup for sweetness, and granola and chia seeds (rich in omega-3s) for crunch.”

3. Dark Chocolate

If you’re not quite ready to give up chocolate candies, consider adding a bit of dark chocolate to a favorite recipe. According to the USDA, dark chocolate contains less than half the amount of sugar of milk chocolate, plus three times as much fiber and significantly more iron, magnesium, and copper. 

Look for a variety with at least 70 to 85 percent cocoa and add it to our Avocado Chocolate Truffles, or simply enjoy it as is.

4. Protein Bites

Protein bites are a great snack to keep on hand. Not only do they dial up your protein intake, but you can also customize them with healthy ingredients you may already have, like oats, seeds, and nut butter. 

As for the health benefits, one study published in Nutrition Reviews in October 2019 shows that making nuts a regular in your rotation could protect against heart disease. Research published in June 2021 in Advances in Nutrition shows that nuts can help keep your brain healthy, and a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in May 2021 says it can slow signs of aging.

Looking for a tasty recipe to help get you going? Whip up our no-bake Cookie Dough Protein Bites in just 30 minutes — they contain a variety of nutritious ingredients like cashew butter, protein powder, and dark chocolate chips.

5. “Nice Cream”

“Nice cream” gives traditional ice cream an instant upgrade by using frozen plantains or bananas as its base. “This dessert provides all the cold, creamy sweetness of ice cream with zero fat,” says Lauver. Bonus: It’s also lower in calories, contains less added sugar, and can be easily tailored to your taste buds. 

Check out this recipe for Mango Nice Cream, which pairs frozen mangos and plantains with vanilla, lime juice, and a splash of maple syrup. Or get creative by throwing in your favorite mix-ins, like cocoa powder, strawberries, or peanut butter.

6. Dates

For an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, dates are worth a try. “Dates are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals but still provide sweetness and chewiness like [your] favorite candy bars,” says Lauver. Not only that, but research published in Nutrients in January 2020 showed that dates are jam-packed with antioxidants and may even help keep blood sugar levels steady. 

Lauver recommends pairing dates with a dollop of peanut butter to ramp up the flavor and potential health perks. Or try whipping up a batch of our Almond Joy Date Rolls to munch on throughout the week.

7. Cacao Nibs

"Cacao nibs are a healthy treat made from cacao beans with that bitter, ‘chocolatey’ flavor,” says Galej. Not only are they lower in sugar than the chocolates often found on supermarket shelves, but according to a review published in Nutrients in September 2021, cacao nibs are also loaded with polyphenols, which are compounds that boast benefits for both heart and brain health. 

Because they can be a bit bitter, cacao nibs are often paired with other sweets (like granola, ice cream, or yogurt) to help balance the flavor. Alternatively, you can swap regular chocolate chips for cacao nibs in a wide range of recipes, like these Keto Pistachio Butter Bites.

 

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

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• Chocolate, Dark, 70-85% Cacao Solids. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
• Candies, Milk Chocolate. U.S. Department of Agriculture. April 1, 2019.
• Becerra-Tomás N, Paz-Graniel I, Kendall CWC, et al. Nut Consumption and Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Nutrition Reviews. October 2019.
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