I’ve often found myself wandering the mall with friends or family, and inevitably, someone ends up with those free treats from See's Candy. You know the ones—tempting, yet usually off-limits because of all the peanut-laden chocolates that pose a serious cross-contamination risk. It’s a bit of a bummer when you have to pass on the goodies everyone’s grabbing. But here’s some good news: there’s a selection of safe, prepackaged items that let you join in on the fun without worry.

Whenever I’m in that situation, I always remind myself to check the labels, because even within the “safe” range, it never hurts to double-check. The items I trust include a variety of candy bars, lollypops, and little pops that have been specially prepared to avoid those risky ingredients. For instance, you can find assorted candy bars, assorted lollypops and Little Pops®, assorted sugar sticks, and specific flavors like butterscotch, cafe latte, caramel apple, chocolate (in several delightful variations), and even seasonal picks like pumpkin spice and orange cream. There’s also a lineup of mint cream, dark and extra dark chocolate bars, as well as a range of sour treats like Sour Bunnies, Sour Hearts, and Sour Jelly Beans. They even offer sugar-free versions for a lighter indulgence.

Next time you’re at the mall, don’t feel left out. Instead of eyeing the standard chocolate selection, grab one of these safe picks and enjoy the treat without any guilt or worry. Remember, the key is always to check the labels to be sure. Enjoy your candy adventure—sometimes the forbidden can be the safest option!

Here's the safe list from the See's Candy website.

Disclaimer: My suggestions are meant to serve as a starting point for researching safe places to eat. Menus and ingredients may change, so it's crucial for every reader to do their own research. Many of these places (if not all) have treenuts, dairy, gluten and other major allergens. Always call ahead, talk to the manager, verify, and double-check to ensure a safe dining experience.