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Sweets
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping

Better-for-You Sweets That Totally Satisfy Every Craving

Cookies, chocolates, and indulgent treats take the spotlight in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards—proving that you can satisfy a sweet tooth without going overboard on sugar.

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When a sweet craving strikes, the right treat can be exactly what you need, especially when it balances indulgence with thoughtful ingredients. The winners of Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards in the sweet category are designed to satisfy in such moments, whether you reach for a square of rich dark chocolate or a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie.

Our testers explored a wide range of options to find the standout picks that would deliver on both flavor and innovation. These sweets don’t just taste great—they’re crafted to elevate everyday indulgence and will easily become new go-to favorites whenever your sweet tooth calls.

EXPLORE ALL OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING’S 2026 SNACK AWARD WINNERS

On a base of luxurious milk chocolate, Defi layers sprouted buckwheat for fiber and antioxidants along with casein protein, whey crisps, dry roasted peanuts, and a touch of pink Himalayan sea salt for a balanced, functional bite.

TEST RESULTS: Food influencer Kevin Curry couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm, saying, “I loved these little snacks—they were great to satisfy a sweet tooth!” Testers also praised the flavor, noting that there was no protein aftertaste, with many saying this was reminiscent of a mini candy bar.

Enjoy this better-for-you vegan cookie dough from Doich straight out of the jar or baked into a delectable gluten-free treat.

TEST RESULTS: The cookies baked up evenly every time, with testers praising their soft texture and homemade taste. Judges appreciated that the dough came in a perfectly portioned container. It was just as enjoyable eaten raw, and gluten-free testers especially appreciated the thoughtfully chosen ingredient list.

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Made with real coconut and crunchy almonds wrapped in a thin dark chocolate shell, these SkinnyDipped bites offer a delightful treat and a simple list of ingredients with only 3 g of sugar per serving.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s nutrition director praised the low sugar content, especially as it’s achieved without sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. Testers noted that these were reminiscent of a classic coconut-and-almond candy bar, with real coconut and almond flavor coming through in every bite.

Mightylicious has given the classic oatmeal cookie a gluten-free upgrade with a hint of coconut for a perfectly chewy bite. The cookies are handcrafted in small batches, delivering homemade taste and a hearty feel that sets them apart from others on the shelf.

TEST RESULTS: Taste testers adored the rich oatmeal flavor and the soft, bakery-style texture, with several noting they never would have guessed the cookies were gluten-free. Judge and influencer Kevin Curry of Fit Men Cook was especially impressed, saying, “These are likely the best packaged oatmeal cookies I’ve had.”

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Topped with almonds, cashews, cranberries, and puffed quinoa, this 80% cacao bark from Thrive Market delivers rich chocolate flavor with a crisp, light crunch. The combination of dark chocolate, nuts, and fruit creates a satisfying sweet-and-salty snack that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

TEST RESULTS: Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman called it the perfect bite to satisfy a chocolate craving and highlighted the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing. “Plus, it’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet,” she added.

6
Best Peanut Butter Chocolates

Unreal Snacks PB Drops

<strong>PB Drops</strong>
6
Best Peanut Butter Chocolates

Unreal Snacks PB Drops

Unreal’s latest addition to its better-for-you candy lineup, these peanut butter drops skip artificial dyes and ingredients while still coming through as a crave-worthy sweet treat.

TEST RESULTS: The candy was a hit with taste testers, and even registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman approved of it, noting, “It really tastes like it’s made with real ingredients—you can tell the difference compared to similar options.” She also highlighted its natural coloring from turmeric, beet, radish, and spirulina along with its enjoyable sweet flavor.

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A better-for-you take on a classic candy bar, this crisp, rich peanut butter toffee bar from Krack’d Snacks is coated in smooth organic dark chocolate, offering an indulgent bite with less than 1 g of sugar.

TEST RESULTS: Food influencer Kevin Curry said, “They were so darned tasty, and the toffee crunch was unexpected but paired very well with the peanut butter.” Testers agreed, noting that the chocolate and the peanut butter complemented each other well, with neither flavor overpowering the other.

These delightful croissants from Wildgrain are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and deliver a fresh-from-the-bakery experience. Each is flaky and crisp on the outside, with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center, and they bake directly from frozen for effortless preparation.

TEST RESULTS: “These taste like a trip to Paris,” said food influencer Lindsay Ostrom, praising the ultralight, flaky exteriors and the buttery, rich interiors and calling them a perfect last-minute brunch option. Testers appreciated that they didn’t have to wait for these to thaw before baking as with other brands on the market.

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Premium dark chocolate is topped with an assortment of freeze-dried berries in this colorful treat from Wildwood that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the bright, fruity crunch of the berries for a snack that feels elevated.

TEST RESULTS: Taste testers unanimously praised the natural sweetness and crisp texture of the berries, noting that the balance of tart fruit and dark chocolate kept each bite interesting. One tester called it a standout hostess gift, a sophisticated alternative to wine.

A simple way to get through the afternoon slump, these milk chocolate caramel bites from Awake combine smooth, rich flavor with a gentle caffeine boost. Each bite delivers about the caffeine of half a cup of coffee—enough to reenergize you without overdoing it.

TEST RESULTS: Testers loved the taste, calling it satisfying and candy bar–like with a “perfect pick-me-up” effect. They also appreciated the individual packaging. One tester even enjoyed an unexpected way of using it, saying one of these “melted great in a cup of coffee.”

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A gluten-free take on a classic, these organic honey graham crackers from Once Again are made in small batches with a thoughtfully balanced blend of organic sorghum, oat, and cassava flours and a touch of real clover honey.

TEST RESULTS: Cookbook author Yumna Jawad raved about their classic profile, noting that they were not too sweet and held together well without being crumbly. Testers agreed, praising the flavor and saying that unlike many gluten-free products, these did not fall short on taste.

Sweetened with dates and made from single-origin Ugandan cocoa, this chocolate bar from Beyond Good is smooth and creamy, with a gentle crunch from sesame seeds.

TEST RESULTS: Despite its high cocoa content, the bar impressed testers with its exceptionally smooth, non-bitter flavor thanks to the brand’s unique roasting and conching process. Judges praised the balanced sweetness and the subtle sesame crunch, which added texture without overpowering the chocolate.

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You won’t miss the dairy in this vegan chocolate bar from Magic, which is studded with candied hazelnut morsels and delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture.

TEST RESULTS: Testers enjoyed the contrast of crunchy candied bits and smooth chocolate, calling it elevated and not too sweet. Chef Alejandra Ramos especially loved the individually wrapped mini bars, noting that their crunch was reminiscent of Ferrero Rocher candy.

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