Complete Guides

All of our in-depth topic guides, in one place — dark chocolate and health, vegan chocolate, sustainable sourcing, and more.

In-depth guides that pull together our best coverage on each topic, in one place.

Steve Ysreal Monas
Steve Ysreal Monas
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher

Candies and Sweets is published by Steve Ysreal Monas. He is an author of books spanning business, culture, and heritage — including Flavors of the Motherland, which explores how food carries culture and memory — and is based in Kapa'a, Hawaii.

More from Steve →

Dark Chocolate and Health: The Complete, Cited Guide

What research actually shows about dark chocolate and heart health, blood pressure, cognition, mood, and more — with citations to Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, Cleveland Clinic, and peer-reviewed studies.

Adaptogenic and Functional Candy: The Complete Guide

A guide to adaptogen-, CBD-, and wellness-ingredient candy — ashwagandha, ginseng, probiotics, and more — and what to look for.

Vegan and Plant-Based Chocolate & Candy: The Complete Guide

Everything on dairy-free chocolate, gelatin-free gummies, and plant-based candy — brands, substitutes, and what actually makes candy vegan.

Sustainable & Ethical Candy: Packaging, Sourcing, and Certifications

Fair trade cacao, compostable wrappers, zero-waste candy shopping, and what sustainability certifications on chocolate actually mean.

Single-Origin & Bean-to-Bar Chocolate: The Complete Guide

What single-origin and bean-to-bar chocolate actually means, how artisanal chocolate is made, and what makes it different from mass-produced bars.

Gluten-Free Cookies: Recipes, Substitutions, and Buying Guide

Baking and buying guide for gluten-free cookies — ingredient substitutions, best store-bought brands, and troubleshooting tips.

Sugar-Free & Keto Candy: Sweeteners, Brands, and What to Know

A guide to sugar-free and keto-friendly candy — monk fruit, erythritol, and other sweeteners, plus what to watch for with sugar alcohols.