Vermont Nut Free Chocolates Relaunches Skippers with Plant-Based Colors — No Artificial Dyes, No Nuts, No Compromise

COLCHESTER, Vt. – Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is innovating again—this time expanding its better-for-you promise by relaunching one of its best-selling products, Skippers®, with 100% plant-based colors.

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates’ confectionery team did extensive testing and product development to identify the best-tasting, best-looking, allergen-free plant-based colors before reformulating Skippers®. The natural colors in Skippers® candy coating are now made from blackcurrant, sweet potato, spirulina, turmeric, carrot, radish, and beet.

“We’re the brand that makes the chocolate you can feel good about eating! Compromising on taste and texture isn’t an option. We’re excited for our fans to taste this healthier version of one of their favorite candies,” said Mark Elvidge, Co-Founder & COO of Vermont Nut Free Chocolates.

In April 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urged food manufacturers to phase out synthetic food colors. By then, the Vermont Nut Free Chocolates team was deep into the testing phase for plant-based colors to assure gourmet quality with clean ingredients.

“This is, by far, the most anticipated product launch we’ve ever had,” Elvidge said, “and it’s what our customers have been asking for.”

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates’ customers lead a growing trend of shoppers seeking out the healthiest versions of popular candies and snacks. According to March 2026 research from Consumer Reports®, more than 70% of adults are concerned about synthetic dyes in food and 66% believe companies should be required to phase them out completely. (Source: Consumer Reports® American Experiences Survey, March 2026)

The work to transition to 100% plant-based colors by the end of 2026 continues inside our Colchester, Vermont facility. Two other products, Fruit Creams and Peppermint Crunch Bark, are being reformulated with natural food colors. Vermont Nut Free Chocolates expects the transition for Fruit Creams to be completed this month. As a seasonal item, Peppermint Crunch Bark will be available when the Winter Collection launches in November.

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates’ new Skippers® are made with plant-based food colors. They are part of a company-wide transition to natural colors by the end of 2026.

The launch of natural Skippers® is the second product launch in less than a month. In May 2026, Vermont Nut Free Chocolates expanded its shareable candy and snack line with Mini Caramel Cups in Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt varieties. Both products meet growing consumer demand for better-for-you food made with high-quality ingredients.

“We’re excited that sweets lovers, bakers, birthday party throwers, and back-to-schoolers will finally have candy-shell coated chocolate pieces to enjoy without worry about artificial colors—and 100% nut-free,” Elvidge added.

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates’ natural Skippers® are available in 5oz packages retailing for $6.95 and 12oz packages retailing for $13.95 beginning Friday, June 5, 2026.

About Vermont Nut Free Chocolates

Founded in 1998, Vermont Nut Free Chocolates crafts premium chocolate made with real ingredients and a commitment to exceptional taste. Produced in a dedicated nut-free facility, the brand has earned the trust of allergy-conscious consumers for more than 27 years while delivering an indulgent chocolate experience. The company offers a range of chocolate bars, truffles, caramels, chocolate-covered snacks, and other everyday treats made without compromise. To learn more or order products, visit the Vermont Nut Free Chocolates website and Amazon.