Seriously, the name of a cool looking new Candy Boutique is a A Real Treat®. What has me jazzed about checking them out on my next trip down to Los Angeles is that their candy is: natural, organic, Vegan, allergen free, non-GMO, Kosher and artificial free!!!! Wahoooooo. You know how much I LOVE candy. I have a the cutest candy dish on my desk that I fill up weekly that is hands off to any other human living in my household. I was thrilled when I heard about this candy store from a post made by Yael, host of the Anaphyactic Allergy Podcast.
A Real Treat Candy Boutique
I was able to interview A Real Treat®‘s owner, Vanessa, who was warm, friendly and even though she does not live with food allergies, had great empathy and a HUGE helping of compassion to provide safe candy for kids with food allergies. She launched her candy career since she had a hard time finding good candy that met her needs for natural-no corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors. Vanessa explained that all of their candy is clearly labeled for their attributes (gluten free, Vegan, peanut free, etc) and chosen for meeting her specific criteria.
Food Allergy Labeling. A Real Treat® only labels a candy peanut free or big 8 allergen free if it has been manufactured in a facility free of specific allergens. Here is my favorite tidbit: the store will not label bulk candy as free of any allergens since the candy might not be safe due to customers who might reach into the bins with their hands or sleeves, as they scoop, that could be contaminated with allergens brought in from outside the store! How do you not LOVE this? Vanessa explained that they take their food allergies seriously and will not make claims on any product once it is removed the original manufacturer’s packing. Staff is happy and ready to guide customers through the shop explaining the different types of candy available. The shop also maintains a booklet that lists all ingredients of their bulk bin products. If you share what you are seeking (peanut free, gluten free, etc), Vanessa will guide you through what is available!
Custom Orders. The shop can create personal gift baskets for a special celebration or event either while you are in the store or via email. Vanessa confirmed that they will share photos with customers and obtain approval prior to shipping their order! I like how technology is coming to the rescue of candy in providing some amazing customer service! I asked if I could order ahead of time for class parties or holidays–including in bulk so that my pantry is stocked and she said they can help me out. It’s best though, to order several week in advance. They pride themselves in working with each customer to create a gift idea that meets their needs and “exceeds their expectations”. A Real Treat® will be ready for Valentine’s Day by Mid-January—so you might want to pencil that into your candy calendar.
A Real Treat® is located inside the Books and Cookies, but will be moving soon, so check the website to confirm location and hours. I just had to share one of the slogans since makes me smile, “as we say in the shop, A Real Treat is where everyone can be a kid in a candy store”.
I can’t wait to pay A Real Treat Candy Boutique a visit since I’m incredibly happy that the shop takes food allergies seriously and wants all of us to have a good time in the candy store!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
Hi Caroline,
This is a great store! Our products, from Amanda’s Own Confections, are in this store, check them out when you visit.
Thanks for answering Beth! Summer just asked about chocolate and you just answered it for me!
Do they have chocolate?
Summer,
Beth just answered! Yes–Amanda’s own was the very first chocolate we ever ate! They have the cutest shaped chocolates!
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