Valentine’s Day can often go perfectly right or horribly wrong. Whether you have unrealistic expectations from your partner or they are just a terrible gift giver, this collection of 29 bad valentines will have you considering a no-gift policy this Feb. 14. Keep reading to see all the bad Valentine’s Day gifts to stay away from this year. 

Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

1. Cheap flowers

"A plant with the discounted tag attached. You know the ones that live right next to the pretty flowers at the grocery store. yeah, that happened. He didn't last long." (via Jeanette K.)

2. Expired coupons

"An ex gave me an expired coupon to a restaurant that had shut down the only location in our area." (via Reddit user _generalmayhem)

3. Mermaids and diapers are related how?

"A little mermaid doll and adult diapers. I was pregnant, I guess my husband thought it would be funny." (via reader Michelle C.)

 

 

Dorothe Wouters via Unsplash

4. A talking bear.

"A Build-A-Bear from a guy I hadn’t been dating very long at all and wasn’t super into. He recorded himself saying 'I love you' and so when I squeezed the bear I heard his voice." (Dana F.)

5. Roses for somebody else.

"A dozen roses with a heartfelt love note signed 'to my one true love, Martine.' My name is not Martine." (via Reddit user ligamentary)

6. A garbage can (no, seriously).

"The ever so romantic metal trashcans with the step-on open feature! In his defense—he had the flu when he went out shopping. I'm sure they felt like a good idea in his fever-addled brain!" (via reader Carol S.)

 

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

7. A breakup email.

"My very first boyfriend used his ex-girlfriend to break up with me over email on Valentine's Day." (via Karly W.)

8. A flower with borrowed money.

"Somebody borrowed $2 from me to buy me a $2 flower." (via Reddit user tempuserthrowaway5)

9. Stuffed forest animals.

"A boyfriend once gave me a plush raccoon for Valentine's Day. I don't have a thing for raccoons—he thought it was cute, I guess. Nothing says 'I Love You' like rabid varmit! (via reader Amanda J.)

Jessica Wilson via Flickr

10. A confirmation of delivery, but no flowers.

“Once I ordered my girlfriend flowers that didn’t arrive (or were stolen from the porch), so I gave her the delivery confirmation. It was not as funny as I thought it would be.” (via Reddit user wacht).

11. A toilet seat (we swear).

"My dad gave my stepmom a toilet seat once for Valentine’s Day. He genuinely thought he had the best gift ever. This happened over five years ago and we still laugh at him about it.” But that’s not all, “It was the most generic toilet seat ever. Not even one of the ones that go down slowly.” (via Reddit user makingmc)

Best Jump Starter Review via Unsplash

12. Jumper cables.

“When I was a kid, my dad gave my mom a set of jumper cables for Valentine’s Day.” As it turns out the story has a happy ending. “He was in the doghouse for a couple of nights, but about a week later her battery dies and dad was a hero again.” (via Reddit user Soon2Barmn)

13. An oversized tank top.

You know, the ones once known by the horribly offensive moniker "wife beater? It was meant to be used as a dress, I kid you not!" (via reader Silvia Rodríguez)

14. Hair

"My husband (then boyfriend) once gave me a picture frame filled with his hair... he thought it would be romantic, but I didn't agree!" (via reader Annie W.)

Amazon

15. Dental hygiene products.

A tongue scraper as a Valentine’s Day gift? There are endless things to do together that don’t involve removing “tongue fur.” Eww.

16. The gift representing exactly the opposite of who you are.

"My boyfriend at the time took me to dinner, and then surprised me with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Total fail because 1. it was cold and I'm Southern (I don't do sub-50 degree weather well), and 2. I hate the horse-drawn carriage industry. We didn't make it past March." (via Shelley M.)

slothzero via Reddit

17. It's your funeral (literally).

This ad takes the “til death do we part” idea a step beyond what the vow intends. We’re pretty sure that’s the least romantic gift ever. (via Reddit user slothzero)

18. A heart made out of meat (that you can eat).

You’re all for getting a gift that’s from the heart. But what about meat? Yep, that’s right. Meat. Apparently, you can buy your sweetheart a raw steak shaped like a heart. Yum.

Pexels

19. Any type of cleaning tool, supply or appliance.

A weed whacker! (via reader Krista F.) 

20. Bad news.

"A text breaking up with me." (via Reddit user hippopots)

21. A hair trimmer and photocopied card.

"My dad got my mum a hair trimmer set and photocopied her card she got him one year. They celebrate their 25th anniversary this year so maybe it's a good one." (via Reddit user UnofficialKing)

 

Etsy

22. Cards referencing bodily functions.

Yeah, maybe you're cool with it. But you don't need to be reminded. Or do you? There's more where this one came from.

23. Someone else's scent

"I’m pretty sure it has to be the bottle of really old perfume I’m pretty sure was his mom's." (via reader Denise R.).

Reddit user SSJWiggy

24. E-Z Divorce

"Not quite the gift I had in mind for my first Valentine's Day." (via Reddit user SSJWiggy)

25.  Weird Food

"A box of Kashi cereal." (via reader Carlly L.), "A can of sardines." (via reader Cora E.), "Deviled eggs. Yes, I said, deviled eggs." (via reader Andrea P.)

Marco Verch via Flicke

26. A jewelry box ... but

"A fancy jewelry box ... and the comment 'don't get excited ... it's not a ring or anything.'" (via reader Amy L.)

27. The most boring gifts ever.

"My husband gave me a beanie. And a plain black coffee mug." (via Amber G.)

 

 

Michael Coghlan via Flickr

28. An empty box of chocolates.

"He told me that he bought it, and there was coconut in all of them (there never is), and that he had to eat them to keep me from having an allergic reaction (I'm allergic to coconut). So really, he said, 'for Valentine's Day I saved your life.' It didn't last long after that." (via reader Lindsey R.)

29. Nothing at all.

"The first Valentine's Day after we were engaged, I said to my now-husband, 'so we aren't doing gifts for Valentine's Day, right?' He said, 'well, maybe just something small.' I followed this rule and got him an engraved money clip. Turns out, his "small" really meant "nothing." Which I would have been fine with but HE SET THE RULES!" (via Kate L.)

 

––Erica Loop & Karly Wood

 

Featured image: Earl Wilcox via Unsplash

RELATED STORIES:

Nothing Says “I Love You” Like a Bad Valentine

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50 Easy Valentine’s Day Cards You Can Actually Make

 

 

From pots and pans to must-have chocolate bars, Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings site is packed with abundant awesomeness—and you’re going to want it all.

As if we didn’t already love the supermodel/supermom enough already, Teigen’s newest online additions feature a drool-worthy collab with L.A.-based chocolate shop Compartés. The Cravings x Compartés chocolate collection is more than just a line of basic bars. These sweet sweets feature fab, fun flavors and pics of Teigen’s own family.

The flavor buffet includes one pick for each member of the Teigen-Legend clan—Chrissy’s Creamy Coconut Chocolate Bar, John’s Carrot Cake White Chocolate Bar, Miles’ Banana Bread Chocolate Bar and Luna’s Blueberry Pancakes and Syrup Chocolate Bar. Buy the bars from Teigen’s Cravings site ($12 each or $50 for a gift set of all four flavors) or from Compartés online store.

Along with Teigen’s family of chocolate bars, you can also pick up other crave-able treats on the Cravings site. The Poppin’ Off Popcorn Seasoning Kit ($36) comes with salt and vinegar, birthday cake, French onion and Gruyerè, extra-spicy cheddar and sweet and salty coconut flavorings. If you’re in the mood to make a meal, the Cravings Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner Spice Kit ($36) has the flavors you need to make balsamic roasted onion, honey lemon thyme, garlicky onion herb, tomato garlic basil and herby leek seasoned rice.

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES

We’re Loving Chrissy Teigen’s Sweet Bedtime Trick

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Bath time may be their favorite evening activity and thanks to Dove Kids Care, there’s even more reason to look forward to this nightly tradition. Dove Kids Care just launched a brand-new collection of products for kids that include bubble bath, body wash and even slime wash. Read on for all the details and to discover why we’re positively ecstatic about this new collection.

Dove Kids Care’s newest line includes products that are designed specifically for kids. This means everything from the packaging to the ingredients to the products themselves are made for kids in colors, textures and fragrances they’ll adore. All products are paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free and sulfate-free and designed for kids ages one year and up.

Your family will love that each bottle showcases illustrations of kids with positive statements like: “I am fantastic, smart and helpful” or “I am thoughtful, caring and fun.” These illustrations and positive affirmations align with Dove’s mission to make all kids feel represented and encouraged to embrace what makes them unique.

According to Dove’s US research, kids as young as three-years old can start to build self-esteem when they see themselves positively represented in the world around them. With these products designed with kids in mind, Dove is hoping to set kids up to have a positive relationship with their bodies.

The collection includes:

Dove Kids Care Bubble Bath, available in Coconut Cookie and Cotton Candy
This bubble bath is anything but ordinary. It features a kid-friendly fragrance and creates a colorful bath for tons of sudsy fun. Available for $5.99 at Target.

 

 

Dove Kids Care Foaming Body Wash, available in Coconut Cookie, Cotton Candy and Berry Smoothie
We love foaming body wash, especially when its nourishing and won’t dry out skin. This one checks all the boxes. It’s a hypoallergenic formula and is gentle enough for all skin types. Available for $5.99 at Target.

 

Dove Kids Care Slime Wash available in Berry Smoothie
As if bath time wasn’t fun enough already, Dove Kids Care just introduced this slime wash, which ups the bath time fun significantly. The wash starts out as slime and then turns into cleanser once they start lathering it up. Available for $5.99 at Target.

—Erin Lem

photos: Dove Kids Care

 

 

RELATED STORIES:

The Best Bath Toys to Keep Your Kids Entertained

An A-to-Z Guide to Natural Skincare Products for Babies & Toddlers

Babyproofing Hacks: 14 DIY Ways to Make Your Home Safer

Here’s How to Guarantee Your Kids Will Take a Bath Every Day

We’re obsessed! Bonbons are the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or treat for any day of the week. These chocolate treats are made with lots of love by women-owned company, Wild Ophelia and sold at Sam’s Club.

Wild Ophelia bonbons

This exclusive, limited edition assortment of 20 heart-shaped, all natural chocolate bonbons that comes in four sweet flavors: Fresh Strawberry, Cherry Cordial, Sea Salt Caramel and Toasted Coconut. 

The bonbons are packaged in the signature Wild Ophelia gift box with a red ribbon that’s so beautiful they don’t need any wrapping.

Grab a box of 20 while you can for just $8.98.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Sam’s Club

RELATED STORIES

These Valentine’s Day Gifts Will Have You Craving Guacamole

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Meet someone managing food allergies and chances are they are carrying safe snacks, especially bars. We love snack and granola bars because they are healthy, portable, and versatile—we see you breakfast, lunch and snack! Check out our favorites below and never be left hungry again.

DEDICATED FACILITY (Allergens Vary)

1. Enjoy Life  
Flavor: Cocoa Loco
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens + Sesame
Does Contain: N/A 
Precautionary Label: 
None stated
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten, and Dairy
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free & Kosher

2. 88 Acres
Flavor: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens + Sesame
Does Contain: N/A
Precautionary Label: None
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, and Sesame
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free & Kosher

3. Blake’s  
Flavor: Chocolate + Mint 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens
Does Contain: N/A
Precautionary Label: None
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, and Gluten
Allergen Statement
Certified: None stated

4. Zego  
Flavor: Sunflower + Date
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens, Sesame and Mustard Does Contain: N/A
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Eggs, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten, Sesame, Lupins, Sulfite, and Mustard
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free & Kosher

5. Libre Naturals  
Flavor: Chocolate Chip 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Poppy Seeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Peas
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Poppy Seeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Peas
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free & Kosher

6. Don’t Go Nuts
Flavor: Blueberry Blast
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Tree Nut, Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Eggs, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Soy
Precautionary Label: Made on equipment that also handles dairy ingredients
Dedicated Free From:  Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, and Sesame
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free & Kosher

7. FreeYumm
Flavor: Raspberry Chia
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Soy, Egg, Dairy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten, or Sesame
Does Contain: Tree Nuts (Coconut)
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame
Allergen Statement
Certified: None stated

8. Go Raw
Flavor: Banana Flaxseed
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Soy, Egg, Milk, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Tree Nuts (Coconut)
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts (excludes coconut), Gluten, Wheat, Soy, and Dairy
Allergen Statement
Certified: Kosher

9. Eat to Life
Flavor: Dark Chocolate Orange 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens + Sesame Does Contain: N/A 
Precautionary Label: None stated 
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, and Gluten 
Allergen Statement 
Certified: Kosher 

10. MadeGood
Flavor:
 Chocolate Chip 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens + Sesame Does Contain: N/A
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Gluten, Soy, Dairy, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame 
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free & Kosher

11. That’s It
Flavor: Apple + Blueberries
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens Does Contain: N/A
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From:  Peanuts, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Wheat, and Fish
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free + Kosher

12. This Bar Saves Lives
Flavor: Rockin’ Strawberry
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Tree Nut, Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Gluten
Precautionary Label: Manufactured in a facility that also processes coconut, soy, milk, and eggs
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts
Allergen Statement: None stated
Certified: Kosher

13. Zee Zee’s
Flavor: Campfire S’mores
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Dairy, Eggs, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Gluten, Wheat, Soy
Precautionary Label: None stated
Dedicated Free From: Peanuts and Tree Nuts
Allergen statement
Certified: Kosher

NON-DEDICATED (With Good Practices)

14. Annie’s
Flavor: Chewy Chocolate Chip 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Soy, Egg, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Tree Nuts (Coconut), Gluten, and Dairy
Precautionary Label: None stated
Allergen Statement
Certified: None stated

15. Dang
Flavor: Cardamom + Chai
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Gluten, Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Tree Nuts (Almonds and Coconut)
Precautionary Label:  None stated
Allergen Statement
Certified: None stated

16. GoMacro
Flavor: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens Does Contain: N/A
Precautionary Label:  Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts. May contain pit or nutshell fragments.
Allergen Statement
Certified: Gluten-free + Kosher

17. Kashi
Flavor: Chocolate Chip Chia Granola 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Dairy, Egg, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Tree Nuts (Coconut), Soy, Wheat, and Gluten
Precautionary label: None stated
Allergen Statement: None stated
Certified: Kosher

18. Kind
Flavor: Oats + Honey with Toasted Coconut
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, Gluten. Wheat, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Tree Nuts (Coconut)
Precautionary Label: Made in a facility that process peanuts / tree nuts, soy, and sesame
Allergen Statement
Certified: Kosher

19. NutriGrain
Flavor: Apple + Cinnamon 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Soy, Dairy, Wheat, and Gluten
Precautionary Label: None stated
Allergen Statement 

Certified: Kosher

20. PowerCrunch Kids – SnapStick
Flavor: Birthday Cake 
Ingredients Do Not Contain:
 Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish, or Shellfish
Does Contain: Soy, Dairy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary Label: This product is manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts.
Allergen Statement: None stated
Certified: None stated

For more allergy-friendly bars, see our Top-Rated Protein Bar Guide and Top-Rated Fruit Bar Guide!

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

With so many people staying at home, now is a great time to bake with your kids. Add a tasty baking craft to your everyday in-door routine with some sticky sweet one-on-one time. Not only is it a fun activity, you also get to eat something yummy when it’s done!

Best of all, what’s better than a DIY twist on the classic candy bars? Take a closer look at two of the top favorite treats from my collection of recipes that are absolute family favorites.

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Balls 

Are you low on flour? Coconut balls will save the day. They are soft and chewy, and when you dip them in chocolate they are irresistible. You can call these whatever you want but these yummy treats remind me of a Mounds candy bar, only with a citrus zing! I swapped out the honey/maple syrup for 4 Tbsp. of my tangerine marmalade to this recipe I found @pinchofyum.

Ingredients

2 cups dried coconut (I only had the big flaked coconut on hand so pulsed in a food processor until coarse but not too fine)

4 Tbsp Marmalade

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 Tbsp. Coconut oil

Directions:

1. In a medium-size bowl, mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

2. Squeeze into small balls and place on a cookie sheet and put in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.

3. While the little treats are chilling, slowly melt 4 oz dark chocolate in a bowl over hot water. I used chopsticks to roll the balls in the chocolate and lay them on parchment paper. Place them in the refrigerator to chill or just eat them up.

Raspberry Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or bar broken in pieces

1/2 c. heavy cream

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/2 c. Just Jan’s Seedless Raspberry Spread

Pinch of salt

Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted) to coat truffles

Directions:

1. Place chocolate pieces in a bowl.

2. Heat cream and butter together in a heavy bottom saucepan until it comes to a boil.

3. Pour cream and butter over the chocolate and let stand for a minute or so.

4. Stir vigorously until smooth.

5. Add Just Jan’s Seedless Raspberry Spread and pinch of salt.

6. Stir until well combined.

7. Put plastic wrap on top of the chocolate in the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hrs. (may leave it overnight).

8. Sit on counter to warm up a bit before forming the truffles.

9. Using a teaspoon, scoop chocolate mixture into your hand and roll between your hands until you have a ball. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Roll in sifted cocoa powder on a plate.

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

Dairy-free ice cream is the coolest trend! Whether you manage a dairy allergy or are looking for a plant-based dessert, we have a full list of dairy-free ice creams to choose from. 

Verified Brands | Dedicated Facility | Non-Dedicated Facility

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. Oatly Mint Chip Frozen Dessert   
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

2. O’MY Cake Batter Gelato   
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish
Allergen Statement

3. Sacred Serve Coconut Salted Caramel      
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Mustard, Gluten, Corn, Poppy Seeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Peas
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Mustard, Gluten, Corn, Poppy Seeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Peas

4. Frönen Cinnamon 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Gluten Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a facility that processes milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Shellfish, Mustard
Allergen Statement

DEDICATED FACILITY (Allergens Vary)

5. Cado Cookies & Cream
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut

Allergen Statement

6. Frankie & Jo’s Mint Brownie
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten 
Does Contain: Cashew, Coconut 
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

7. Mr. Dewie’s Caramel Almond Crunch
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten Does Contain: Almond, Cashew, Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Milk, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

NON-DEDICATED FACILITY 

8. Snow Monkey Maple Cinnamon
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

9. Talenti Strawberry Hibuiscus Sorbetto
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

10. Nubocha Chocolate Arriba
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

11. Malai Hibiscus Chaat Masala Sorbet 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

12. Arctic Zero Cake Batter
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

13. Alden’s Organic Freckled Mint Chip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten Does Contain: Coconut, Soy Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement  

14. Jeni’s Cold Brew with Coconut Cream Pint
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (except coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut  
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

15. Halo Top Birthday Cake
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

16. Noona’s Ice Cream Dairy-Free Vegan Rose Ginger
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

17. Coconut Bliss Sea Salt Caramel + Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

18. Steve’s Ice Cream Passion Carnivale
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

19. Sweet Luv Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

20. Ben & Jerry’s “Milk” & Cookies Non-Dairy Ice Cream
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Coconut, Soy, Wheat
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

For more allergy-friendly dairy-free ice creams, check out the full list on spokin.com and to learn more about our product guide process, see our letter from our founder. Still hungry? Check out our 2019 Allergy-Friendly Ice Cream Guide for more scoops!

 

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

Photo: Spokin

Allergy-friendly protein bars are some of the hardest finds in the allergy community and we found 19, including 12 made in dedicated facilities! See all of our power picks in our new protein bar guide below.

Verified Brands | Dedicated Facility | Non-Dedicated Facility

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. 88 Acres    
Flavor: Dark Chocolate Brownie Protein Bars 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

2. Blake’s Seed Based    
Flavor: Chocolate Mint Protein Bar  
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree nut (except coconut), Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

3. ZEGO Foods    
Flavor: Seed + Fruit Bar: Fudgy Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Lupin, Mollusks, Sulphites, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Lupin, Mollusks, Sulphites, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

4. Kubeba    
Flavor: Blueberry Ginger Protein Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8 (except Coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

5. Libre Naturals    
Flavor: Chocolate Cacao Protein Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Crustacean, Lupin, Sulphites, Celery, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Crustacean, Lupin, Sulphites, Celery, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

6. Avalanche Bars    
Flavor: Blueberry Vanilla Protein Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Mustard, Lupin, Mollusks, Sulphites, Poppy Seeds, Celery, Peas
Verified Brand Allergy Info

DEDICATED FACILITY (Allergens Vary)

7. Rise Bar
Flavor: Sunflower Cinnamon Protein Bar  
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (except Coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Soy, Gluten
Allergen Statement

8. Liv Bar
Flavor: Vegan Lemongrass Cherry Matcha Organic Superfood Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (except Coconut), Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut, Sesame
Precautionary label: None 
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (except Coconut)
Allergen Statement

9. Paleonola
Flavor: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Tree Nut (Almond, Pecan), Egg
Precautionary label: None 
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Pistachio, Gluten
Allergen Statement

10. Go Raw
Flavor: Dark Chocolate Organic Protein Sprouted Bars
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that processes coconut and sesame seeds.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8 (except Coconut)
Allergen Statement

11. The GFB
Flavor: Oatmeal Raisin Bars
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Peanuts and tree nuts are present in our facility.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Gluten
Allergen Statement

12. No Nuts!
Flavor: Caramel Mocha Protein Snack Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Soy
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that also processes coconut and sesame.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut (except Coconut)
Allergen Statement

NON-DEDICATED FACILITY

13. Skout Organic
Flavor: Chocolate Cherry Protein Bar 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

14. R.E.D.D
Flavor: Oatmeal Plant-Based Protein Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg, and milk.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

15. GoMacro
Flavor: MacroBar Protein Purity Sunflower Butter + Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 (except Coconut), Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

16. Vega Sport®
Flavor: Protein Bar Crispy Mint Chocolate
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg, and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

17. Bob’s Red Mill
Flavor: Peanut Butter Chocolate & Oats Bob’s Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Peanuts
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

18. ONE Bars
Flavor: Birthday Cake
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Milk, Soy  
Precautionary label: Manufactured on the same equipment that processes peanuts and tree nuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

19. PowerCrunch
Flavor: Wild Berry Creme Protein Energy Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish
Does Contain: Milk, Wheat, Soy
Precautionary label: Manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

Find your own customized protein bar list on the Spokin App! To learn more about our product guide process, see our letter from our founder.

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

Photo: Spokin

Fruit bars are the most fun way to get your fruit in! With 16 bars in our top-rated fruit bar guide, it’s easy to take your pick of the crop! 

Verified Brands | Dedicated Facility | Non-Dedicated Facility

VERIFIED BRANDS

1. ZEGO Foods    
Flavor: Cherry Just Fruit Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

2. That’s it.    
Flavor: Apple + Strawberry Fruit Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Sulphites, Celery, Corn, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Sulphites, Celery, Corn, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

3. That’s it.  
Flavor: Blueberry Probiotics Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Sulphites, Celery, Corn, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8 (excluding coconut), Sesame, Mustard, Sulphites, Celery, Corn, Gluten
Verified Brand Allergy Info

DEDICATED FACILITY (Allergens Vary)

4. Wild Made
Flavor: Berry, Apple + Spinach Veggie-Go’s Strip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Gluten
Allergen Statement

 

NON-DEDICATED FACILITY

 

5. ClifKid
Flavor: Mixed Berry ZFruit Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

6. Annie’s
Flavor: Swirly Strawberry Fruit Tape 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

7. Stretch Island Raspberry
Flavor: Raspberry Fruit Leather
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

8. Bear
Flavor: Apple Yoyo
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

9. Bearded Brothers
Flavor: Radical Raspberry Lemon Food Bar 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

10. Pure Organic
Flavor: Strawberry + Banana Layered Fruit Bar 
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

11. Ekoa
Flavor: Pineapple Fruit Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

12. SunRype
Flavor: Apple Strawberry FruitSource
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

13. Good and Gather
Flavor: Strawberry Fruit Strip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten D
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

14. 365 Organic
Flavor: Mango Organic Fruit Strip
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

15. You Love Fruit
Flavor: Passion Fruit Punch Handmade Fruit Leather
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that processes coconut.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

16. KIND
Flavor: Mango Apple Chia Fruit Bar
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that processes tree nuts, peanuts, soy and sesame.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

To learn more about our product guide process see our letter from our founder.

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

I do so love to watch cats grooming themselves. I find it hypnotic and soothing – the smooth play of muscles as they twist and stretch, the sensual splayed toes, the darting little pink tongue, the occasional glimpse of the cat’s nethers.

My husband does not find it nearly so soothing. That’s because Dushenka takes a pause from grooming herself, she starts grooming him. This could keep her busy all day, since he has a lot to groom.

She usually starts with a brief lick to the nose, which I assume is to let him know what’s coming. Then she starts in on his beard. When she’s had her fill of that, she moves on to his eyebrows, though she occasionally misses and grooms his forehead.

Whenever Dan’s shirtless, which is usual in summer and not unknown even in winter, she goes for his prodigious chest hair. I have never seen her miss and accidentally lick his nipple, though I’m pretty sure if she did, he wouldn’t tell me. And I won’t even speculate about her grooming his nethers. They may engage in these pursuits when I’m not around, for which I’m mostly thankful, but about which I’m perversely curious.

I remember a Robin Williams routine in which he said, “If you think cats are so clean, you go eat a can of tuna fish and lick yourself all over.” By that theory, my husband is coated with a thin layer of Super Supper and cat spit, which I must block from my mind when I hug him.

Dushenka occasionally gives my nose a lick, but that’s as far as she goes. Cats in general find no pleasure in grooming me, although I once had a cat, Julia, who was irresistibly drawn to roll on my head whenever I had my hair done at a salon. I think she was enamored of the coconut-scented mousse my stylist used, though I know of no of no other cat attracted to coconut.

I also once knew a cat who, when I was sitting on a sofa, was drawn to my curly-permed ponytail. But she did not slurp. She pounced, apparently believing that my ‘do was some sort of rodent or other cat toy.

The only time I experienced a lengthy cat-grooming attempt was when Dan rubbed catnip on my leg. (Thankfully, I was wearing jeans.) Lick, lick, slurp, slurp ensued, until I had a round, damp spot on my thigh.

But ultimately, this post is not about cat spit, or tongue-prints, or even pants-licking. The take-away from this is: Cats groom their kittens. My husband’s mother, therefore, is the cat Dushenka, and he is her child. Please don’t tell the woman who birthed and raised him. Her claim has been challenged. And we all know what happens when you engage in a war of wills with a cat.

The cat wins.

Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.