Though a delicious treat for Americans all around the country, for many, candy can have extreme and adverse effects on their health. Offering an alternative, Creative Eats, based in Las Vegas, has been changing the industry, one sugar-free treat at a time. 

Founders and spouses Dr. Derrick and Anita Darden have seen how diabetes can affect someone, and their initial idea for a candy shop actually comes from a close relative. 

As Derrick describes, “my older brother James, who always dreamed of opening a neighborhood candy shop, never got the chance to see that dream come true. James passed away from complications related to diabetes — including dialysis, amputation, and ultimately, organ failure. This store was created in his honor.”

Unfortunately, Derrick would later be diagnosed with prediabetes but thanks his brother for equipping him with the knowledge and tools to get it under control. And from such circumstances, the idea for sugar-free, diabetic-friendly, and vegan candy began to take form.

“We wanted to prove that health-conscious treats can still taste like joy,” Anita explains. “Flavor shouldn’t be a casualty of wellness.”

Read the full story on Creative Eats: Real Indulgence with no Sugar Crash | Best of Las Vegas