In 2008 we witnessed the official inauguration (on this website) of the dairy-free chocolate Easter bunny. And, while it would have been exciting to see just one or two varieties hop into the scene, I was almost overwhelmed with options. Just a few years ago I was sure that chocolate bunnies would never again enter my food radar.  But today, those dairy-free chocolates (in true bunny fashion) are multiplying before my very eyes! Now vegans, gluten-free / casein-free dieters, lactose intolerant consumers, and even those with multiple food allergies can literally take their pick. You think I am exaggerating?  Well let me tell you, in 2009 I updated the list to include TWELVE chocolatiers who have each developed their own dairy-free bunnies (of various shapes, sizes and cuteness) and Easter / Passover chocolates for our nibbling pleasure, and each year we keep making updates  …

Premium Chocolatier "Milk" Chocolate Bunnies
I know, I shouldn't play favorites, but this relatively new chocolate on the block has won my taste buds over. They are offering a 6-inch tall "milk" chocolate Easter Bunny (with dairy-free white chocolate contrasting ears, so cute!) in addition to little "milk" and dark Easter shapes, the bunny shown below right, chocolate flowers, and thier usual truffle and boxed chocolate line-up. You may want to hop on over now, as I am guessing they will sell out well before the holiday arrives. Their manufacaturing facility is dedicated tree nut-, peanut-, and milk-free. Website to Order: www.premiumchocolatiers.com
For: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Multiple Food Allergies

Divvies Chocolate Bunny 
The only thing that would make this bunny more perfect is a bag of “safe” Easter Jelly Beans from Divvies!  Order early, as these little fellas tend to sell out quickly.  From the Divvies site: “All Divvies candy are certified by their manufacturers to be peanut-, tree nut-, milk-, and egg-free.” Website to Order: www.divvies.com
For: Dairy-free, Vegan, and Multiple Food Allergies

Chocolate Emporium Chocolate Bunny Assortment
This little chocolate company takes the kosher approach, selling only chocolate that is non-dairy and Kosher Pareve under Star-K supervision.  Chocolate Emporium certainly never fails to impress with their wide array of shapes either.  Did you want the sitting bunny (in five sizes, from small to giant), the bunny on a basket, or the flop eared bunny? They also offer white chocolate and flavored chocolate confections. Website to Order: www.choclat.com
For: Dairy-Free*, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Allison's Gourmet Solid Chocolate Bunnies
This is another new one to our list, but like the Premium Chocolatier's, Allison's Gourmet enters our list in grand style. Her offerings include a solid (not hollow!) vegan chocoalte bunny, vegan truffle and caramel-filled chocolate eggs, and a springtime/Easter basket that also include Allison's famous vegan cookies. At last check, Allison was running a dedicated vegan bakery. Website to Order: www.allisonsgourmet.com
For: Dairy-Free, Vegan

Sjaak’s Organic Fair Trade Vegan Dark Chocolate Bunny
Say that ten times fast!  But seriously, beyond the fact that these treats obviously meet all possible eco-friendly and socially aware standards, these bunnies win the cuteness award hands down!  The only downside is that you may not be able to take a bite after looking into his adorable chocolaty eyes.  Luckily, there are always the vegan chocolate eggs for a back-up. Sjaak's is also offering little Easter "totes" filled with vegan chocolates, and recent years have brought many new vegan chocolate bite flavors to fill baskets, so be sure to cruise the vegan section of their website. Website to Order: www.sjaaks.com
For: Dairy-Free*, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Lake Champlain Classic Dark Easter Bunny
Since the Mr. Goodtime Bunny is milk chocolate, I suppose we will have to be content with the regal Classic Bunny, which is boasted as vegan and gluten-free.  Well, I guess he is pretty handsome. For those who prefer "cute" to handsome, Lake Champlain also offers dark placesetting bunnies to share with all Easter guests. Website to Order: www.lakechamplainchocolates.com
For: Dairy-free*, Vegan

Chocolate Decadence Organic Easter Bunnies
This over-the-top, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan chocolatier just couldn’t settle for those traditional, simple bunnies.  Their intricate chocolate designs include the Cowboy Easter Bunny and the Little Girl Easter Bunny.  Even their “Regular” Bunny Shape holds more detail than your average Easter confection. They also offer giant chocolate egg truffles and Passover chocolates. Website to Order: www.chocolatedecadence.com
For: Dairy-Free*, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Amanda’s Own Easter and Passover Chocolates
Created specifically for their child with multiple food allergies, Amanda’s Own claims to be the “home of great tasting chocolate that is completely dairy-free, tree nut-free, peanut-free, egg-free and gluten-free!”  Amanda’s Own is know for kid-friendly chocolate, so it is no surprise that they are offering up quite a sweet little line of Easter chocolates.  Personally, I would love a few of those Baby Bunnies for some low-guilt nibbling!  Website to Order: www.amandasown.com  
For: Dairy-free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Multiple Food Allergies

Sweet Earth Foil Wrapped Easter Bunnies
I expect to hear more about this chocolatier in the future, as they are one of the few to make vegan chocolate that is also free of soy lecithin.  Yes, you heard me right, their vegan Easter bunnies and eggs are dairy-free AND soy-free.  This is another one of those great Fair Trade and Organic certified companies, so don’t hesitate to support them.  Oh yes, and the bunnies!  Their dainty, foil wrapped, 65% dark chocolate bunnies and eggs are certainly enticing. They also offer "Easter Buddies" (pictured below) for an extra cuddly gift. Be sure to select the "vegan" options specifically as they also offer milk chocolate products in their Easter line-up that are not dairy-free. Website to Order: www.sweetearthchocolates.com
For: Dairy-free*, Soy-Free, Vegan

Guardian Angel Foods Chocolate Bunnies
Just when I think the list is complete, another dairy-free bunny hops into my radar. Fellow dairy-free blogger, Karen, emailed to make sure I didn't forget this new food allergy-friendly brand. They are a Canadian company that boasts sweets with no eggs, no dairy, no nuts, and no peanuts!  Website to Order: www.guardianangelfoods.com
For: Dairy-free, Vegan, and Multiple Food Allergies

Rose City Vegan Easter Chocolate Bunnies
Bringing that bunny count up to an even twelve, the sophisticated Rose City Chocolatiers shows us their casual side with an animated chocolate bunny.  Labeled as “Funny Bunny” it was hard not to be amused after looking at so many emotionless bunnies. We were also entertained by the fact that Rose City not only boasts an assortment of bunnies, but also a vegan chocolate Easter duck AND a vegan chocolate Easter chicken!  I admit I was lost at the duck, so the chicken really threw me for a loop.  Rose City vegan chocolates are made with imported Belgian dark chocolate.  Website to Order: www.rosecitychocolates.com
For: Dairy-Free*, Vegan

Grocer's Daughter Dark Chocolate Easter Chocolate Bunnies
Mimi goes well beyond your ordinary chocolatier, creating all sorts of chocolate delights. Though she doesn't run an all vegan chocolate shop, she always includes some vegan options in each of her product lines, and Easter is not forgotten. The dark chocolate bunny is made without milk as are the dark chocolate carrots, bunny lollies, and the vegan dark egg that is filled with her delicious apricot ganache (I have tried it - it is good!).  Website to Order: www.grocersdaughter.com
For: Dairy-Free*, Vegan

Future Bunny Arrivals ...

Whey-Out Chocolate transitioning to Sweet Joy Chocolate
I heard rave reviews about this little company that produced bunnies in dark, "milkless milk" AND white chocolate that were free of nuts, peanuts, dairy, eggs, gluten and soy. But alas, even with a sold out Easter and positive feedback, they didn't survive the economic slowdown. They are still planning to return though, and under a new name, Sweet Joy Chocolate. Though it may not happen this year, we will update when these bunnies are ready for delivery.
For: Dairy-free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free Vegan, and Multiple Food Allergies

Be sure to order early allowing enough time for your bunnies to arrive before the holidays! 

Do you have a dairy-free chocolate Easter bunny update? Contact us.

All of the above bunnies are made without gluten or wheat, according to their ingredient lists, and thus should be excellent for GFCF diets even where not specifically noted.  But, you should always double check with the manufacturer wherever there might be concern.

* This manufacturer may process milk chocolate in the same facility.  If severe food allergies or milk cross-contamination may be a concern, always contact the manufacturer before consuming to verify ingredients and manufacturing processes.

Article by Alisa Fleming, the founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living (also available as an E-Book). In addition to her own dairy-free lifestyle, Alisa has experience in catering to the needs of various special diets, including gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, vegan, and multiple food allergies.