Our family has been working to cut out artificial food dyes from our diet, partly due to an allergy that the girls and I have (specifically to Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Caramel Color), and partly due to how unhealthy these dyes are even if you’re not allergic to them.  (In case you don’t know, petroleum-based artificial food dyes are linked to behavioral issues, cancer, and more, and they are already banned in many European countries.  You can read more about food dyes here.)

I grew up with Valentine’s Day being a big deal in my family, and we always had special treats like heart-shaped sandwiches, pink milk, and sweet gifts from our parents.

This year I’ve been compiling lots of fun, celebratory ideas that don’t involve a bucket of red dye.  I thought you may enjoy some of these ideas for your family too!

(click on each image to go to the respective blog)

I love this cute breakfast idea: Cupid Eggs/Bacon

Here’s another heart-shaped breakfast idea.

When I’ve made these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, they have always been a hit!

Sliced strawberries are almost heart-shaped anyway, so it’s pretty easy to use them to decorate just about anything… like these mini cheesecakes!

Heart-shaped homemade pizza is always a fun lunch!

These look a little labor-intensive, but heart-shaped homemade potato chips would be adorable to make. I’d probably only do it once! haha!

Chocolate-dipped raspberries! SO delicious… and beautiful!  (I’m also partial to chocolate-dipped strawberries.)

I have an awesome creamy tomato soup recipe that I make all the time. But serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches cut into hearts with a cookie cutter, and it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Instead of making cupcakes with pink frosting, I’m planning on making more muffins (like these Sneaky Muffins, pictured, which Vera loves helping me make) in cute liners (these have little hearts all over) and possibly little decorative picks (usually found in the dollar section at Target).

These fruit kabobs are so sweet and could work even if you don’t cut all the fruit into hearts (maybe just some strawberries?).  Serve with yogurt for dipping!

My personal favorite dye-free Valentine’s Day treat… dark chocolate, of course! Green & Black Organic 80% is my favorite. 🙂

For non-candy Valentine’s for kids, see below:
– Easy Non-Candy Valentines for Kids
– 9 More Non-Candy Valentine Ideas for Kids