Easter is less than a week away so if you haven’t started filling those Easter baskets yet, you’re running out of time.

Consumer spending on Easter is expected to reach a record $24.9 billion this year, according to National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

That’s despite a study by the Florida Department of Health earlier this year warning residents about popular candies containing arsenic.

➤ Florida tests popular candy for arsenic. Which ones were the worst?

Oh, and don’t forget that later in April, Florida will ban SNAP recipients from buying candy, soda, energy drinks and prepared desserts.

Whether your Easter basket will be filled with Peeps — the spring equivalent of fall’s candy corn — or you plan to buck the trend and celebrate the holiday with less sugar, let’s dive into what you should know.

BTW, if the thought of Peeps makes you shudder, while the candy may be the most popular in the U.S., it wasn’t No. 1 in Florida.

When is Easter 2026?

Most Christians will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 5.

Florida tests candy for heavy metals. Arsenic found in 28 brands

“Our “Healthy Florida First initiative promotes innovation, ensures accountability, and empowers Floridians to make the healthiest choices for their families,“ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in January as the FDOH study was released.

➤ Florida tests popular candy for arsenic

The Florida Department of Health tested 46 candy products from 10 companies for heavy metals. Arsenic was detected in 28 of the products tested.

“As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison,”said Casey DeSantis, wife of governor Ron DeSantis.

“No one should have to wonder whether the food that they are feeding their children is quietly impacting their health over time.”

What candy tested contains the most arsenic?

The top five candies with the highest level of arsenic, measured in parts per billion, were:

• Tootsie Fruit Chew Lime: 570 ppb

• Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Sour Apple: 540 ppb

• Twizzlers Watermelon: 510 ppb

• Nerds Gummy Cluster: 500 ppb

• Twizzlers Strawberry: 500 ppb

Chart: See all candies tested for arsenic, results and photos

Was any of the candy tested by Florida free of arsenic?

Eighteen of the candies tested were reportedly free of arsenic, including:

• Organic Black Forest Gummy Bears

• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• Organic Bunny Fruit Flavored Snacks Berry Patch

• UNREAL Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar

• UNREAL Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar

• UNREAL Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

• Yum Earth Choco Yums Chocolate Candies

• Yum Earth Organic Giggles

• Yum Earth Organic Lollipops

Candy industry disputes report, says ‘Florida has chosen sound bites over science’

In a statement about Florida’s report, the National Confectioners Association said “Florida has chosen sound bites over science.

“The methodology used in the report relies on ‘screening benchmarks’ that do not align with current federal regulatory standards or recognized peer-reviewed science for confectionery products.

“Chocolate and candy are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries.

The recent announcement from Florida “is misguided and demonstrates a glaring lack of transparency related to data-driven, scientific safety thresholds and the evaluation of confectionery products. It will result in confusion among consumers, regulators, and lawmakers,” the Confectioners Association said.

What is most popular Easter candy in Florida?

The most popular Easter candy in Florida are Jordan almonds.

While Jordan almonds rank near the bottom nationally, Florida isn’t alone in giving them top billing, according to innerbody.com.

They’re also the favorite candy in California, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.

What is most popular Easter candy in US?

According to innerbody.com, the most popular Easter candy in the US are:

Wait! What about Cadbury Creme Eggs?

Cadbury Creme Eggs are No. 1 in only one state: Maine.

They also finish last nationally, according to innerbody.com.

However, Cadbury’s Mini Eggs are No. 1 in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Florida to ban SNAP recipients from buying candy, soda

Starting April 20, Floridians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not be permitted to use those benefits to buy candy, soda, energy drinks or prepared desserts as part of an initiative to encourage healthy eating.

➤ No more candy, soda. Florida SNAP to ban sweets in April. What to know

Florida is making the change to “better align SNAP with its intended purpose: providing low-income households access to a more nutritious diet to help alleviate hunger and combat malnutrition,” according to Healthy SNAP Florida.

Symptoms of exposure to arsenic

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

Ingesting:

Exposure to lower levels of arsenic can cause:

• decreased production of red and white blood cells

• sensation of “pins and needles” in hands and feet

Several studies have shown ingestion of inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of skin cancer and cancer in the liver, bladder, and lungs.

Ingesting very high levels of arsenic can result in death.

Breathing:

• Breathing high levels of inorganic arsenic can give you a sore throat or irritated lungs.

• Ingesting or breathing low levels of inorganic arsenic for a long time can cause a darkening of the skin and the appearance of small “corns” or “warts” on the palms, soles, and torso.

Inhalation of inorganic arsenic can cause increased risk of lung cancer.

On the skin:

• Skin contact with inorganic arsenic may cause redness and swelling.

Arsenic and children

“Exposure to high levels of arsenic during times of active brain development is associated with adverse neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ,” the FDA said.

How do you know if you’ve been exposed to arsenic?

There are tests available to measure arsenic in your blood, urine, hair, and fingernails, the CDC said.

The urine test is the most reliable test for arsenic exposure within the last few days.

Tests on hair and fingernails can measure exposure to high levels of arsenic over the past six to 12 months.

“These tests can determine if you have been exposed to above-average levels of arsenic. They cannot predict whether the arsenic levels in your body will affect your health.”

“These levels are guidelines for manufacturers to reduce contaminants and do not represent legally binding requirements, though the FDA can take legal action if they are exceeded,” according to the agency.

Contributing: C. A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida

Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at heraldtribune.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida arsenic candy study and Easter candy. Know before you buy