There are alternatives L.Francis Caramels. I know you don’t like all the chemicals in the caramels and I agree with you but if you really want good caramels then there are some limitations to the shelf life. I make caramels using the same ingredients as my ancestors did. They have a shelf life of approximately of 2 weeks before they get kind’ve grainy in texture but little is lost in taste and as time progresses then the flavor changes. If you refrigeration them they will last for considerably longer time (about 6 months). If you freeze them they could possibly last for years. My caramels typically don’t last long as they get eaten so quickly. The caramels I make have only the finest ingredients and guess what?,,” there’re Organic”. We have been presently going through the process of a business venture into producing these caramels and it is going slowly given the present day economy. If you’re interested in trying some then reply a post and then we will proceed from there.