Do you love sweets but are trying to watch your sugar intake? Are you a diabetic who needs to avoid sugar? Or are you on the keto diet and need to find some good sugar-free candy options? No matter what your reason for wanting healthy sugar-free candy is, I’ve got you covered! You’ll discover my top picks for the best sugar free candy.
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Sweeteners Used in Sugar-Free Candy
When choosing sugar-free candy, in addition to taste, it’s important to pay attention to the sugar substitutes used to replace regular sugar. Manufacturers can use natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. It’s important, my fellow candy lovers, to read the nutrition facts to be sure you choose the type of sugar substitute for your body.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose (Spenda). Both are found in many different foods and beverages, including diet sodas. However, some people believe that they can cause health problems so a good idea is to avoid them.
Sugar Alcohols
A better choice, sugar alcohols are probably the most popular sweeteners used in sugar-free candy. There are many different types of sugar alcohols, including Xylitol, Erythritol, Maltitol, and Sorbitol.
Xylitol
Xylitol is made from birch bark or corn and has a glycemic index of seven, which is very low. This means that it does not cause a spike in blood glucose as real sugar does. Xylitol also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight tooth decay.
Maltitol
Maltitol is made from barley or wheat. It has a glycemic index of 36, which is high. This means that it can cause a sugar spike. Maltitol is also calorie-rich, containing almost as many calories as table sugar. However, maltitol does not cause tooth decay and it is less sweet than regular sugar.
Erythritol
Made from fruits and vegetables, erythritol has a glycemic index of zero. It is calorie-free and does not cause tooth decay. However, erythritol can cause digestive problems such as gas and diarrhea in some people, especially when consumed in large quantities.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is made from fruits and vegetables. It has a glycemic index of nine and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Sorbitol is also calorie-free and does not cause tooth decay. However, like erythritol, some people experience digestive problems with sorbitol.
Stevia
Stevia is another natural sugar substitute found in sugar-free candy. It comes from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. It has zero calories, a zero glycemic index, and a very sweet taste making it a great choice for sugar-free candy.
Isomalt
Finally, Isomalt, a little-known sugar alternative is derived from plants and has a glycemic index of just two. It does not promote tooth decay, it does not cause gastric problems as other sugar substitutes can, and it has fewer calories.
Also read 52 Best Zero Calorie Foods and Drinks
Best Sugar Free Candy
Sugar is one of the main enemies when it comes to eating healthy or weight loss. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that won’t sabotage your diet, check out these best sugar-free candy options. From gummy bears to hard candies, there’s something for everyone here!
1. Jolly Rancher Assorted Fruit Flavored Sugar-Free Hard Candy
Jolly Rancher Assorted Fruit Flavored Sugar-Free Hard Candy is a great alternative for those with a sweet tooth. Sweetened with isomalt, it has 35 calories per serving (4 pieces). They come in a variety of fruity flavors, plus, they’re packaged in a convenient resealable bag.
2. Werther’s Sugar-Free Hard Candy
If you’re a fan of Werther’s Original Candies, you’ll be happy to know that there is a sugar-free option! Sweetened with isomalt, it’s 45 calories per serving (5 pieces). They come in a variety of flavors so you’ll soon have your favorite flavor!
3. Brach’s Sugar-Free Fruit Slices
Brach’s Sugar-Free Fruit Slices are a delicious alternative to regular candy. These sweet treats are made with real fruit juice and contain no artificial flavors or colors. They come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, grape, tangerine, and pineapple. Plus, they are individually wrapped so you can take them with you on the go. Sweetened with maltitol, they’re only 60 calories per serving (2 pieces).
4. Brach’s Sugar Free Butterscotch
Do you love the taste of butterscotch? If so, you’re going to love Brach’s Sugar Free Butterscotch candy! This delicious treat has a sweet and buttery flavor that will satisfy your cravings. It is sweetened with isomalt and has 35 calories per serving (3 pieces).
5. Russell Stover Assorted Fruits No Sugar Added Hard Candies
Russell Stover Assorted Fruits No Sugar Added Hard Candies are made with real fruit juice and contain no added sugar. Sweetened with maltitol, each 3 piece serving has only 50 calories. They are the perfect snack for people who are watching their weight, or for anyone who wants to enjoy the sweet stuff without all the sugar. They come in a variety of delicious flavors, including strawberry, grape, orange, and lemon.
6. Twizzlers Sugar-Free Strawberry Twists
Twizzlers Sugar-Free Strawberry Twists are just as delicious as regular Twizzlers but without all the sugar. Sweetened with maltitol, and at only 80 calories per serving (4 twists), they’re a guilt-free treat.
7. Zollipops Lollipops
Do you want to eat something delicious and also improve your oral health? If so, then you need to try Zollipops! These lollipops are made with natural ingredients that help clean your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. They come in a variety of flavors. Plus, they’re sugar-free and only 35 calories per serving (3 pop) as they are sweetened with xylitol, erythritol, and Stevia.
8. SmartSweets Sour Buddies Gummy Bears
SmartSweets Sour Buddies Gummy Bears are made with Stevia and are only 100 calories per bag. They are made with natural ingredients and are free from artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and GMOs. Plus, they are vegan and gluten-free. These sugar free gummy bears are perfect for on-the-go snacking or for when you need a little pick-me-up. They come in berry, blue raspberry, lime, lemon, and orange.
9. Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Sugar-Free Fruit Hard Candy
Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets sugar-free fruit hard candy is made with real fruit juice and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. It is also gluten-free and kosher. Plus, it comes in a variety of delicious flavors, including apple, cherry, grape, orange, and strawberry! These sugar-free hard candies are a perfect treat for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to sugary sweets as they are sweetened with xylitol and erythritol. With only 45 calories per serving (4 pieces)
10. Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Sugar-Free Classic Fruit Lollipops
Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets also makes a Sugar-Free Classic Fruit Lollipop. It is also made with real fruit juice and contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners. There are 30 calories per serving (2 lollipops)
11. Albanese World’s Best Sugar-Free Gummi Bears
Move over, Haribo! There’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to sugar-free gummi bears. These bears are bursting with flavor and sweetened with maltitol so you won’t even miss the sugar. The best part is that it’s only 90 calories per serving (9 pieces) and comes in twelve different flavors.
12. Eda’s Premium Sugar-Free Hard Candy
Eda’s Premium Sugar-Free Hard Candy is sweetened with sorbitol, a natural sweetener that doesn’t contain any sugar. Plus, they’re gluten-free and diabetic-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them! They have 45 calories per serving (5 pieces)
13. Ice Chips Licorice Candy
If you love the taste of licorice, then you will love Ice Chips Licorice Candy. It’s made with real licorice extract and all-natural ingredients, and it only contains 5 calories per serving thanks to xylitol. It’s also gluten-free.
14. Nips Sugar-Free Caramel Candy
Nips Sugar-Free Caramel Candy is perfect for those who love soft caramels They are gluten-free, making them great for those with dietary restrictions. It’s very chewy and the flavor of the caramel is really rich and creamy so you won’t miss the sugar. Sweetened with maltitol, each serving is 60 calories.
15. Candy People Sugar-Free Swedish Cola Gummy Candy
Do you love the taste of Swedish cola? Now you can enjoy it without all the sugar! Candy People has a line of gummy candy that is sugar-free and delicious. Made with all-natural ingredients, these candies are perfect for people who are watching their weight. Sweetened with stevia and maltitol, it has 60 calories per serving (6 pieces).
Your New Sugar-Free Candy Bowl!
So, there you have it! Our list of the best sugar-free candies on the market. We know that sometimes it’s hard to find good snacks when you’re trying to watch your sugar intake or have diet restrictions, but with these sugar-free treats, you won’t have to worry anymore.
Also read The Best Sugar Free Chocolate
Also read 8 Best and Healthiest Substitutes for Sugar in Tea
From hard candies to gummy bears, there’s something for you. Add the healthier sugar-free versions of your favorite treat to your candy bowl! Did I miss your best sugar-free candy? Let us know in the comments below!
4 comments
Stevia is the artificial sweetener I am most likely to use. And with candy, I like chocolates best
I’m bookmarking this FOREVER! I love candy, but I try to eat as healthy as possible. I love this list because some of my favorites are on here, and I never knew they existed!
Ooh I have heard of xylitol only. I definitely need to check out these brands, there’s only a few sugar-free candies here in the country.
Hi Millie. I’m glad you mentioned the artificial sweeteners. I’ve always avoided sugar-free candy for that reason.