What’s a life without candy? Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or relaxing after a tough day, sweets make everything a little bit better. Even if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can still enjoy a piece of candy now and again with some sugar-free varieties. The pros and cons of sugar-free candies abound, and they’re different for each person.
Some don’t like the taste, and some don’t like the price. Still, others are willing to make these sacrifices to enjoy the myriad of benefits that come with sugar-free treats. Discover their good and bad qualities.
Pro: It Has Fewer Calories
Many sugar-free treats are low in calories. Depending on what other ingredients are in the sweet, it may have fewer calories than its real-sugar counterpart. Sugar-free doesn’t really mean sugar-free. These candies contain artificial sweeteners with no or fewer calories. Artificial sweeteners that don’t have calories include:
- Aspartame
- Stevia
- Saccharin
- Sucralose
Con: It Doesn’t Taste the Same as the Real Thing
If you’ve ever had a sugar-free candy, you know it’s not quite the same as the real thing. That’s because artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugars crafted in labs. In many cases, scientists discovered these sweeteners when they were trying to create pharmaceuticals and mistakenly tasted the substances they were mixing. Artificial sweeteners are common in soft drinks, ice cream, and candy. Those who don’t mind (or prefer!) the taste can take advantage of these diet and sugar-free options.
Pro: It Helps Manage Blood Sugar
Some sugar-free candies may help you manage your blood sugar, and it’s common to associate sugar-free candy with diabetes. However, not all of it is diabetes-friendly. Since some artificial sugars still contain carbs, they aren’t necessarily good for people with diabetes trying to avoid sugar. Sugar-free candies that contain sugar alcohols also contain carbs. Sugar alcohols include:
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
- Isomalt
- Lactitol
- Maltitol
- Erythritol
Con: You May Experience Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Especially for those who already suffer from stomach problems, the artificial sweeteners in sugar-free candies may cause side effects. Possible gastrointestinal symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For this reason, you should eat sugar-free candy the same way you would the regular stuff: in moderation.
Pro: It Can Satisfy Your Cravings
Cutting down on sugar doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy candy. Satisfy your craving for chocolate, peanut butter, or gummies with sugar-free options. With zero-sugar varieties, you’ll enjoy the same textures; the treats look and smell the same. You may even find you prefer some sugar-free options if you enjoy artificial sweeteners. When it comes to taste, each is just a different type of sweet.
Con: It Triggers Appetite
For some people, artificial sweeteners may trigger appetite sensors. We all have them in our brains, and different foods tell our sensors whether we’re satisfied or not. If sugar-free candies make you feel like you want to binge eat, they may not be good for you. You might be better off eating one piece of regular candy rather than eating an entire bag of sugar-free candies.
Pro: It’s Not Just for People With Diabetes
Though many people associate sugar-free candy with diabetes, it’s really for anyone who wants to cut sugar or carbs from their diet. Some choose it because they believe that less sugar will benefit their teeth. Others are watching their weight and choose to indulge in low-calorie sweeteners when they enjoy sugar. In addition to helping people manage their health, sugar-free candy also exists for those who want to include it as part of their healthy lifestyle.
Con: Sugar-Free Doesn’t Mean Fat-Free
Check other ingredients in the candy you choose to eat before you decide if it’s healthy. If you’re trying to cut sugar and fat, you may have to avoid certain types of sugar-free candy—such as chocolates. Manufacturers often add more fat to make up for the taste in these products.
Pro: Sugar-Free Candy Comes in Many Varieties
One thing you won’t have to worry about if you switch to sugar-free is missing out on your favorite candies. Most manufacturers make sugar-free varieties of their most popular treats. From Reese’s cups to lollipops, you can find just about any sweet with zero sugar.
Con: Some Artificial Sugars Still Have Carbs
Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and erythritol contain some carbohydrates, though most artificial sweeteners do not. Still, like with fat content, you should check the nutrition label so that you know what’s in your candy. Food manufacturers may add additional ingredients to alter the flavor of a food since the sugar content is not the same.
Pro: You Can Find Sugar-Free Candy Made With Natural Sweeteners
An alternative to artificial sweeteners is to choose candy that uses natural sweeteners. Beware of products that claim to use natural sweeteners when they’re using stevia. They make this claim because stevia comes from a plant. True natural sweeteners include:
- Honey
- Agave
- Fruit juices
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
Con: Sugar-Free Candy Costs More
Due to high demand and the cost of ingredients, candy with zero sugar is usually more expensive. Manufacturers charge more for these products because they use synthetics that cost more to source. It’s difficult to make candy that tastes good without sugar. Since the process is more challenging, companies must charge more.
Pro: Sugar-Free Candy Is Easy To Find
You can find sugar-free candy at any store, and most stores that sell candy also sell sugar-free options. Grocery stores typically group zero-sugar varieties, so they’re easy to find. Further, candymakers usually package these varieties differently to distinguish them from the rest. They are traditionally in lighter-colored bags than their typical branding and contain markings in striking lettering to let customers know the contents have no sugar.
Have you noticed any side effects or benefits of eating candy without real sugar? Maybe it lets you enjoy a sweet treat and stick to your diet. On the other hand, if you don’t feel good after eating it, consider an alternative. Honey and molasses may give you the sweet taste you desire without making your stomach hurt. Whether you’ve been eating this type of candy for years or are thinking about switching, it’s good to know the pros and cons of sugar-free candies. Find the bulk sugar-free sweets you crave when you shop Sweet Services online store today.
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