Which sugar-free candy brands are best for people with diabetes. How can diabetics enjoy sweet treats without affecting blood sugar. What are the top sugar-free alternatives to popular candies. Are sugar-free candies safe for frequent consumption. How do sugar-free candies compare nutritionally to regular versions.

Understanding Sugar-Free Candy for Diabetics

For individuals with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is crucial. However, this doesn’t mean completely giving up on sweet treats. Sugar-free candy offers a way to satisfy cravings without causing dramatic spikes in blood glucose. But what exactly makes a candy “sugar-free,” and how does it affect those with diabetes?

Sugar-free candies are typically sweetened with sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners instead of traditional sugars. These alternatives provide sweetness with minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to note that “sugar-free” doesn’t necessarily mean “carb-free” or “calorie-free.” Many sugar-free candies still contain carbohydrates and calories, which should be factored into a diabetic meal plan.

Benefits of Sugar-Free Candy for Diabetics

• Lower impact on blood sugar levels
• Reduced calorie content compared to regular candy
• May help with weight management
• Can be beneficial for oral health
• Allows for occasional treats without compromising diabetes management

While sugar-free candies offer these advantages, it’s crucial to consume them in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, especially for those sensitive to sugar alcohols.

Top Sugar-Free Candy Brands for Diabetics

Now, let’s explore some of the best sugar-free candy options available for people with diabetes. These brands have crafted delicious treats that cater to those looking to limit their sugar intake without sacrificing flavor.

1. Lily’s Gummy Bears

Lily’s Gummy Bears offer a diabetes-friendly twist on a classic favorite. What sets these gummy bears apart from other sugar-free options? They don’t contain sugar alcohols, making them a great choice for those with sensitivities. Instead, they’re sweetened with allulose, a natural low-calorie sweetener.

How do Lily’s Gummy Bears compare nutritionally to traditional gummy bears? One serving contains 45 grams of carbohydrates, but 25 grams come from fiber and 14 grams from allulose. This results in only 3 grams of net carbs per serving, compared to 18 grams in regular gummy bears. However, the high fiber content may cause digestive issues for some individuals if consumed in large quantities.

2. ChocZero Chocolate Gems

For those craving a sugar-free alternative to M&Ms, ChocZero Chocolate Gems are an excellent choice. These colorful candy-coated chocolates are not only sugar-free but also free from artificial colors and flavors. How do they achieve their sweetness? ChocZero uses a combination of erythritol and stevia, along with added cassava fiber.

What’s the nutritional profile of ChocZero Chocolate Gems? A serving of 33 pieces contains only 11 grams of net carbs. This makes them a significantly lower-carb option compared to traditional chocolate candies, allowing diabetics to enjoy a chocolatey treat without drastically affecting their blood sugar levels.

Sugar-Free Hard Candies for Diabetic-Friendly Snacking

Hard candies are a popular choice for many, but traditional options can be high in sugar. Fortunately, there are sugar-free alternatives that provide the same satisfying crunch and long-lasting flavor without the glucose spike.

3. Dr. John’s Sugar-Free Hard Candies

Dr. John’s offers a variety of sugar-free hard candies in flavors like watermelon, strawberry, and green apple. How do these compare to traditional hard candies in terms of carbohydrate content? By choosing Dr. John’s sugar-free option over a candy like Lifesavers, you can save up to 14 grams of net carbs per serving.

What sweeteners are used in Dr. John’s Sugar-Free Hard Candies? These candies are sweetened with a combination of xylitol, erythritol, and stevia. This blend not only keeps blood sugar levels stable but also promotes dental health. In fact, consuming four pieces of this candy results in only 1 gram of net carbs.

Chocolate Lovers’ Sugar-Free Options

Chocolate is often considered off-limits for diabetics due to its high sugar content. However, several brands have created sugar-free chocolate options that allow individuals with diabetes to indulge their chocolate cravings responsibly.

4. Russell Stover Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter cups are a beloved treat, and Russell Stover offers a sugar-free version that doesn’t disappoint. How do these compare nutritionally to regular peanut butter cups? One serving of three mini Russell Stover Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups contains only 4 grams of net carbs. This is a significant reduction compared to regular mini peanut butter cups, saving you 11 grams of net carbs per serving.

What sweeteners are used in these peanut butter cups? Russell Stover utilizes a combination of maltitol, lactitol, sucralose, and polydextrose to achieve a sweet taste without spiking blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to note that some individuals may be sensitive to these sugar alcohols, so moderation is key.

5. Lily’s White Chocolate Bars

White chocolate is typically high in sugar, making it a challenging treat for diabetics. However, Lily’s has created a sugar-free white chocolate bar that addresses this issue. How does Lily’s White Chocolate Bar compare to traditional white chocolate in terms of carbohydrate content? Lily’s version contains just 2 grams of net carbs per serving, making it a much more diabetes-friendly option.

What sweeteners does Lily’s use in their white chocolate bars? Like their other products, Lily’s White Chocolate Bars are sweetened with a combination of erythritol and stevia. This allows for a sweet taste without the blood sugar impact of regular sugar.

Caramel Delights for Diabetics

Caramel is another candy favorite that’s typically off-limits for diabetics due to its high sugar content. However, innovative brands have created sugar-free caramel options that allow for indulgence without the sugar spike.

6. Zollipops Sugar-Free Caramel

Zollipops offers sugar-free caramel candies that are not only diabetes-friendly but also promote oral health. How do these compare to traditional caramels? By choosing Zollipops Sugar-Free Caramel over regular caramels, you can save over 16 grams of net carbs per serving.

What makes Zollipops Sugar-Free Caramel unique? These candies are sweetened with xylitol and erythritol, sugar alcohols that don’t promote the growth of oral bacteria that can lead to cavities. This makes them a doubly beneficial choice for individuals with diabetes, who are at higher risk for dental issues.

Considerations When Choosing Sugar-Free Candy

While sugar-free candies can be a great option for people with diabetes, there are some important factors to consider when incorporating them into your diet.

Potential Side Effects of Sugar Alcohols

Many sugar-free candies use sugar alcohols as sweeteners. While these substances have minimal impact on blood sugar, they can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. What are the potential side effects of consuming too many sugar alcohols? Some people may experience cramping, gas, bloating, or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities.

How can you minimize the risk of these side effects? It’s important to introduce sugar-free candies slowly into your diet and pay attention to how your body reacts. Start with small amounts and gradually increase if you don’t experience any adverse effects. Always read the ingredient list and be aware of your personal tolerance to different sugar alcohols.

Reading Nutrition Labels

When selecting sugar-free candy, it’s crucial to read nutrition labels carefully. What should you look for on these labels? Pay attention to total carbohydrates, fiber content, and sugar alcohols. Many sugar-free candies will list “net carbs,” which is calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates.

Why is understanding net carbs important for diabetics? Net carbs give a more accurate picture of the carbohydrates that will impact blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to note that some sugar alcohols may still have a small effect on blood glucose, so monitoring your individual response is key.

Incorporating Sugar-Free Candy into a Diabetic Diet

While sugar-free candies can be a great way for diabetics to enjoy sweet treats, it’s important to incorporate them into a balanced diet responsibly.

Portion Control

Even though sugar-free candies have less impact on blood sugar, they still contain calories and carbohydrates. How can diabetics practice portion control with sugar-free candy? Start by following the serving size listed on the package. Use small containers or snack bags to pre-portion candies, making it easier to stick to appropriate serving sizes.

Why is portion control especially important with sugar-free candies? Overconsumption can lead to excessive calorie intake and potential digestive issues from sugar alcohols. By practicing portion control, you can enjoy these treats while maintaining overall health and blood sugar management.

Balancing with Other Nutrients

While sugar-free candies can be part of a diabetic diet, they shouldn’t replace more nutritious foods. How can diabetics balance their candy consumption with other nutrients? Consider pairing sugar-free candy with a source of protein or healthy fat to help slow digestion and further minimize blood sugar impact. For example, enjoy a small serving of sugar-free chocolate with a handful of almonds.

What are some nutrient-dense snacks that can satisfy a sweet tooth? Fresh berries, Greek yogurt with cinnamon, or a small apple with peanut butter can provide sweetness along with beneficial nutrients and fiber.

The Future of Sugar-Free Candy for Diabetics

As awareness of diabetes and the importance of sugar management grows, the sugar-free candy market continues to evolve. What trends can we expect to see in the future of sugar-free candy?

Innovative Sweeteners

Research into alternative sweeteners is ongoing, with new options emerging regularly. What are some promising sweeteners for future sugar-free candies? Allulose, monk fruit extract, and novel blends of existing sweeteners are likely to become more prevalent. These options aim to provide sweetness with minimal impact on blood sugar and fewer side effects than some current alternatives.

Improved Taste and Texture

One common complaint about sugar-free candies has been differences in taste and texture compared to their sugar-containing counterparts. How are candy manufacturers addressing this issue? Advanced food science techniques are being employed to create sugar-free candies that more closely mimic the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of traditional candies. This includes innovations in ingredient combinations and manufacturing processes.

Functional Ingredients

Beyond simply being sugar-free, future diabetic-friendly candies may incorporate functional ingredients. What types of functional ingredients might we see in sugar-free candies? Possibilities include added fiber, probiotics, or even ingredients that actively help manage blood sugar levels. These additions could transform candy from a simple treat to a functional food that supports overall health for individuals with diabetes.

As the sugar-free candy market continues to grow and evolve, individuals with diabetes can look forward to an ever-expanding array of options that allow them to satisfy their sweet tooth while managing their blood sugar effectively. By staying informed about new products and understanding how to incorporate them into a balanced diet, diabetics can enjoy the occasional sweet treat without compromising their health goals.

The 11 Best Sugar Free Candy Brands for People with Diabetes

Diabetes

ByErin
September 22, 2022December 6, 2022

Try some of the best sugar-free candy for a sweet treat without spiking your blood sugar or having a sugar crash. All of these candies are perfect for people with diabetes or anyone looking to limit their added sugar while still enjoying their favorites!

Whether it’s Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s day, or any holiday or special event in between, you can bet candy will be there. And who wants to say no to their favorite treats over and over? Not me! And you shouldn’t have to, either. In small amounts, candy can be included in a healthy diet. 

If you want to enjoy candy more often, avoid blood sugar spikes, protect your teeth, are trying to lose weight, or avoid the dreaded sugar crash after overdoing it at the candy jar, there could be a better option. I’ve compiled a list of the best sugar-free candy for people with diabetes so that you can have your sweets and feel your best. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Who should eat sugar free candy? 

Sugar free candy is perfect for people with diabetes who want to enjoy sweets while managing their blood sugar. But, even if you don’t have diabetes, sugar-free candy might be a good choice for you. Limiting sugar can benefit oral health, weight management, blood cholesterol, and help keep your energy levels stable. 

Remember that sugar free doesn’t mean carb-free, and if you have diabetes, candy that doesn’t have sugar may still need to be included in your carb meal plan for effective blood sugar management.

A word of caution on sugar-free candy

Sugar-free candy is often lower in calories and carbohydrates than traditional versions, but that doesn’t mean it is a perfect substitute. Some sugar-free candies are made with sugar alcohols and extra fibers, which if consumed in excess may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people.

Those made with sugar alcohols such as erythritol will have less of an risk of GI impact than those made with large amounts of xylitol. But do be sure to read the ingredient list and if a product causes discomfort, discontinue using it. You can learn more about all sweeteners used in low calories and sugar free products and potential benefits and side effects in this article as well.

These gummy bears are the perfect diabetes-friendly take on a classic kids’ favorite! Unlike a lot of sugar-free candy, Lily’s gummy bears don’t include sugar alcohols, which is great for people who are sensitive to them.

While allulose is a natural sweetener that’s generally well tolerated, the high amount of fiber in these gummy bears could cause you some stomach troubles. One serving of this candy has 45 grams of carbohydrates, 25 grams of fiber from soluble corn fiber and 14 grams of allulose, so the net carbs are only 3 grams, compared to 18 grams of net carbs in traditional gummy bears.  

This brightly colored candy-coated chocolate is an amazing sugar-free swap for m&m’s. They’re high fiber, free of artificial colors or flavors and have zero sugar! Sweetened with erythritol and stevia with added cassava fiber, one serving of 33 pieces has only 11 grams of net carbs.

These hard candies come in watermelon, strawberry, and green apple flavors with all the sweetness but none of the sugar! Swap hard candy like Lifesavers for these and save up to 14 grams of net carbs per serving!

Four pieces of this candy have only 1 gram of net carbs. They’re sweetened with xylitol, erythritol, and stevia, which make them a great choice for keeping your blood sugar low and your teeth clean. 

One of the top choices for sugar-free Halloween candy is these mini peanut butter cups! Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorites. One serving of three mini Reeses cups has only 4 grams of net carbs. Compared to regular mini peanut butter cups, you’ll save 11 grams of net carbs per serving! 

This candy uses maltitol, lactitol, sucralose, and polydextrose to replace sugar for a sweetness that won’t spike your blood sugar.  

These chocolate-covered caramels are sweetened with the sugar alcohols xylitol and erythritol, which help sweeten the candy without promoting oral bacteria that can lead to cavities. Sugar alcohols also have very little, if any, effect on blood sugar and are the perfect way to sweeten diabetes-friendly foods. 

Swap caramels like these with Zollipop’s to save over 16 grams of net carbs per serving. Just be aware that for some people, sugar alcohols can cause stomach discomfort like cramping, gas, bloating and diarrhea so be mindful of how much you eat at once. 

White chocolate typically has a high sugar content, but Lily’s white chocolate bars have just 2 grams of sugar and only 4 grams of net carbs per serving. They’re sweetened with stevia and erythritol and have 7 grams of fiber per serving from chicory root fiber. This soluble fiber is known as inulin and can help regular blood sugar and cholesterol. 

Red licorice is a fan favorite but can have over 25 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of added sugar per serving. Project 7 licorice isn’t sugar free, but it’s low enough only to have a mild effect on your blood glucose.

One bag of their red licorice is the equivalent of 5 Twizzler sticks and has only 11 grams of net carbs and 1 gram of sugar. It’s sweetened with allulose, a natural low-calorie sweetener with minimal side effects, making it a good choice if you’re sensitive to sugar alcohols. 

If you can’t get enough of Swedish fish candy but could do without the rapid rise in blood sugar, try the sugar-free option from Candy People. Every serving has only 13 grams of net carbs and zero sugars. They’re sweetened with maltitol and are gelatin free. 

A fruit-flavored hard candy with zero net carbs and only 1.5 grams of sugar alcohols per serving. They’re mostly sweetened with stevia, a natural low calorie sugar alternative.

These hard candies are perfect for when you need something sweet or to combat dry mouth without increasing the risk of cavities. Having zero grams of net carbs, you won’t have to worry about them raising your blood sugar either! 

This is as close to the real thing as you can get, but thankfully without the rise in blood sugar or energy crashes. Each serving has only 8 grams of net carbs and is sweetened with maltitol, a type of sugar alcohol. Malitol can have a laxative effect for some people, so be careful of your portion size until you know how this candy affects you. 

It can be hard to find a sugar-free Swedish Fish alternative, but this option from SmartSweets checks all the boxes. These are delicious and taste just like the traditional option without any aftertaste. Mainly sweetened with allulose, one bag contains only 100 calories (I love it when you can eat the whole bag!) and 13 grams of fiber. There are still 18 grams of net carbs in one bag, so it isn’t completely free of carbs. But it makes a wonderful alternative with much less added sugar when you have a craving for those sweet, chewy fish!

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you need to give up candy. While enjoying small pieces of the real stuff once in a while is fine, enjoying sugar free candy can let you enjoy it more often without worrying about your blood sugar. Have you tried any of these sugar free candies? What ones are your favorite? 

Is Sugar-Free Candy Okay for Diabetics?

You already know it’s important to count carbs and limit regular sugar intake when managing diabetes — but how sugar-free candy fits into the picture is less clear. Here’s what you need to know.

By Stephanie Bucklin and Ashley WelchMedically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Reviewed: July 7, 2022

Medically Reviewed

For blood glucose control, research suggests that artificial sweeteners are preferable to the regular sugar found in traditional candy.Getty Images

Although consuming sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes, consuming foods with carbs — including sugar — can make hitting your blood sugar goals more challenging. But does sugar-free candy have the same effect on blood sugar as the traditional stuff? And how does it affect weight, another measure of diabetes control?

The answers to these common diabetes questions aren’t so straightforward.

“Generally speaking, sugar-free candy will have less of an effect on blood glucose than its sugar-containing counterpart,” says Jo-Anne M. Rizzotto, RD, a certified diabetes care and education specialist at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. That said, “Sugar-free does not mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free,” Rizzotto adds. “While sugar-free candy is made with artificial sweeteners, and those sweeteners have fewer calories and carbohydrates, when eaten in certain amounts they still may have an impact on glucose levels and can sabotage one’s weight loss efforts.”

Here’s the lowdown on eating sugar-free candy when managing diabetes.

What Exactly Is in Sugar-Free Candy?

“The major difference between regular and sugar-free candy is the kind of sweetener used,” says Anna Taylor, RD, who is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition. Taylor says that there’s typically no significant difference in the fat or protein content of sugar-free candy.

Sugar-free sweeteners include saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, and stevia, as research notes. Examples of sugar alcohols, which are also sugar-free, include xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and maltitol, per the Cleveland Clinic. As you can see, most sugar alcohols end in “-itol,” Taylor notes.

11 Things You Can Do Today For A Healthier Future With Type 2 Diabetes

What Studies Say About Sugar-Free Candy and Blood Sugar

While sugar-free candy itself hasn’t been studied extensively, the artificial sweeteners it contains have. A review of 37 studies published in 2017 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that artificial sweeteners were linked with a modest increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes, among other ailments. Another review cites research that suggests that consuming artificial sweeteners regularly may be dangerous for people with diabetes. That’s because those sweeteners are associated with an increased risk of obesity, which can further worsen glucose intolerance.

That doesn’t mean you have to completely swear off sugar-free treats if you have diabetes or are at risk of it. Other research on humans suggests that regular sugar may be comparatively more damaging to those individuals. One study, for example, directly compared the different effects of sugary beverages and artificially sweetened beverages. The researchers observed that regular consumption (which they defined as two or more servings per day) of artificially sweetened drinks was associated with a 21 percent increase in the risk of diabetes. But the level of increased risk rose by 43 percent when the drinks were sweetened with regular sugar instead.

In another review published in 2021 in Frontiers in Nutrition, the authors wrote that more long-term human studies are needed to determine the health effects of artificial sweeteners over time.

Why Sugar-Free Candy May Be a Good Choice for People With Diabetes

When managing diabetes, experts agree that sugar-free candy is a better choice than candy made with regular sugar — at least based on the current evidence. “Having the option of sugar-free candy to satisfy a sweet tooth without causing a spike in blood glucose can be very helpful, in addition to reducing one’s daily sugar consumption and posing less of a risk to dental health,” Rizzotto says.

Another possible benefit? Sugar-free candy often, though not always, contains fewer total carbohydrates, less sugar, and fewer calories than regular candy, Taylor says.

That said, it’s still crucial to practice portion control, as you do with all foods in a diabetes diet. If the candy contains sugar alcohols, as sugar-free candy often does, it still has the potential to affect your blood sugar levels, Taylor notes. That’s because sugar alcohols have carbohydrates, too, just to a lesser degree than regular sugar. Plus, if you ingest too many sugar alcohols, you may experience uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, Taylor warns.

“It’s also easy to consume more candy with the justification that it is sugar-free, potentially causing you to eat more calories and more carbohydrates than if you were just eating the regular candy made with sugar,” Rizzotto adds. “Always read the nutrition facts label to see how many calories, carbohydrates, and sugar alcohols, if any, the candy contains.”

Tips for Eating Regular and Sugar-Free Candy When Managing Diabetes

Before popping any candy in your mouth — whether regular or sugar-free — follow this handy guide to ensure that the sweet stuff doesn’t mess with your blood sugar levels:

Enjoy in Moderation

When looking at regular candy, mind the carbs per serving but also the added sugar. Aim to consume no more than 25 grams (g) of added sugar per day if you’re a woman and no more than 36 g per day if you’re a man, the American Heart Association recommends.

Focus on portion control and decreased frequency, regardless of whether you choose sugar-free candy or regular candy, Taylor says. That way, you’ll be able to budget for treats without exceeding the recommended sugar or carb intake, she says.

Be Mindful of Sugar Alcohols

If you’re budgeting for a sugar-free candy in your diet, check the nutrition label and watch out for sugar alcohols. “You’ll see sugar alcohol content listed in grams on the nutrition facts label, under the total carbohydrates section,” Taylor says. “In addition, you will see the type of sugar alcohol the product contains by reading the ingredients list.”

Watch for Saturated Fat

“You want to look for the lowest saturated fat content and ensure that the carbohydrate content fits into your carb budget,” Taylor says. For instance, she notes that sugar-free chocolate still contains cocoa butter, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise your cholesterol levels, and it should be limited to no more than about 6 percent of your total daily calories, Taylor says.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Ultimately, choose a treat you know will be satisfying, so you aren’t tempted to overindulge. “Treat yourself to a piece of regular candy you like, and plan for it,” Rizzotto says. “Savor it slowly, not letting guilt flaw the experience of enjoying the candy. ”

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

The 6 Best Low-Impact Exercises for People With Diabetes

Type 2 diabetics can lose weight, increase strength, stability, and mobility, and even better manage their blood sugar by exercising. But low-impact is…

By K. Aleisha FettersJune 10, 2023

10 Beverage Dos and Don’ts for Diabetes

Drinks can provide nutrition and hydration, but they can also add unnecessary calories and sugar to your diet. Learn which beverages are best for diabetes…

By Madeline R. Vann, MPHJune 4, 2023

Diabetes in Black Americans: How to Lower Your Risk

Various factors have left Black Americans more prone to type 2 diabetes and its related complications compared with other groups. Here’s what researchers…

By Tracy E. HopkinsMay 16, 2023

What Are the Signs of High and Low Blood Sugar?

Keeping blood sugar within a healthy range is important when you’re diabetic. We interviewed diabetes healthcare providers to get their insight on what…

By K. Aleisha FettersMay 1, 2023

10 Fiber-Rich Foods for Your Diabetes Diet

What high-fiber foods can help type 2 diabetics manage their blood sugar levels and avoid dips and spikes? Follow this list of fiber-rich foods for diabetes…

By Diana RodriguezApril 20, 2023

Best and Worst Breads for People With Type 2 Diabetes

Top choices for people with type 2 diabetes include whole-grain breads, sprouted breads, and breads fermented with sourdough starter, like pumpernickel…

By Barbie Cervoni, RD, CDEApril 15, 2023

If you really want, you can: sweets without sugar for diabetics

04/23/2018

The use of sweets, no doubt, is one of those gastronomic pleasures that are very difficult for a person to refuse. Firstly, it is delicious, secondly, sweets contain substances that have a positive effect on the general psycho-emotional state, and thirdly, sweets stimulate the brain.

Unfortunately, sweets are out of bounds for people who have diabetes. And this does not mean at all that diabetics do not want sweets and other sweets. Fortunately, modern manufacturers have taken care of those who are forced to limit themselves in sugar, creating special sugar-free sweets for diabetics and those who simply limit their sugar intake. What is included in these sweets, how safe are they for people with high blood sugar, and what is the healthy food company Zdorovka ready to offer? Let’s try to figure it out.

Zdorovka sweets for diabetics – tasty, sweet, safe

The use of sweeteners in sweets makes them accessible to diabetics. At the same time, sweets do not lose their taste. To date, Zdorovka offers the following safe sugar analogues, as well as sweets based on these substitutes.

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is almost as sweet as regular sugar, but it does not require insulin to be absorbed. Sweets on sorbitol also contribute to the production of B vitamins, stimulate the intestines, remove excess water from the body, and prevent caries. The catalog of our company contains a wide selection of sugar-free sweets on sorbitol for diabetics – these are Petrodiet jelly sweets, Life Lover bars, pralines, Sever sweets, etc.

Stevia sweets

These sweets replace sugar with stevia, a plant whose leaves contain a safe sweet ingredient. Moreover, the sweetness of stevia is superior to real sugar and they have fewer calories. And besides, stevia contains many useful substances for a diabetic (and for any person), such as pectin, fiber, vitamins and macro and microelements. Sweets with stevia normalize digestion, remove cholesterol, lower blood pressure and prevent allergies. Zdorovka is pleased to offer you delicious and healthy sweets without sugar with stevia from the Smart Sweets and Petrodiet brands: soft jellies, sweets with prunes, walnuts, dried apricots, almonds, blueberry bars are very tasty and healthy. sweets.

Fructose

The most common sugar-free sweets are made with fructose, or fruit sugar. For the assimilation of sweets on fructose, a minimal participation of insulin is required, it is absorbed faster and easier by the body. Such candies will protect you from caries, energize you (metabolism is accelerated), relieve fatigue and saturate your muscles with glycogen. However, in case of diabetes mellitus, the use of sweets on fructose is possible only after consulting with your doctor, since the sugar-replacing component (fructose) itself may not be allowed for everyone. The final decision in this case should be made by a specialist, depending on the severity of the disease.

In our catalog you will find diet sweets without sugar and additives on fructose – these are sweets with berry fillings, pralines, halvich (“Life-lover”), jelly and roasted candies (“Petrodiet”), sugar-free chocolates “Golitsin”, etc.

It is worth noting that sugar-free chocolates can also be used by people who are overweight, lovers of low-calorie diets, as well as everyone who advocates a healthy diet.

Is it possible for everyone to have sweets with sweeteners

This question is very important. Everything that a diabetic introduces into the diet should be discussed with the doctor in advance.

The use of sweets without sugar immediately brings several positive aspects:

• variety of diet;
• taste pleasure;
• psychological comfort – you lead the same life as the rest, where there is a place for your favorite sweets, and you are not tormented that you have eaten something forbidden.

Live life to the fullest, please yourself with delicious sweets, do not give up safe pleasures, and Zdorovka will help you with this, offering the best and most delicious sweets for diabetics from reliable manufacturers!

Experts: Sugar-free sweets don’t help you lose weight According to experts, many buyers mistakenly believe that such sweets are less high-calorie than those containing sugar. And the examination of such products showed that the calorie content indicated on the label does not always correspond to the truth.

November 20, 2015

Source:

Sergey Nikolaev/DP

Experts from a St. Petersburg public organization tested 10 samples of sugar-free confectionery products sold in the large St. Petersburg supermarkets Lenta, Prism and SPAR. As the examination in the Test-St. Petersburg laboratory showed, the real nutritional and energy value of all 10 samples of confectionery products based on sweeteners differed from the data on the label. On average, the actual content of kilocalories in the samples was exceeded by 20-80 kcal. The exceptions are cookies on fructose “Posidelkino” (Leningrad region) and sweets on fructose “Good light” (Voronezh), in which the actual content of kilocalories turned out to be slightly less than indicated on the package. However, these discrepancies, as explained in Test-S.-Petersburg, could not become the basis for recognizing products as low-quality – in accordance with the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, average energy values ​​​​are taken out on the packaging without specifying tolerances.

According to Khavra Astamirova, head of the St. Petersburg Organizational and Methodological Center for Diabetology, for people who are obese or overweight, such products can do a disservice – the calorie content of sorbitol, xylitol, and fructose is the same as that of sugar. “Unfortunately, often people who are overweight or obese buy products with sweeteners in order to correct their weight,” the expert said. – They end up paying more money for products that don’t promote weight loss. And they can even do harm, because a person, believing that they are “medicinal”, can eat them in larger quantities.

Examination revealed a significant excess of calorie values ​​in products: Di and Di amaranth pads with stevia (D&D Corporation LLC), Longevity Balance oatmeal cookies (TD Petrodiet LLC), marshmallows on fructose ( LLC KF Neva), drying on sorbitol Zdorovka (LLC Lakomka SPb), waffle cake on sorbitol (LLC Veresk), candies Murena in chocolate TM Fruktozov, cottage cheese cookies without sugar from flour amaranth (OOO PF Avangard), sunflower halva on fructose Tsarskaya (LLC Azov confectionery factory).

The Russian Diabetes Association (RDA) named the most high-calorie of the tested sweets “sugar-free” – they included products containing more than 450 kcal per 100 g. “Avangard”, 462 kcal), amaranth pads “D and D” (515 kcal), sweets with waffles on fructose “Good advice” (523 kcal), oatmeal cookies with cranberries on fructose “Posidelkino” (453 kcal), waffle cake on sorbitol “Heather” (580 kcal), sunflower halva on fructose “Royal” (565 kcal).

See also

In addition, products with sweeteners can harm diabetic patients. According to experts, deviations in the amount of carbohydrates are especially dangerous for them.

– A person calculates insulin according to the indicators on the label, and if the carbohydrates in the product are less than declared, this can lead to a decrease in sugar and a hypoglycemic coma. And if there are more carbohydrates than indicated on the label (the excess of 10 g per 100 g of product is critical), then this leads to an increase in blood sugar and subsequent complications of diabetes. In my opinion, products such as “Amaranth Flour Sugar-Free Curd Cookies” produced by Avangard PF LLC, which contain 23.7 g more carbohydrates than indicated on the label, are not useful, but dangerous. Such a deviation will raise sugar by 4-5 mmol / l above the norm. The actual energy value of this cookie is 85 kcal higher than indicated on the label, the excess is 21%, said Khavra Astamirova.

According to the Russian Diabetes Association, out of ten samples submitted for testing, 5 turned out to be high-carbohydrate: drying on sorbitol “Zdorovka” (73%), oatmeal cookies “Longevity Balance” with stevia (67.8%), oatmeal cookies with cranberries on fructose TM Posidelkino 68.9%), marshmallows on fructose TM DiYes (76.6%), sugar-free curd cookies made from amaranth flour (OOO PF Avangard, 71.7%), and sweets TM Fruktozov ” with fructose fell into the category of “record holders” – they turned out to be super-high-carbohydrate (81.4%).

– Natural sweeteners – xylitol, sorbitol, fructose, maltose and others – contain as many calories as regular sugar, so products based on them cannot be recommended for obese and overweight people, – said RDA President Mikhail Bogomolov . “These products are for healthy people who want to stay healthy. These products can also be consumed by those suffering from diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, but in quantities not exceeding those recommended.

As specified in the “Public Control”, manufacturers of sweets “without sugar”, observing the law, do not state on the packages that their products are indicated for diabetics. Meanwhile, some stores often present them as recommended for diabetics, placing false information such as “for diabetics” or “for diabetic nutrition” on separate shelves of the confectionery departments. Experts say that this is a direct misleading of consumers, which should be stopped by Rospotrebnadzor.

Reference

On July 1, 2013, the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) 027/2012 “On the safety of certain types of specialized food products” came into force, in which a new definition appeared – “food products for diabetic nutrition”. These are products in which the content of easily digestible carbohydrates (monosaccharides – glucose, fructose, galactose, and disaccharides – sucrose, lactose) is absent or reduced in relation to their content in similar food products and (or) the carbohydrate composition is changed.