How Much Sugar and Candy Can You Enjoy With Diabetes? | Diabetic Candy Guide

How Much Sugar is Actually in a Hershey's Chocolate Bar?

For people with diabetes, consuming sweets and candy can be a tricky balance. While it's often advised for diabetics to limit sugar intake, enjoying an occasional sweet treat is still possible in moderation. When looking for sweet indulgences, many turn to classic candy bars like those made by Hershey's. But how much sugar is really in a standard Hershey's chocolate bar?

Sugar Content in Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars

Hershey's simple milk chocolate bars contain relatively modest amounts of sugar compared to other popular candy bars. For example, a standard 1.55 oz Hershey's milk chocolate bar contains:

• 24 grams of sugar
• 130 calories
• 8 grams of fat
• 3 grams of protein

So in a single serving Hershey's milk chocolate bar, there are about 5.5 teaspoons of sugar. For comparison, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for women, and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.

Sugar in Different Hershey's Chocolate Bars

While the classic Hershey's milk chocolate bar is relatively low in sugar, some other popular Hershey's chocolate bars contain more:

• Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme bar - 29 grams of sugar in 1.5 oz
• Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar - 26 grams of sugar in 1.45 oz
• Hershey's Special Dark mild chocolate bar - 31 grams of sugar in 1.45 oz

Hershey's Twizzlers also vary in sugar content. For example:

• Twizzlers Strawberry Twists - 25 grams of sugar per 4 pieces
• Twizzlers Cherry Pull n' Peel - 20 grams of sugar per 3 pieces

So while the classic Hershey's chocolate bars are a fairly good option, some of their other popular candies contain more added sugar per serving.

Ways To Enjoy Hershey's Chocolate in Moderation with Diabetes

The key for people with diabetes is enjoying sweets like Hershey's chocolate bars carefully and in moderation. Here are some tips:

• Stick to small, single size servings
• Pay attention to sugar content and choose lower sugar options
• Pair with protein and healthy fats to balance blood sugar
• Account for the carbs when calculating insulin needs
• Consume with a meal, not alone as a snack

While chocolate and candy will raise blood sugar levels, consuming them responsibly minimizes spikes and crashes. Enjoying small treats, when paired properly with medications or healthy food, allows those with diabetes to satisfy sweet cravings.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Chocolate with Diabetes

For those looking to indulge their sweet tooth while limiting sugar, there are some alternatives to consider:

• Dark Chocolate - Has less added sugar than milk chocolate varieties.
• Portion-Controlled Options - Individually wrapped mini or fun size candies help control serving size.
• Chocolate with Nuts/Fruit - The protein and fiber help regulate blood sugar response.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate - Contains less sugar and calories than milk chocolate.

While no chocolate is sugar-free, making smart substitutions can allow those with diabetes to enjoy the flavors they love in healthier moderation.

How Many Hershey's Kisses Can a Diabetic Have?

For people with diabetes, Hershey's Kisses can make a great alternative to chocolate bars for a quick sweet treat. But how many Kisses can someone with diabetes safely enjoy?

Carb and Sugar Count in Hershey's Kisses

Here's the nutrition information for 5 standard Hershey's milk chocolate Kisses (about 13 grams each):

• 65 calories
• 7g carbs
• 4g sugar
• 2g fat

So in a 5-Kiss serving, there are 4g of sugar and 7g of carbs. There are 8g of carbs and 5g of sugar in just 3 Kisses.

Recommended Servings of Hershey's Kisses for Diabetics

For people with diabetes, here are some smart guidelines for enjoying Hershey's Kisses:

• Stick to 3-5 Kisses as a serving
• Aim to pair with a protein or healthy fat
• Account for the carbs when calculating insulin
• Consume as part of a meal or snack, not alone

It's generally recommended not to have more than 30-60g of carbs in any snack. So for most people with diabetes, limiting Hershey's Kisses to 3-5 pieces per snack is a good range for controlling portions and blood sugar.

Tips for Choosing Healthier Chocolate with Diabetes

While they can be enjoyed in moderation, Hershey's Kisses aren't the healthiest option for diabetics due to their high sugar content. Here are some tips for picking healthier chocolate treats:

• Opt for dark chocolate varieties
• Look for chocolate with nuts, fruit, or crunchy inclusions
• Choose individually wrapped mini or snack-size candies
• Watch labels for total carb and sugar content

Being mindful of dietary needs doesn't mean having to avoid sweets entirely. With smart portioning and substitutions, chocolate can still be included as an occasional treat in a healthy diabetic diet.

Best Candy Choices for People With Diabetes

Candy doesn't have to be completely off limits for people with diabetes. Some sweet treats can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the best candy choices for diabetics:

1. Mini Candy Bars

Mini candy bars, like snack size Hershey's, Snickers, or Reese's, allow you to indulge while controlling portions. Since they are individually wrapped, it's easy to limit yourself to 1-2 pieces. Just be mindful of total carb content.

2. Small Hard Candies

Options like mints, ginger candies, or lemon drops dissolve slowly in the mouth. This prevents sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Stick to 1-2 hard candies as a snack.

3. Chocolate with Nuts or Seeds

The protein and fat in nuts help blunt the impact of sugar in chocolate. Try options like chocolate covered almonds or chocolate with hazelnuts. But watch portion size, as the calories can add up fast.

4. High Cocoa Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher has less added sugar. It also contains antioxidants and may support heart health. A small 1 oz serving can curb cravings.

5. Jelly Beans

While high in carbs and sugar, jelly beans are carb consistent and come in small portions. Enjoy a handful, accounting for about 15g carbs, to satisfy a sweet tooth.

How Much Candy Can a Diabetic Have in a Day?

People with diabetes can enjoy occasional candy treats by paying close attention to portion control and counting carbs. Here's a look at some general daily guidelines for candy with diabetes:

Carb Budgets

Most diabetics have a daily carb allowance or "budget." Common recommendations are:

• Women: 30-45g carbs per snack, 90-120g per meal
• Men: 45-60g carbs per snack, 120-180g per meal

Candy should be substituted for other carb foods in these allowances, not eaten in addition.

Serving Sizes

When counting carbs, these are reasonable candy serving sizes:

• 1 small candy bar (like fun size)
• 1-2 small chocolate truffles
• 15-20 gummy bears
• About 1/4 cup jelly beans

Ideally, limit candy to no more than one serving or exchange (15g carbs) at a time.

Frequency

Most experts recommend limiting sweets, including candy, to no more than twice per week when managing diabetes. Any more frequently than that can lead to poor blood sugar control.

Pair with Protein or Fat

Always pair candy with a protein or healthy fat. This helps prevent spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels. Examples include nuts, cheese, yogurt, or half an avocado.

Test Regularly

Check blood sugar levels more frequently when first incorporating occasional candy. This helps understand your body's response and adjust insulin needs accordingly.

Enjoying small amounts of candy is possible for most people with diabetes. Just be sure to account for the carbs and pair it with something nutritious.

What Candy Bars Can Diabetics Eat?

Choosing the right candy bars is key for people with diabetes. With so many options on the market, which ones make smart choices? Here are some of the best candy bars for diabetics.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate

A regular size Hershey's milk chocolate bar provides 130 calories, 24g carbs, and 5g protein. The simple ingredients and modest sugar content make it a decent choice.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

At 90 calories, 13g carbs, and 5g protein per cup, a Reese's Peanut Butter cup makes a good option. The fat and protein help prevent blood sugar spikes.

Snickers Miniature

One Snickers mini bar has 50 calories, 7g carbs, and 2g protein, so the small portion limits carbs. The nuts offer healthy fat and protein as well.

Baby Ruth

A fun size Baby Ruth contains 110 calories, 18g carbs, and 2g protein. The serving is small and it contains peanuts for staying power.

100 Grand

With 100 calories, 14g carbs, and 1g protein, a 100 Grand has less sugar than many candy options. The crunchy crisped rice helps you eat it slowly.

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

At just 8g carbs and 5g sugar for 10 beans, Jelly Bellies make for easy portion and carb control. There are also lower carb variety packs available.

Tips for Choosing the Best Candy with Diabetes

If you have diabetes, enjoying the occasional sweet treat is possible by making the healthiest candy choices. Here are some tips when picking candy with diabetes in mind:

• Prioritize mini or fun size bars for portion control
• Look for higher protein and fiber options like nuts or whole grains
• Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate when possible
• Be mindful of total carb and sugar content per serving
• Pair candy with a protein or healthy fat
• Account for carbs in daily meal plans and adjust insulin accordingly

With a little extra care reading nutrition labels and controlling portions, almost any sweet lover can still enjoy an occasional treat, even with diabetes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.