A Sweet Guide to the Healthiest Jelly Bean Options

A Sweet Indulgence: The Healthiest and Unhealthiest Jelly Bean Options

Jelly beans hold a special place in many people's hearts. Their bright colors, unique flavors, and chewy texture make them an iconic candy that's synonymous with holidays and celebrations. Though small in size, jelly beans can pack a surprising amount of sugar. With brighter ingredients and innovative flavors, some jelly beans are now better for you than others. Understanding the healthier options can help you indulge your sweet tooth wisely.

The Origins and Evolution of Jelly Beans

The history of jelly beans stretches back to the 19th century. Their creation is often credited to William Schrafft, a Boston confectioner. In 1861, he urged people to send jelly beans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War as they were easy to ship and lasted a long time. Their popularity grew through the early 1900s and they became a staple Easter candy. Originally only available in a few basic flavors, jelly beans today come in a huge array of exotic and innovative varieties. From sour to cinnamon, jelly beans can satisfy almost any flavor craving. Their small size also makes them easy to portion out, though it's still possible to overindulge on these bite-sized candies.

Watching Out for Too Much Sugar

Since most jelly beans are made mainly from sugar, eating too many can spike your blood sugar and cause energy crashes. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons for men. Popular branded jelly bean products can contain up to 10 grams of sugar per bean. Just 9 beans would exceed your daily added sugar intake. Being mindful of portions is key. To avoid excess sugar, the healthiest approach is to treat jelly beans as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday snack. Prioritizing beans with less sugar can also help you satisfy your craving with less impact on your health.

Choosing Beans with Natural Colors and Flavors

Ingredients matter when it comes to the healthfulness of jelly beans. Many conventional jelly beans contain artificial colors and flavors derived from petroleum. Studies suggest artificial food dyes may negatively impact children's behavior and attention spans. Beans sweetened with corn syrup also provide empty calories without nutrients. Seeking out jelly beans made with natural colors, flavors, and sweeteners is an healthier option. Beans sweetened with fruit juices rather than corn syrup have a lower glycemic index. Companies like YumEarth and Surf Sweets use plant-based colors and ethically-sourced ingredients to create better-for-you jelly beans without compromising on taste.

The Best Bean Options for Health

When you want to enjoy jelly beans the healthiest way, go for these smarter picks:

1. YumEarth Organic Jelly Beans

Made with real fruit juices and organic cane sugar, YumEarth beans contain about half as much sugar as traditional jelly beans, with only 3 grams per bean. Their pectin-based beans are also non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of artificial dyes. Tasty flavors include pomegranate, coconut, and mango.

2. Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans

Surf Sweets makes their jelly beans with organic ingredients like fruit juices, black carrot juice concentrate, and turmeric for vibrant colors. Each bean has only 2 grams of sugar from organic cane sugar. Their beans are non-GMO, gluten-free, Kosher, and vegan. Flavors include raspberry, island punch, and lemon.

3. Weaver's All Natural Jelly Beans

Sweetened only with fruit juice and cane sugar, these softer artisanal-style jelly beans from Weaver's contain 3 grams of sugar per bean. Their fun flavors like apple pie, cashew butter, and strawberry rhubarb come from ingredients like nuts, spices, and fruit without artificial colors or flavors.

4. Suncoast Jelly Bean Factory Beans

With signature flavors like pia colada, pink grapefruit, and strawberry daiquiri, these gourmet beans from Suncoast Jelly Bean Factory are sweetened with real fruit juices for a naturally delicious taste. Each bean contains around 3 grams of sugar.

Beans to Limit for Health

On the other side, these conventional jelly bean options are more likely to contain artificial ingredients and excess sugars:

1. Brach's Jelly Beans

A popular brand, Brach's jelly beans have 10 grams of sugar per bean, mostly from corn syrup. Their beans rely on artificial flavors and synthetic food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 derived from petroleum.

2. Jelly Belly Beans

While delicious, Jelly Belly beans also have around 10 grams of sugar each. Their beans are colored with non-natural dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. However, Jelly Belly does now offer Organic Jelly Beans sweetened with cane sugar and colored with vegetable juices.

3. Starburst Jelly Beans

These chewy jelly beans mimic the classic Starburst fruit candy flavor but each bean contains 10 grams of sugar, mostly from corn syrup. Starburst beans use artificial flavors and colors as well including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.

4. Lifesavers Wild Berries Gummies

Shaped like little berries rather than beans, these gummies are made with 10 grams of sugar per piece, mainly from corn syrup. They rely on artificial dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 for their color.

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Beans

When buying jelly beans, you can make healthier choices by looking for these positive attributes:

• Lower sugar content (3-5 grams per bean)
• Sweetened with fruit juices not corn syrup
• Free of artificial colors and flavors
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• No trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils
• No controversial ingredients like palm oil

Beans without artificial dyes and made with recognizable, natural ingredients are preferable. Prioritizing flavorful bean varieties sweetened with small amounts of fruit juice can allow you to satisfy your cravings while limiting health impacts.

Tips for Indulging in Jelly Beans Wisely

When enjoying jelly beans, you can further reduce their impact by:

• Practicing portion control - stick to a small handful
• Savoring the flavor of each bean to make them last longer
• Balancing beans with protein, fat, or fiber like nuts for steadier energy
• Choosing beans in moderation alongside healthier snacks like fruit
• Saving beans for an occasional treat, not everyday snacking

Treating jelly beans as a sometimes food and carefully watching your portions allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth wisely and in balance with an overall healthy diet.

Enjoying Jelly Belly in Moderation

When consumed thoughtfully and in moderation, jelly beans can be a fun, flavorful indulgence. By understanding your best options and healthiest eating strategies, you can enjoy jelly beans and other sweets as part of a balanced diet without sabotaging your wellness goals. With attention to ingredients and portions, jelly beans don't have to bean unhealthy choice.

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.