Sugar Free Skittles - A Diabetic-Friendly Candy Treat

Enjoying Sugar Free Candy With Diabetes

Living with diabetes requires being mindful of carbohydrate and sugar intake. However, with careful portion control and smart swapping for sugar free versions, people with diabetes can still enjoy sweet treats. When a candy craving strikes, sugar free skittles are one of the best options.

What are Sugar Free Skittles?

Skittles are a popular colorful fruit candy, typically coated in a layer of sugar. The traditional version contains around 24g of sugar per 1 ounce serving. Sugar free skittles provide the same fruity, chewy candy experience while eliminating 98% of the sugar. The sugar free version contains less than 1g of sugar per serving.

Sugar free skittles get their sweetness from ingredients like isomalt, ace-k, and sucralose. These sugar substitutes add sweetness without spiking blood sugar. Sugar free skittles come in the same classic original fruity flavors like orange, lemon, grape, green apple, and strawberry.

Benefits of Sugar Free Candy for Diabetes

Here are some of the top reasons why sugar free skittles are a smart choice for people with diabetes:

• Almost no effect on blood sugar - Sugar free skittles are a low glycemic index, low glycemic load food. They don't cause blood sugar spikes or crashes.
• Provide sweet flavor without excess calories - Each sugar free skittle has just 4 calories compared to 20 calories for regular skittles. This saves calories for people trying to manage weight.
• Allow for occasional treat with portion control - Having a small amount of sugar free candy helps satisfy a sweet craving without derailing a healthy diabetes nutrition plan.
• Can be life-saving in case of low blood sugar - Sugar free skittles work well as an emergency fast-acting carb source if blood sugar drops too low.
• Kid-friendly treat - Sugar free skittles allow kids with diabetes to enjoy candy just like their peers. This helps kids feel included and avoid feeling deprived.

Nutrition Facts for Sugar Free Skittles

Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 ounce (61g) serving of sugar free skittles:

• Calories: 244
• Total fat: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total carbs: 58g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: less than 1g
• Sugar alcohol: 56g
• Protein: 0g

As you can see, sugar free skittles are high in sugar alcohols, which contribute sweetness without glucose. Total sugars are very low, as is calorie count. Sugar free skittles offer the taste of candy without spiking blood sugar levels.

Are There Any Downsides to Sugar Free Candy?

While sugar free skittles are a diabetic-friendly choice, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• May cause digestive issues in sensitive people - Some sugar alcohols like maltitol can have laxative effects in large amounts.
• Not calorie-free - Though low calorie, sugar free candy still provides extra calories with little nutrition.
• Can maintain preference for very sweet flavors - Relying on overly sweet items may dull taste buds to more subtle natural sweetness.
• May increase cravings for sugary foods - Brain responses can still interpret sugar free sweets as signaling high calorie intake.

The key is enjoying sugar free skittles and other candy options in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Be mindful of portion sizes and how your body reacts.

What is a Healthy Portion Size?

When eaten occasionally in controlled portions, sugar free skittles can fit into diabetes meal planning. Here are some healthy portion tips:

• Aim for a 1 ounce serving - This amounts to around 61 skittles and limits excess sugar alcohol intake.
• Spread out intake over the day - Include a few pieces as a snack rather than all at once to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
• Pair with protein or healthy fat - Eat alongside nuts, cheese, or Greek yogurt to help balance blood sugar response.
• Drink water - Stay hydrated to prevent sugar alcohols effects on digestion.
• Account for carb counts - Be mindful of all carb sources in meals and factor candy into daily allotment.

Other Sugar Free Candy Options

In addition to skittles, some other smart sugar free candy picks for people with diabetes include:

• Jelly beans
• Gummy bears
• Lollipops
• Chocolate candy bars
• Hard candies like mints, butterscotch, or lemon drops
• Chewing gum with sugar free sweeteners

Look at nutrition labels and aim for candies made with non-nutritive sweeteners as preferred sugar substitutes.

Making Healthy Swaps for Candy Cravings

For those looking to limit intake of all sweets, including sugar free versions, try these healthier ideas to satisfy a candy craving:

• Fresh berries - raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries provide natural sweetness.
• Fruit with whipped cream - top chopped fruit with light whipped cream for a touch of sweet decadence.
• Yogurt parfait - layered yogurt, fruit, and nuts or granola make for a satisfying sweet treat.
• Protein shake - blend a scoop of protein powder with milk or milk alternative and frozen fruit.
• Apple slices with nut butter - for a sweet crunchy snack.
• Trail mix - make your own with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate chips or raisins.

The key is finding choices that won't cause large blood sugar spikes or pitfalls. For most people, enjoying sugar free candy on occasion can be part of an overall balanced approach to diabetes management.

The Bottom Line

Sugar free skittles provide people with diabetes a way to enjoy candy. In reasonable portions, they offer taste without excess calories or carbohydrates. While not completely free of concerns, sugar free candy is far more diabetes-friendly than traditional sugar-filled versions. With mindful intake, sugar free skittles and other candy can offer an occasional sweet treat for people with diabetes focused on keeping blood sugar in check.

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.