Exploring Sugar Free Skittles and Candy Options for Diabetics
When managing diabetes, limiting sugar intake from sweets and desserts is commonly recommended. But with so many tasty candy options available, from chocolates to gummies and more, it can be tough to resist temptations. Sugar free candy provides one solution to help satisfy a sweet tooth while supporting healthy blood sugar control.
Understanding Sugar Free Candy
So what exactly does sugar free mean? And are these candies actually safe for diabetics?
Sugar free candies replace regular refined sugar (sucrose) with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose or others. This allows the candy to taste sweet without adding substantial calories or carbohydrates.
Benefits of Sugar Free Candy
Potential benefits of sugar free candies include:
- Low calorie - Fewer calories than regular candy
- Low carb - Minimal impact on blood glucose levels
- Sweet taste - Satisfies sweet cravings
- Variety - Many flavor options available
Concerns about Artificial Sweeteners
While sugar free candies seem like a easy solution, some health concerns around artificial sweeteners have been raised, including:
- Gut health - Potential impact on gut bacteria
- Risk of stroke/heart disease - Mixed evidence from studies
- Cancer - Inconclusive links found in rodent studies
- Kidney function - Possible effects in sensitive individuals
Popular Sugar Free Candies
Many large candy brands now produce sugar free alternatives to their classic sweets. Here is an overview of some of the most popular options:
Sugar Free Skittles
Skittles are a wildly popular fruity candy. The sugar free version uses sorbitol rather than sucrose to sweeten the candy without spiking blood sugar levels. One caution with sorbitol is that it can have a laxative effect if too much is consumed.
Sugar Free Reeses Cups
For chocolate lovers, Reeses now makes a sugar free option using maltitol syrup in place of sugar. Be aware that the carb, fat and calorie count is still similar to regular Reeses cups. But the sweet taste can satisfy chocolate cravings without the same blood sugar impact.
Sugar Free Jelly Beans
Finding sugar free jelly beans opens up festive Easter basket stuffing or anytime colorful candy indulgences. Most brands use sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol to minimize carbohydrate content while preserving sweet flavor.
Sugar Free Lifesavers
These classic hard candies come in wild cherry, pep-o-mint and other tart flavors that taste sweet yet keep net carbs low. Most sugar free brands use sorbitol or xylitol for the sweet taste without refined sugar.
Additional Sugar Free Sweets
Beyond big name candy brands, many smaller specialty companies now cater to the sugar free market. Here is a sampling of additional options for diabetic friendly sweets.
Lilys Sweets
Lilys makes chocolate bars sweetened with stevia and chicory root fiber. With just 1g net carbs per serving, flavors like salted almond and peanut butter are Keto friendly options.
SmartSweets
These gummy candies are naturally sweetened with plant extracts and contain just 2-3g net carbs per bag. SmartSweets come in sour blast buddies, peach rings and other flavors.
ChocoRite
For a healthier chocolate fix, ChocoRite uses monk fruit and allulose to create sugar free drops in flavors like chocolate salted caramel and chocolate peanut butter cups.
YumEarth Organic Pops
Made with natural sweeteners like cane sugar and fruit juices, these organic pops still manage to have just 8g carbs per serving. Tart flavors include sour beans, mango and raspberry.
Tips for Enjoying Sugar Free Candy
Here are some tips to help safely enjoy sugar free candy with diabetes:
- Read nutrition labels - Check carb counts before consuming
- Control portions - Stick to small, measured servings
- Stay hydrated - Prevent side effects like digestive issues
- Monitor blood sugar - Note impacts of different sweeteners
- Supplement, don't replace - Use occasionally but don't overindulge
Key Takeaways
Sugar free candies allow people with diabetes to enjoy sweet flavors in moderation while controlling blood sugar and carbohydrate intake. Be mindful of potential digestive side effects and emerging health concerns around common sweeteners used. Overall though, sugar free sweets can be an acceptable supplemental treat in a balanced diabetic nutrition plan.
FAQs
Are sugar free candies actually good for diabetics?
Sugar free candies can be a good occasional treat for diabetics since they offer sweet flavors without significantly impacting blood sugar or carbohydrate intake. But portion control is still important.
What are the best sugar free candy options?
Some of the top sugar free candy picks are Skittles, Reese’s peanut butter cups, jelly beans, Lifesavers, Lily’s chocolate bars, SmartSweets gummies, ChocoRite chocolate and YumEarth pops.
Do sugar free candies affect ketosis?
Most sugar free candies are made with sugar alcohols, which don't directly impact ketosis or blood sugar. But some people still experience stalled weight loss if overeating. Check labels and focus on low carb options.
Is there any difference in taste with sugar free candy?
The taste of sugar free candy is quite comparable to original full sugar versions. Most people enjoy the sweet flavor. Some people note a slight aftertaste with certain sweeteners like stevia-based products.
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.
Add Comment