Understanding the Nutrition Facts of See's Sugar Free Candies
See's Candies offers a nice selection of sugar free chocolate and candy options. For people monitoring carbohydrates or calories, these can provide sweet satisfaction without all the sugar. But are they really a healthy choice?
Let's take a detailed look at the nutrition information for See's sugar free candies to better understand what you're getting from these low-carb treats.
Ingredients in See's Sugar Free Candies
While See's uses no refined sugar, the primary sweetener in most products is maltitol. This sugar alcohol provides the taste of sweetness without significantly impacting blood sugar levels. However, it does supply calories and carbohydrates, which we'll analyze below.
In addition to maltitol, some common ingredients include:
- Cocoa butter
- Milk
- Soy lecithin
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Salt
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame potassium
The cocoa butter and milk provide healthy fats and protein. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier. Natural vanilla and other extracts offer flavor without sugar. And salt enhances overall taste.
Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are zero-calorie artificial sweeteners sometimes added alongside the maltitol to boost sweetness without adding carbs.
Calories in See's Sugar Free Candy
Here are the calorie counts for some of See's most popular sugar free candies:
- Scotchmallow: 60 calories per piece
- Peanut Brittle Bites: 45 calories per piece
- Patties: 22 calories per piece
- Lollypops: 15 calories each
- Choc-O-Lots: 13 calories per piece
To compare, regular candies like Scotchmallow and Choc-O-Lots contain 140-150 calories each. So the sugar free versions offer a significant calorie reduction.
However, the calories in sugar free candies can add up quickly if you consume multiple pieces. Moderating portion sizes is important.
Carbohydrates in See's Sugar Free Products
In addition to calories, monitoring carbs is crucial for diabetes management. Here are the grams of carbs per serving:
- Scotchmallow: 15g net carbs
- Peanut Brittle Bites: 9g net carbs
- Patties: 5g net carbs
- Lollypops: 4g net carbs
- Choc-O-Lots: 3g net carbs
Net carbs account for the fiber content which is subtracted from total carbs. While sugar alcohols like maltitol contribute minimal blood sugar impact, they are included in total carb counts.
For comparison, the regular versions of these candies contain 33-41g of carbohydrates each. So the sugar free options are lower for people monitoring carbs.
Fiber Content of See's Sugar Free
Fiber slows digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes feelings of fullness. Here are the grams of fiber in See's sugar free candies:
- Scotchmallow: 0g
- Peanut Brittle Bites: 1g
- Patties: 0g
- Lollypops: 0g
- Choc-O-Lots: 2g
The fiber amounts are minimal since these are processed, sugary treats. The highest fiber options are the Choc-O-Lots and Peanut Brittle Bites.
Sugar Alcohols in See's Candies
In the nutrition labels, sugar alcohols are included under "Total Carbohydrates." The primary one used by See's is maltitol.
A 36g box of Peanut Brittle Bites contains 8g of maltitol. Patties have 7g of maltitol per 28g serving. And Scotchmallows contain 15g in a 60g piece.
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar alcohols may lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some individuals. Moderation is key.
Protein in See's Sugar Free Candy
Getting adequate protein is important for maintaining energy levels and muscle mass. Here is the protein content:
- Scotchmallow: 1g
- Peanut Brittle Bites: 3g
- Patties: 1g
- Lollypops: 0g
- Choc-O-Lots: 1g
The protein amounts are low since these are sweets rather than nutrition-dense foods. Among the options, the Peanut Brittle Bites offer a bit more protein due to the peanuts.
Fat Content in See's Sugar Free Products
Here are the grams of fat per serving:
- Scotchmallow: 4.5g
- Peanut Brittle Bites: 3g
- Patties: 2g
- Lollypops: 0g
- Choc-O-Lots: 8g
The fat mostly comes from cocoa butter and milk ingredients. Fat helps you feel satisfied, but these candies should not be considered good sources of healthy fats.
Sodium Content of See's Sugar Free
Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, so limiting salt intake is wise. Here is the sodium content:
- Scotchmallow: 10mg
- Peanut Brittle Bites: 45mg
- Patties: 15mg
- Lollypops: 0mg
- Choc-O-Lots: 10mg
These are relatively low sodium candies, with Peanut Brittle Bites slightly higher due to the saltiness of peanuts.
Potential Benefits of See's Sugar Free
Within limits, See's sugar free candies offer a few potential advantages:
Lower in Sugar
With zero refined sugar, See's sugar free candies are lower in sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, which can spike blood glucose levels.
Fewer Overall Carbs
The total net carbohydrates are reduced compared to regular candies, providing a lower glycemic option.
Lower Calorie
Replacing sugar with maltitol removes a significant source of calories in candy. This supports weight management.
Blood Sugar Friendly
While sugar alcohols aren't free foods, they cause a lower rise in blood glucose compared to normal sugar.
Help Reduce Sugar Cravings
The sweet taste helps satisfy sugar cravings and reduce temptation for less healthy candy options.
Downsides of See's Sugar Free Products
However, See's sugar free candies also have some drawbacks to consider:
May Cause Digestive Upset
Excessive maltitol intake can lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea in sensitive people. It's important to monitor individual tolerance.
Contains Artificial Sweeteners
Ingredients like sucralose and acesulfame potassium are highly processed and may cause health issues with overconsumption.
Lack Nutritional Value
Candy is candy even sugar free versions offer minimal nutrition. Don't consider this a healthy food option.
Portion Control Still Crucial
It's easy to overeat sugar free candy since it seems like a healthier choice. But portions must still be monitored.
May Increase Cravings
Artificial sweeteners don't satisfy cravings as well as real sugar. This could lead to increased desire for other sweets.
Tips for Choosing See's Sugar Free Candy
If enjoyed in moderation, See's sugar free candies can be a sensible treat option for people monitoring carbs and calories. Here are some tips for choosing the best options:
Compare Nutrition Labels
Pay attention to calorie, carb, sugar alcohol, and artificial sweetener content to choose varieties aligning with your dietary needs.
Watch Portions
Stick to a single serving size instead of consuming multiple pieces at once.
Pair with Protein or Fat
Eat candy alongside nuts, cheese, or other filling foods to increase satisfaction.
Time it Right
Enjoy candy at the end of a meal when blood sugar is more stable rather than on an empty stomach.
Choose Darker Chocolates
Options like Sugar Free Dark Chocolates offer richer flavor for fewer carbs than milk chocolate.
Skip the Seasonal Collections
Holiday sweets like Sugar Free Peppermint Bark contain more sugar alcohols that may cause discomfort.
Healthier Candy Alternatives
While See's sugar free candies are lower in sugar and carbs, they lack nutritional value. Here are some healthier candy options when a sweet treat is in order:
Dark Chocolate
Opt for at least 70% cacao chocolate bars. The antioxidants and fiber provide benefits beyond just sweet flavor.
Trail Mix
Make your own blend using nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, chopped fruit, and dark chocolate chunks.
Frozen Grapes
Keep bags of grapes in the freezer for a sweet snack with fiber.
Banana "Ice Cream"
Blend frozen bananas into a creamy, lower sugar dessert.
Fruit and Nut Bars
Seek variety made with whole food ingredients like Larabars, Kind Bars, and RXBARs.
The Bottom Line on See's Sugar Free
When consumed sparingly as part of a healthy diet, See's sugar free candies can provide sweet satisfaction with fewer carbs and calories. But it's important to note they lack nutritional value and may cause gastrointestinal effects if overeaten.
Check the nutrition labels and watch your portions. And consider swapping in healthier homemade treats to get your sweet fix while providing more fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Overall, enjoy See's sugar free products occasionally as a sensible indulgence. But rely on more nutritious whole foods to meet your regular nutritional needs.
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