The Benefits and Best Brands of Low Calorie Jelly Beans

The Benefits of Low Calorie Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are a popular candy enjoyed by people of all ages. With their bright colors and variety of fruity flavors, it's easy to see why they have maintained popularity over the years. While most traditional jelly bean brands are high in sugar, many companies now offer low calorie versions as a healthier alternative.

Switching to low calorie jelly beans provides a number of benefits. Here is an overview of the main advantages of choosing low calorie jelly beans over their high sugar counterparts.

Fewer Calories and Less Sugar

The main appeal of low calorie jelly beans is that they contain significantly fewer calories and less added sugar than regular jelly beans. Traditional jelly beans often have around 130-150 calories and 30-35 grams of sugar per serving. Low calorie jelly beans clock in with around 25-40 calories and 4-6 grams of sugar per serving.

Consuming too many regular jelly beans can quickly add excess calories, sugar, and carbs to your diet. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams daily for men. Just one serving of regular jelly beans exceeds this amount.

Low calorie jelly beans allow you to enjoy the classic treat while keeping your calorie, sugar, and carb intake under control. This makes them a smart option for those managing their weight or blood sugar levels.

Natural Sweeteners

Another advantage of low calorie jelly beans is that they are sweetened with natural, low glycemic sweeteners rather than pure sugar. Some examples include:

• Stevia
• Monk fruit
• Erythritol
• Xylitol

These sweeteners provide the sweet taste people love without spiking blood sugar levels. Stevia and monk fruit are extracted from plants. Erythritol and xylitol are types of sugar alcohols derived from fruits and vegetables.

Research shows that consuming 100% fruit juice spikes blood sugar similarly to soda and other sugary drinks. Since the sweeteners in low calorie jelly beans come from natural sources, they have less impact on blood sugar and insulin compared to table sugar.

More Fiber

Some low calorie jelly bean brands also contain fiber, which is generally lacking in regular jelly beans. Soluble fiber helps slow digestion, allowing sugar to be absorbed more gradually into the bloodstream. This prevents energy crashes from rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar.

Fiber also promotes feelings of fullness and supports gut and heart health. It provides prebiotics that feed beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Most Americans fall short of the recommended 25-30 grams of fiber per day, so low calorie jelly beans can help fill this nutrient gap.

Fun Treat with Less Guilt

Lets face itcandy is fun! Choosing low calorie jelly beans allows people to enjoy this tasty treat while avoiding some of the guilt and health concerns of indulging in regular jelly beans and other sweets.

Rather than feeling regret about overdoing it on high-sugar candy, low calorie jelly beans provide a more sensible option. You can satisfy your cravings and get a burst of flavor without worrying as much about effects on your weight, blood sugar, or dental health.

Being able to incorporate little treats like this into your eating plan helps make healthy habits sustainable in the long run. Deprivation often backfires, so allowing yourself to enjoy treats in moderation is key.

Choosing the Best Low Calorie Jelly Beans

When selecting a brand of low calorie jelly beans, be sure to check the ingredient label and Nutrition Facts panel. The best options will have very low sugar content (5 grams or less per serving) and be sweetened with non-nutritive natural sweeteners.

Some brands that meet these criteria include:

• SmartSweets
• Surf Sweets
• Russell Stover
• Jelly Belly
• Skinny Beans

You also want to choose low calorie jelly beans made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives when possible. Terms like "natural flavors" and "turmeric extract" on ingredient lists indicate no artificial colors have been added.

Additionally, some low calorie jelly beans include extra nutrients and vitamins. Seeking out options made with fruit juices, purees, antioxidant extracts, B vitamins, vitamin C, etc. can boost the nutrition you receive from this candy.

Watch Out for Sugar Alcohols

Some low calorie jelly beans do contain sugar alcohols like erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol. They provide about half the calories of sugar with less impact on blood sugar. However, be aware that some people are sensitive to them and may experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea when consuming them in large amounts.

Start with a small serving size when trying jelly beans sweetened with sugar alcohols to assess your personal tolerance. Also, pay attention to how much you are consuming in a day from all sources, including candy, protein bars, diet beverages, etc.

Healthy Ways to Enjoy Low Calorie Jelly Beans

Here are some tips for savoring low calorie jelly beans as part of a healthy lifestyle:

Practice Portion Control

To keep calories in check, stick to the recommended serving size on the package. Measure your portion into a bowl or storage container rather than eating straight from the bag.

Pair with Fruit or Nuts

Balance out the sweetness by eating low calorie jelly beans with fresh fruit like apple slices, orange segments, grapes, or berries. Unsalted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios also complement the flavors well.

Choose as Dessert

Rather than snacking on jelly beans multiple times throughout the day, enjoy them after a meal to satisfy your sweet tooth. Having them as part of a balanced breakfast, lunch, or dinner keeps your blood sugar steady.

Mind Your Daily Calories

While low calorie jelly beans are a smarter option, they can still add up calorie-wise if you overdo it. Keep your bigger health goals in perspective and be mindful about not letting candy displace more nutritious foods in your daily diet.

Buy Individual Packs

For grab-and-go convenience, look for low calorie jelly beans sold in pre-portioned pouches. This makes it easy to stick to single serving sizes instead of having the temptation of a whole bag.

Make a Trail Mix

Get creative by mixing low calorie jelly beans into your own custom trail mix with ingredients like unsalted nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, cereals, dried fruit, popcorn, pretzel sticks, etc.

Potential Downsides of Low Calorie Jelly Beans

While low calorie jelly beans have some advantages over regular jelly beans, they are still considered a candy treat rather than a health food. Here are some drawbacks to keep in mind:

Nutritional Value

Candy is never going to measure up to whole foods in terms of nutritional density. Low calorie jelly beans provide minimal protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. Dont rely on them as a substitute for fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, etc.

Dental Health

Sticky, sugary candy like jelly beans has the potential to adhere to teeth, increasing the risk for cavities. Make sure to drink water and practice good oral hygiene after eating them.

Blood Sugar Effects

While lower in sugar than regular jelly beans, low calorie jelly beans can still raise blood sugar levels to some extent. People with diabetes need to incorporate treats like this as part of their meal plan in careful moderation.

Artificial Ingredients

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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.