15+ Sugar Free Christmas Candy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is sugar-free candy OK for diabetics? ›

Yes, children and adults with diabetes can and do eat candy. The key is moderation and making sure to track the number of carbohydrates and calories eaten. Sugar-free candies can be better for blood sugar levels, but they still contain carbs and calories.

Sugar-free candies use artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes to create a sweet taste while foregoing real sugar. Most of these sweeteners have fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar, but not all of them are calorie-free or carb-free. Some sugar substitutes you'll see on labels include: Saccharin.

The formula of sugar-free hard candy is by weight percentage: Crystal maltose alcohol 50%, xylitol 8%, isomalt 40%, Mint Essence 0.2%, menthol 0.2%, vanillic aldehyde 0.1%, food coloring 0.01%, monoglyceride 0.001%, surplus is water.

“Generally speaking, sugar-free candy will have less of an effect on blood glucose than its sugar-containing counterpart,” says Jo-Anne M. Rizzotto, RD, a certified diabetes care and education specialist at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

Steviol is the major constitute of glycosides in stevia and gives the herb's sweet taste. Stevia contains high quantities of diterpene glycosides, which cannot be broken down or absorbed by the digestive tract. Therefore, intake of stevia sweetener does not affect the blood glucose level.

Twizzlers, 2 Strawberry Twists These are almost pure sugar. “Sometimes people with diabetes want to use their favorite candy to treat a low blood sugar incident,” says Norwood. “It's permission to eat sugar when they otherwise feel they shouldn't be eating it regularly.” Carbohydrate count: 18 g.

Natural plant sources, such as stevia and monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, or sucralose, can be used. Common bulking agents that are used with plant-based sources include erythritol, allulose, fiber, and maltodextrin.

If you have diabetes, a great alternative to regular candy is sugar-free candy, as it typically has a decreased effect on your blood sugar levels. Some sugar substitutes that can be found in certain sugar-free candies include: stevia. aspartame.

There are a few reasons why there may not be as much choice for sugar-free sweets in the supermarket: Production costs: Sugar-free sweets often require the use of artificial sweeteners or alternative sweetening methods, which can be more expensive to produce than traditional sugar-sweetened products.

Why is sugar-free hard candy so expensive? ›

Con: Sugar-Free Candy Costs More

Manufacturers charge more for these products because they use synthetics that cost more to source. It's difficult to make candy that tastes good without sugar. Since the process is more challenging, companies must charge more.

Sugar alcohols are digested very slowly in the intestine and are not fully absorbed into the blood. Therefore, they do not raise blood sugar the same way other carbohydrates do. Due to the slow digestion, they are fermented by the bacteria in the intestine and as a result can cause abdominal gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

What's more, it doesn't matter if you eat half a piece of pie or just take a few bites. “It's anything that pushes you over your net carbs,” she says. “Even one bite could do it, depending on what it was. Juice, soda, candy will meet that limit in small amounts."

“Used in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be safe for people with diabetes, and they can be used to reduce both your calorie and carbohydrate intake,” explains diabetes educator Sue Cotey, RN, CDCES. “Sugar substitutes also can help curb those cravings you have for something sweet.”

If you have diabetes, a great alternative to regular candy is sugar-free candy, as it typically has a decreased effect on your blood sugar levels. Some sugar substitutes that can be found in certain sugar-free candies include: stevia. aspartame.