Sugar Free Hard Candy: Substitutes & Diabetic-Friendly Treats

If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for sweets without sugar, sugar free hard candy is a good choice. If you’re trying to control blood sugar levels, adhering to a low-carb diet, or just trying to reduce your consumption of sugar, the sugar-free alternatives are an excellent alternative. In this post, we’ll discuss how many carbs are in sugar-free hard candy, the things you can use in place of white sugar in your recipe, as well as the best sugar-free sweet choices and desserts specially made for people with diabetes.

1. How Many Carbs in Sugar-Free Hard Candy? 

Sugar-free hard candy is generally produced using sugar substitutes, which can alter the sugar content if compared to regular candy. Sugar-free candy usually contains lower levels of carbs because it makes use of sugar substitutes, alcohols (e.g., xylitol, Erythritol), as well as natural sweeteners like Stevia. The amount of carbohydrates will vary based on the brand and the ingredients. For example: 

• Xylitol and Erythritol: These two sugars have fewer carbs and calories when compared with regular sugar. But they do have some carbohydrates. Erythritol is particularly rich in 0.2-0.4 grams of carbs. Xylitol has about 2.4 grams per serving. 
• Stevia and Monk Fruit are sugars that aren’t nutritive, which means they don’t contribute carbs or calories, making them ideal keto- or low-carb-friendly options. Most sugar-free candy contains 2 to 5 grams of carbohydrates per piece (typically 3 to 5 pieces) in accordance with the sweeteners they are made with. 

2. What Can I Substitute for White Sugar in a Recipe? 

Perhaps you’re looking to reduce your sugar consumption or treat diseases like diabetes. In this scenario, there are plenty of alternatives to white sugar that you can mix into recipes that won’t alter the flavor. 

Common Sugar Substitutes: 

• Stevia is a naturally occurring sugar substitute that is not calorie-laden and is derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It’s incredibly sweet, so only small amounts are needed. It’s perfect for baking however, you should take note that this could create a bitter taste. 
• Sweetener from Monk Fruit Monk fruit is a natural sweetener that has no calories or carbs. It’s typically more sugar-like, meaning it’s not as necessary to achieve the desired sweetness. It also doesn’t affect the blood sugar levels, so it’s a good choice for people suffering from diabetes. 
• Erythritol: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with a similar taste and consistency to sugar, but it contains fewer calories and carbohydrates. It isn’t a cause for a rise in blood sugar levels, making it an ideal alternative for those suffering from diabetes. 
• Xylitol: It is an alternative sugar alcohol. Although it contains carbs, it has very low Glycemic levels and is suitable for diabetics, provided they consume it in low quantities. It is commonly found in sugar-free gums and candies. 
• Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is derived from the sap of the coconut plant. It has a few of the nutrients naturally found in the coconut tree. It has a lower glycemic effect than white sugar; however, it’s still extremely high in carbs, which is the reason it should only be consumed in small amounts. 

Tips for Substituting Sugar in Recipes: 

For each cup of sugar, you should use between ½ to 1 teaspoon Stevia and 1/3 to 1/2 cup of erythritol. 

When baking, sugar can be a structural component, along with water and the process of browning. So, you may need to modify other ingredients to compensate for these characteristics. 

3. Best Sugar Free Hard Candy Options 

If you’re following a sugar-free diet or a diabetic friendly one, then you’ll discover a variety of delicious sugar-free sweet options. There are a few best sugar-free candy options that stand out because of their nutritional value as well as flavor: 

• Werther’s original sugar-free candy: The original hard candies are famous for their smooth and buttery taste. They are created by using sugar alcohols, as well as natural sweeteners like Stevia. 
• Russell Stover Sugar-Free Chocolates: Russell Stover offers many sugar-free chocolates that contain caramel or are filled with peanut butter and sweetened with Stevia and erythritol. 
• ChocZero Sugar-Free Chocolate If you have a desire for chocolate, then ChocZero’s sugar-free chocolate bars and desserts are made sweetened with monk fruit. They’re not loaded with added sugars, making them perfect for people who follow diets that are low in carbohydrates or for those who are diabetic-friendly. 
• SmartSweets: These candies have a variety of gummy versions like peach rings as well as sweet Gummies. The sweeteners are made of allulose and have lower levels of sugar than traditional gummy candy.

4. Diabetic Candy

For diabetic patients, choosing a kind of candy that will not raise their level of blood glucose is the most crucial step. Several diabetic friendly candies are sugar-free and have low carbs.

The best sweets for diabetics are sweetened by sugar alcohols (e.g., xylitol and erythritol), Stevia, Stevia, and monk fruit. They do not affect blood sugar or insulin significantly. Some of the sweeteners that are ideal for diabetics are as follows:

• Sugar-Free Hard Candy by Hershey’s: It is a well-known brand; Hershey’s produces sugar-free hard diabetic candy and chocolate products using sugar alcohol.
• Lily’s Sweets: Well-known for it line of chocolates without sugar, Lily’s Sweets sweetens chocolates using Stevia and is a favourite with diabetics for something different from a sugar alternative.
• GoLightly Sugar-Free Candies: These sweets have a range of flavours and are sweetened using sorbitol. They make a great selection for those who follow a diet.

Conclusion

Sugar-free hard candy can be a great means to indulge your sweet tooth and stay mindful of your daily carb counts and diabetes management. If you choose the finest sweeteners and read the labels with diligence, you can enjoy delicious snacks without worrying about blood sugar spikes. If you are looking for sugar substitutes in cooking or craving something sweet, there are a lot of options available to keep you healthy and curb your craving. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar level continuously with CGM Devices. It will track your sugar spike or blood sugar continuously.

Do remember to visit your doctor or dietician before you start changing your diet, particularly if you have diabetes or other complications.