15+ Sugar Free Christmas Candy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is sugar free candy OK for diabetics? ›

Bottom line. 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.

Many sugar-free treats get their sweetness from substances called sugar alcohols. These compounds, including maltitol, isomalt, xylitol, and sorbitol, contain neither sugar nor alcohol (in the traditional sense). Rather, they provide sweetness from compounds that human intestines cannot absorb as readily as sugar.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the hard-crack in sugar candy? ›

300° F–310° F

The hard-crack stage is the highest temperature you are likely to see specified in a candy recipe. At these temperatures, there is almost no water left in the syrup. Drop a little of the molten syrup in cold water and it will form hard, brittle threads that break when bent.

Plus foods and drinks that are "sugar-free" contain artificial sweeteners which are also equally bad. Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K, etc. can cause a higher risk of diabetes and obesity and also have side effects like migraines and digestive issues.

“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.

Sugar-free candy is so delicious that it's tempting to eat piece after piece. However, consuming large quantities of sugar alcohols exacerbates stomach upset due your body's inability to properly absorb it. For example, sorbitol likely causes stomach pain and diarrhea with a 20-gram intake rather than a 10-gram amount.

Coke Zero is sugar-free. However, the sugar substitutes it contains may not necessarily be a healthier option for people looking to reduce their risk of diabetes. A 14-year study in 66,118 women observed an association between drinking artificially sweetened beverages and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes ( 15 ).