The Best Sugar-Free Candy

You may want candy to satisfy a sweet tooth, provide an afternoon pick-me-up, or even have something to share with your family, friends, or coworkers. Thankfully, these mouth-watering candies can cross off all these options to indulge while leaving out the sugar.

Buying Guide for Sugar-Free Candy

Why should you buy sugar-free candy?

Nearly everyone can benefit from trimming back on daily sugar intake. Since sugar is found in nearly every type of food, it is obviously a main ingredient in most candy. If you’re trying to cut back on sugar consumption but still want to indulge, finding a sugar-free candy to enjoy can be a perfect solution.

What should you consider when shopping for sugar-free candy?

• Sugar Substitute: For a sugar-free candy to still taste great, it has to have some sweetener that replaces it. While some sugar-free options include aspartame, others may use maltitol, while others may go for a more natural ingredient like xylitol. If you’re concerned about which sugar substitute you consume, be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing.
• Flavors: Which type of candy do you crave? Sugar-free candy is available in all types and flavors. From hard candy with fruity flavors to decadent and creamy caramel to chewy gummies, there’s a sugar-free candy to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Who can benefit from sugar-free candy?

Almost every person can benefit from decreasing their sugar intake, and one of the best places to do this is with candy. Since added sugar hides in everything from condiments to high-end cuisine, if you can eliminate sugar in something as straightforward as candy, you can make a large dent in your sugar consumption which can have lasting health benefits.

Our Picks for the Best Sugar-Free Candy

Pros: Hard candies are perfect for making a sweet moment last longer than just a few seconds. From satisfying a sweet craving to helping with a dry mouth during a presentation, these fruity Jolly Ranchers provide all the flavors you love without the added sugar. This bulk purchase includes 12 bags of assorted and individually wrapped candies in watermelon, grape, apple, and raspberry.

Cons: These still include artificial dyes.

Bottom Line: These sugar-free Jolly Ranchers taste like the originals, last as long, and are just as satisfying. The flavors are so much like the originals that you may find yourself double-checking the packaging regularly! They’re a great pick-me-up without adding more sugar to your diet.

 

Pros: The fun of Jelly Belly jelly beans can be enjoyed even if you’re wanting to keep sugar intake low. These sugar-free jelly beans have 40% fewer calories than the originals, but the flavors are as delicious and intriguing as ever. These jelly beans are also free of common allergens like gluten and dairy, making them a safe treat to share with a group. This purchase includes 12 2.8-ounce bags, so your only problem might be pacing yourself.

Cons: These Jelly Belly jelly beans include maltitol, an ingredient that can cause stomach issues for those sensitive to it. If you’re unsure, the company suggests eating about eight jelly beans at a time until you know if you’ll have this digestive issue. They also include artificial dyes.

Bottom Line: It can be hard to find a candy without sugar and common allergens. These Jelly Belly jelly beans fit the bill if you’re curbing sugar intake and must avoid gluten or dairy. While the flavors are just as delightful as the originals, be careful if you have a sensitivity to maltitol.

 

Pros: A lollipop that fights cavities? Thanks to Zollipops, it’s possible! These sugar-free lollipops are made with xylitol which can neutralize acidity and balance pH levels. This means that a Zollipop can help your teeth stay healthy and strong while you enjoy the fruity flavors. This bag includes six flavors: strawberry, grape, pineapple, orange, raspberry, and cherry. The lollipops are also free of GMOs, dairy, gluten, nuts, and artificial dyes and are vegan, kosher, and keto- and diabetic-friendly.

Cons: These are more expensive than regular lollipops.

Bottom Line: Even though these lollipops are more expensive than the traditional variety, the peace of mind you can have while enjoying one makes up for it. Zollipops are not only free of a long list of allergens and dietary sensitivities, but their ingredients actually promote a healthy mouth, which makes them the most guilt-free answer to a sweet tooth.

 

Pros: Enjoying a creamy caramel candy with no added sugar doesn’t seem possible. Thankfully these caramels are used with natural ingredients and made in small batches to preserve the genuine recipe and quality craftsmanship. These irresistible caramels are also gluten-free and kosher.

Cons: These caramels use maltitol as a sweetener, which can cause stomach issues for some people.

Bottom Line: One of the most dangerous things about these sugar-free caramels is how quickly you might eat them! Their creamy texture and decadent flavor can make you want to eat way more than just one—or three. But it is important (for most people) to pace yourself and indulge in these over time. Not only will you make them last longer, but these are the real deal with ingredients like butter and heavy cream, so while they’re sugar-free, they are not a low-calorie food. They also are made with maltitol, which can give some people digestive issues.

 

Pros: Discover new favorite flavors with these sugar-free gummy bears. Each bag includes 12 fruity flavors, and in addition to being sugar-free, they are also free of gluten, nuts, dairy, MSG, and artificial sweeteners. Purchasing these gummy bears will get you 12 3.5-ounce bags, which can be helpful when purchasing for a group of people or just trying to make them last longer.

Cons: These sugar-free gummy bears include dyes and use maltitol, which can make some people to have digestive issues.

Bottom Line: If you’re a big fan of gummy bears, you will enjoy these sugar-free ones that have 12 fruity flavors. Soft, chewy, and satisfying, these sugar-free gummies can be hard to put down after opening, so thankfully, they come in 12 separate bags. Note that these are also made with maltitol.

 

Pros: When you want to enjoy delicious chocolate but are trying to trim your sugar intake, this sugar-free assortment delivers. The box includes a variety of fillings, just like a regular box of chocolates, so even though you’re cutting your sugar, you don’t have to cut out the fun. These are also delightful options to gift someone who is trying to limit their sugar intake without sacrificing that wow factor.

Cons: These chocolates contain maltitol, which can give some people digestive issues.

Bottom Line: Enjoy the delightful and delicious surprises included in a box of chocolates without the usual sugar spike. These tasty sugar-free chocolates include an assortment of fillings and flavors to make the box just as enjoyable as the originals.

Final Thoughts

Cutting sugar from your daily diet can be a huge challenge. These delightful sugar-free candies can make it easier. Try one of these sugar-free candies and see how you can enjoy a pick-me-up without the added sugar or guilt.