Latest news with #sugarfree
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A Dietitian Reveals the Truth About Sugar-Free Candy
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."When you walk down the candy aisle, it's hard not to notice the array of sugar-free treats promising all the sweetness with none of the sugar. Whether you have a type of diabetes or are simply cutting added sugar. Maybe you've wondered: Are these candies too good to be true? What's really inside those shiny wrappers, and are they really 'better-for-you?' As a dietitian, I'm here to peel back the label and get honest about the truth about sugar-free candy. If you've ever been curious about the ingredients, how they affect your body, or how to separate fact from fiction, here's everything you need to know about the type of food. What is sugar-free candy, and is sugar-free candy truly sugar-free? Sugar-free candy is exactly what it sounds like: Sweet treats made without traditional sugar. Instead of using sugar, these candies typically rely on alternative sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or sucralose to deliver that familiar sweet taste. They're often favored by people looking to cut back on their sugar intake, whether for health reasons like managing blood sugars or simply for reducing calorie consumption. You'll find sugar-free versions of everything from chocolates to gummies, all designed to satisfy a sweet tooth without the added sugar. But here's the kicker. 'Sugar-free' doesn't always mean a total absence of sugar. The term is regulated, and sugar-free candy can contain tiny amounts of sugar as long as it's under 0.5 grams per serving. Additionally, while these candies skip traditional sugar, they sometimes include sugar alcohols or other sweeteners, which may still affect your body differently. For example, sugar alcohols often have a lower impact on blood sugar compared to regular sugar, making them appealing for people watching their glucose levels. However, eating too much can sometimes cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, or even diarrhea in some individuals. For most people, they're a helpful option for enjoying sweets in moderation, but it's important to read labels carefully to understand exactly what you're getting. It's important to note that sugar-free candy doesn't always mean it's free of carbohydrates. For example, Werther's Original Sugar-Free Hard Candies contain 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, even though they contain zero sugar. Not all carbohydrates used as ingredients are considered a sugar, and may impact blood glucose levels. What do they put in sugar-free candy? The sweetness in sugar-free candy comes from several possible substitutes. Here's a closer look at the most common ones: 1. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, aspartame, or saccharin, are popular in many sugar-free products. These compounds deliver a sweet taste without contributing the same number of calories as sugar and typically don't have a significant impact on blood sugar. Because they are much sweeter than sugar, only very small amounts are needed. Most artificial sweeteners pass through the digestive system with minimal absorption, so their caloric contribution is limited. Some studies have looked at possible effects on gut health and sweet cravings, but research in these areas is still ongoing. 2. Sugar alcohols Ingredients like maltitol, xylitol, and erythritol are classified as sugar alcohols. They occur naturally in some foods but are often manufactured for use in sugar-free candies. Sugar alcohols are lower in calories than sugar and are only partially absorbed by the body, meaning they may have a less drastic effect on blood sugar. It's worth noting that eating large amounts of sugar alcohols may cause digestive discomfort, like bloating or diarrhea, because they are not fully absorbed and are fermented by gut bacteria. 3. Other additives Sugar-free candies can include additives such as thickeners or fats to mimic the texture of traditional candy. These ingredients can influence the final product's calorie and nutrient content, so sugar-free doesn't always mean low in calories or fat. Reading the ingredient list can help you better understand what's in your sugar-free candy and how it fits within your personal preferences and needs. Is sugar-free candy good or bad for you? Sugar-free candy seems like a dream come true for anyone aiming to cut back on sugar. But, whether it's 'good' or 'bad' for you really depends on your individual needs. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide if sugar-free candy deserves a spot in your snack stash. Potential advantages Cutting back on added sugar If you're managing your sugar intake, sugar-free candy can be a nice alternative for satisfying your sweet tooth without the added sugars of traditional treats. It can be a win for those trying to manage their sugar levels or simply avoid the sugar rush crash. Just remember that sugar-free doesn't always mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free! Lower calorie option Many sugar-free candies have fewer calories than their regular counterparts, making them appealing if you're keeping an eye on calorie consumption. It's a little indulgence that doesn't feel like it's overdoing it. Better for blood sugar Unlike regular candy, which can cause blood sugar spikes in some individuals, sugar-free options are less likely to have this effect. This makes them a better choice for those managing diabetes or aiming to maintain steady blood sugar levels. However, it's still important to manage your portion sizes, as overindulging in sugar-free candy may also affect blood sugar. Potential drawbacks Digestive issues Here's the not-so-sweet side: many sugar-free candies use sugar alcohols like erythritol or sorbitol, which may cause bloating or discomfort if you eat too much. It's kind of like your stomach waving a little white flag after one too many pieces. Still an ultra-processed food with low nutritional value Don't forget, sugar-free doesn't always mean 'healthier.' These candies are ultra-processed foods and often come with a list of added ingredients like thickeners or oils. Also, just like regular candy, most of the sugar-free options do not contain any vitamins or minerals, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a nutritious snack. Sugar-free does not always mean carbohydrate-free For those watching their carbohydrate intake, sugar-free candy may still contain carbs. So it's important to consult the nutrition label to get the full picture. Is sugar-free candy good for your blood sugar? When it comes to blood sugar, sugar-free candy generally has less impact than candy made with standard sugar. This is because the sweeteners used, such as sugar alcohols or non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, are absorbed more slowly or not at all. The role of carbohydrates As mentioned previously, not all 'sugar-free' candies are carb-free. Some sugar-free candies, especially those with sugar alcohols like maltitol, still contain carbohydrates that can modestly affect blood sugar. Sugar-free candies may be better for your blood sugar management, but depending on the variety you choose, your sugar-free sweet treat may still impact your blood sugar, depending on the ingredients used to make it and the portion you consume. Studies on artificial sweeteners vs. sugar Artificial sweeteners should not cause blood sugar spikes—but there is ongoing research about their potential long-term effects, including possible impacts on gut bacteria or insulin response, but no conclusive evidence for major health risks when consumed in moderation. Everyone processes carbohydrates and sweeteners a bit differently. If you have specific health concerns, such as monitoring blood glucose or experiencing digestive sensitivity, you may want to pay attention to ingredient lists and portion sizes. The bottom line Sugar-free candy can satisfy a craving for something sweet without added sugars, but it's not inherently 'better' or 'worse' than other treats. The truth about sugar-free candy is that it's one option among many, and its value ultimately depends on your unique context, whether that's medical needs, personal taste, or individual response. A few things to keep in mind: Read labels: Check for sweetener types and other ingredients so you know what you're getting. And if you are watching your blood glucose, consider the amount of carbohydrates in the sugar-free food you're eating. Pay attention to your experience: Notice how different sweeteners affect your cravings, digestion, or overall satisfaction. Enjoy as part of your routine: Including sugar-free candy, like any food, is about choice and balance, not about restriction or 'good' versus 'bad' foods. At the end of the day, sugar-free candy is just one way to enjoy sweetness in your life. Whether you choose it or not, the most important thing is finding what works best for your body and brings you joy. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Science
- CTV News
Investigating a cool new way to preserve underutilized crops
A researcher at Lethbridge Polytechnic is taking her knowledge and skills of developing low-sugar and sugar-free ice cream to find new options to store sugar beets while maintaining sucrose integrity. A researcher at Lethbridge Polytechnic is taking her knowledge and skills of developing low-sugar and sugar-free ice cream to find new options to store sugar beets while maintaining sucrose integrity. Rajpreet Goraya spent years analyzing how ice cream can be used to preserve underutilized crops like Indian gooseberries and orange peels. She's now working at the polytechnic and researching new, long-term storage options for sugar beets. Her research aims to provide producers with another revenue source to reduce crop risk and increase revenue streams. 'We are successful in preserving our sugar beet crop for more than a year, but we only claim for six months for that, so we are good to go,' said Goraya. 'We are good to preserve it, and then they can use it in different products.' Sunday marked National Ice Cream Day, and Goraya is hoping her research will spark conversations about food sustainability, health and innovation.
SBS Australia
14-07-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
Not so sweet: explaining the impact of sugar substitutes on the environment
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . In 2025, if you're dodging sugar to spare your health -you likely aren't going without the sweet stuff altogether. There are readily-available sugar-free soft drinks and even lollies - in fact, more than ever before. Food manufacturing giants have pivoted to artificially sweetened goods - but is zero sugar, zero harm? Not according to a new study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials - and the name of the publication gives a clue about the results. Dr Xuan Li from the University of Technology, Sydney, says it is the environment that is paying the price for a rise in artificial sweeteners. "So whatever we are eating will eventually discharge into wastewater and become concentrated in wastewater treatment plants. And our treatment plants are not easily able to degrade them as well. So they will be directly discharged into the environment. And this will gradually lead to the accumulation in the environment and eventually effect all the water creatures." The U-T-S study has found some of these fake or alternative sugar substances are building up in waterways around the world. They are designed to not be fully absorbed by the body – and for the same reason, they don't break down as easily in waterways or on the land. They become 'forever chemicals' that build in concentration and potential toxicity. And that is a bigger problem. Why? Because in an ecosystem, all organisms are connected. "Some fish may die early because of this. So in a fish it is like the bottom line is anything changing the fish will eventually impact the upper food chain and impact the other creatures. Like we have found algae can be impacted and they all of a sudden bloom and all of a sudden die, because of the build-up of artificial sweeteners." Not all sweeteners are created equal, and one scores worst in terms of its lack of ability to decompose - Sucrose - which is marketed as Splenda in supermarkets around the world. The sweeteners, saccharin and cyclamate particles were comparatively easy to remove from water. This isn't the first time sweeteners have come under fire for their environmental impact - major studies out of the E-U in recent years. Dr Li says its impossible to know how long it will take for the build-up of these microtoxins to have a detrimental impact on humans - and to know how severe that impact could be. 'We are talking a lot about P-FAS a lot in recent years, but actually artificial sweeteners have a similar accumulation pathway like PFAS in our environment. We just have not got enough attention on it. This is also partially because we have currently very mixed results, regarding the impact of artificial sweeteners.' There have been conflicting findings in numerous global studies about the impact of sugar substitutes we eat and drink. In March 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand reviewed the intense sweeteners permitted for use in the Food Standards Code. "A range of different sources of evidence were included such as sweetener use information and dietary exposure assessments. Steviol glycosides were reviewed in detail which included an analytical survey and risk assessment. No public health and safety issues were identified as a result of the review." But Dr Li says more research needs to happen - now - for the planet, ecosystem and our health. Meanwhile, we each have a choice. "As consumers ourselves, we can think twice when we are trying to purchase a product. I know artificial sweeteners can sound very tempting if you're trying to control your blood sugar level, your body weight. But the question is, do we really understand them well enough? If not, maybe the conventional sugary stuff will be a better solution."
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
THE CANNY COOK: Cold-brew iced tea
In 20 or so years of writing about food, one of my greatest joys has been picking up clever little tricks from chefs. Simple, transformative things like adding a splash of water to onions as they fry (which helps them to soften and prevents browning too soon) or salting fish 10-15 minutes before cooking to firm up the flesh and enhance the flavour. A couple of weeks ago, while I was staying with a chef friend in Bristol, he offered me a glass of iced tea. Instinctively I turned it down, having never been a fan of its fruit-heavy, syrupy composition. But the drink he poured himself looked light and crisp, so I asked to try it. It was fantastic: elegant, refreshing, completely sugar-free and, it turns out, incredibly easy to make. He had simply soaked a couple of green tea bags (one classic, one with lemon) overnight in cold water. Cold-brewing is key as the tea releases fewer tannins than in hot water, resulting in a smooth and delicate finish. Aromatics (fruits and herbs) can also be added for extra flavour. As someone who is always searching for sugar-free summer drinks, I thought it a brilliant discovery, and I have been playing with variations since. If you fancy making a batch and need a nice carafe, Ikea has a great one with a cork lid for under £5. 1 mint sprig, 52p; 1 litre water, no cost METHOD Using a y-peeler, pare a long strip of zest from the lemon. Place inside a 1 litre carafe or jug, with the tea bags and the mint. If you don't have lemons, try adding slices of cucumber, rounds of orange or lime or strawberry tops (which you'd probably otherwise throw in the bin). Instead of mint, you could add basil leaves, lemongrass stalks or a sprig of rosemary. Fill the carafe or jug with cold water, put on the lid or cover, and leave to cold-brew in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Pour into glasses over ice and slices of the lemon and enjoy. *This cost assumes you already have some basic store-cupboard ingredients. Prices taken from Sainsbury's and correct at time of going to press.
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Starbucks set to 'further MAHA' its menu, RFK Jr says
Published: | The specific changes were not revealed, but Niccol has previously said he wants his chain's drinks to contain less sugar and to include health-promoting ingredients — potentially including protein powder. Revealing the meeting on X, RFK Jr said he was 'pleased to learn' that Starbucks menus 'already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and other additives'. Last week, the chain revealed it was testing a sugar-free vanilla latte topped with protein banana cold foam, and earlier this year it removed sugar from its matcha powder — after which sales of the drink spiked 40 percent. The chain has also dropped the 80-cent surcharge on its nondairy milks — which they said was to improve customer experience. Starbucks is the largest coffee chain in the US, with nearly 17,000 stores nationwide — although it has seen sales decline recently. Its proposed changes come amid a 'MAHA-isation' of America's food supply, with major corporations rushing to remove additives and artificial dyes from their products to fall more in line with the new administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative. RFK Jr's supporters were quick to react angrily to the move, however, accusing the HHS Secretary of 'propping up' a big corporation and saying Starbucks' move was 'too little, too late'. One commenter on X said: 'Sir. Why are you doing this? There are 81 grams of sugar in Starbucks' most popular drink. 'Cool they're not using dyes, or high fructose corn syrup, I'm happy about that. But, this is not what we're here to prop up. These companies should be shamed for driving the chronic disease epidemic.' A second said: 'Mr Kennedy, that's all great and all, but you do realize those drinks have an enormous amount of calories, which will do more harm than dyes and sweeteners.' Others shared the long list of ingredients in Starbucks' staples like the sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich, which included Maltodextrin and Xanthan Gum, emulsifiers linked to a higher risk of colon cancer, and ammonium sulfate, an inorganic salt often used as a fertilizer. Starbucks has regularly faced criticism over the high calorie and sugar content of its drinks — with high consumption of these linked to weight gain. Its summer menu includes a berry iced drink called Summer Skies, which has 26 grams of sugar per 16-ounce serving, and a Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher, which contains 33 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce serving. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar a day, and women no more than 25 grams per day. During the 2024 election, Starbucks spent more than $1.5million on political lobbying efforts, donating $11,118 to the Trump campaign, records suggest , and more than $488,000 to Democrat candidates — including $158,365 to then-vice president Kamala Harris. The coffee behemoth is far from the only one making radical changes. Earlier this week, Kraft Heinz — the company behind Kraft Mac and Cheese and Heinz Ketchup — revealed it would remove artificial colors from its products by 2027. And General Mills, which produces Cheerios, also said it would banish artificial colors from its foods by the same year.
