Best Low Carbohydrate Candy Picks

Originally Posted on 

By Virginia Wright

Sugar Alcohol such as Maltitol and Lactitol are sugar substitutes and are slowly metabolized carbohydrates that generally cause a smaller rise in our blood glucose levels.  Fructose “sweet sugar” found in many fruits and honey, has a low glycemic index as  it takes a long time to be broken down by the body, which results in slow release of sugar as well. In the nutrition facts chart listed below you will see total carbohydrate, as well as Maltitol, Lactitol and Fiber.

Use the chart below the Nutrition facts to learn how to figure out the number of carbohydrates (sugars)  in your candy or low carbohydrate snack Bars:

Low Carb Candy Nutrition Facts

Buyer Beware: When reading nutrition labels look for partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated fats (Trans fats); if it is listed in the ingredients of the food you want to buy, look for an acceptable alternative. There are plenty of  low carbohydrate candy picks, start reading the nutrition labels.  Partially hydrogenated fats are a major source of chronic disease. They should be avoided, and kept out of your diet as much as possible. The sad news is they are in many products i.e., coffee creamers, packaged foods, even seasoning mixes.  The last place I found partially hydrogenated fats, and that surprised me was in the “sprinkles” that I buy for my sugar cookies that I make at Christmas. Needless to say, I use colored sugar in place of them. Read your labels and find alternatives for PH and H fats.

How to figure out the number of carbohydrates (sugars)  in your candy or Low Carbohydrate snack Bars:

 Take the number of sugar alcohols

+Fiber grams & add together

-Total from the total carbohydrates

= number of carbohydrates you are consuming per serving

LOW FAT DIETERS:  Just because the nutrition facts label says the food has “NO SUGAR” does not mean it doesn’t have Carbohydrates, Saturated Fat , Cholesterol, or Calories.

Virginia Wright, Author – “Best Liked” Low Carbohydrate Candy Picks 

Hershey’s Chocolate Candy With Almonds

Sugar Free

Serving Size 5 pieces >Total Carbohydrate 23 g

Dietary Fiber 3 g + 19 Lactitol g = 22 –

23 -22=  1g total countable Carbohydrate

Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Candy

Sugar Free

Serving Size 5 pieces >Total Carbohydrate 24 g

Dietary Fiber 3 g + 19 Lactitol g = 22

24 -22=  2g countable total Carbohydrate

Russell Stover Coconut Miniatures Covered With A Milk Chocolatey Coating

Sugar Free

Serving Size 5 pieces >Total Carbohydrate 21 g

Dietary Fiber 2 g + 18 Maltitol g = 20

21 -20 = 1g total countable Carbohydrate

Russell Stover Butter Nut Toffee Sticks

Sugar Free

Serving Size 4 pieces >Total Carbohydrate 23 g

Dietary Fiber  <1 g + 22 Maltitol g = 23

23 -23 =  0g total Carbohydrate

Judy’s Candy Company Vanilla Caramels

Sugar Free

Serving Size 1 piece >Total Carbohydrate 12 g

Dietary Fiber  0 g + 11.5g Sugar Alcohol  11.5

12-11.5=  .5g total Carbohydrate

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-Virginia

Author, Food Writer, Recipe Developer, Foodie & Queen of Recipe Adaptation