Sugar cones are a popular cone option for serving ice cream. The name “sugar cone” implies that they are sweetened with sugar. However, some brands of sugar cones are actually sugar free. So are sugar cones naturally sugar free, or do they contain added sugars? Here’s a deeper look at the ingredients and nutritional information of different sugar cone brands.
What are sugar cones?
Sugar cones, also known as cake cones, are a crisp, sweet wafer commonly used to serve ice cream. They have a distinctive flavor and texture that differentiates them from other cone varieties like waffle cones. Sugar cones have a light, crunchy exterior that gives way to a sweet, soft interior.
Traditional sugar cones are made from the following basic ingredients:
- Flour – Usually wheat flour, but sometimes other grains like rice flour are used.
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar adds sweetness and influences browning.
- Oil and/or butter – Added fat helps give sugar cones their tender, cake-like texture.
- Eggs – Help bind the batter.
- Milk – Adds moisture and richness.
- Baking powder and/or baking soda – Leavening agents that provide lift.
- Salt – Enhances flavor.
- Vanilla – Provides flavor depth.
The main ingredients that give sugar cones their sweet flavor are granulated sugar and vanilla. Some cone brands add corn syrup or honey for extra sweetness and moisture retention. The sugar cone batter is baked into a specially shaped cone mold to achieve the signature cone shape.
How do sugar cones get their sweet taste?
Granulated white sugar is the primary ingredient responsible for the sweet flavor in traditional sugar cones. Sugar is added to the batter before baking. The amount of sugar can range quite a bit between brands, from around 15 grams to over 30 grams per cone. More sugar equals a sweeter cone.
Some cone brands replace a portion of the granulated sugar with liquid sweeteners like corn syrup or honey. Corn syrup helps retain moisture for a softer cone interior. Honey adds floral sweetness. These liquid sugars add sweetness with slightly different flavors from granulated sugar.
Vanilla is another ingredient that boosts the sweet taste. Vanilla extract or vanilla bean seeds infuse the cones with aromatic vanilla flavor. A small amount of vanilla can have a big impact on the overall sweetness perception.
So in summary, the sources of sweetness in traditional sugar cones are:
- Granulated white sugar
- Corn syrup or honey (in some brands)
- Vanilla extract
Are there sugar free varieties?
Yes, there are some brands of sugar cones that are formulated to be sugar free or low sugar. However, they are less common than regular, sweetened sugar cones.
What are sugar free sugar cones made of?
Sugar free cone brands replace the granulated sugar and corn syrup with lower calorie sweeteners like:
- Maltitol syrup
- Xylitol
- Erythritol
- Stevia
- Sucralose
These alternative sweeteners provide a sweet taste without the added calories of sugar. Maltitol syrup mimics the texture and moisture retention properties of corn syrup. Xylitol, erythritol, and stevia are natural sugar alcohols/plant extracts that offer sweetness with fewer carbs and calories than sugar.
Sugar free cones typically contain regular wheat flour as the base ingredient rather than lower carb options like almond or coconut flour. But the sugar content comes exclusively from the alternative sweeteners rather than granulated sugar.
Do sugar free cones taste the same?
Sugar free sugar cones aim to mimic the sweet flavor and tender texture of regular sugar cones. However, some brands come closer to the mark than others.
Cones made with maltitol syrup tend to most closely replicate the moisture, browning, and mouthfeel of corn syrup-sweetened cones. Stevia and erythritol cones sometimes have an aftertaste. And xylitol cones can have a cooling effect.
Some brands manage to formulate sugar free cones with very minimal taste differences from the original. But other products don’t live up to the flavor and texture of sugar-sweetened cones.
If having a product that’s virtually indistinguishable from the regular sweet version is important, be prepared to try a few different brands to find the one that suits your preferences best.
Nutrition facts comparison
So sugar free sugar cones provide the sweet cone taste in a lower sugar, lower calorie package. But how do the nutrition facts specifically compare between regular and sugar free varieties?
Here is a nutrition facts table contrasting a typical sweetened sugar cone with a sugar free version:
| Nutrition Facts | Regular Sugar Cone | Sugar Free Sugar Cone |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 45 |
| Total Fat | 2 g | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g | 9 g |
| Sugars | 7 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g | 1 g |
As you can see, the sugar free cone cuts the calories nearly in half, contains 0 grams of sugar, and has fewer net carbs. But it provides a very similar amount of fat and protein.
So for anyone watching their sugar and carb intake, sugar free cones are a great option. The main caveat is that sugar alcohols like maltitol can cause digestive issues in some people when eaten in excess.
Popular sugar cone brands
Now that we’ve covered the basics of sugared versus sugar free cones, here is a look at some popular cone brands in both categories:
Sweetened Sugar Cones
- Keebler Sugar Cones – Made with sugar and corn syrup
- Joy Classic Sugar Cones – Sugar sweetened and vanilla flavored
- GoodPop Sugar Cones – Contain cane sugar and honey
- Diamond Crystal Sugar Cones – Made with sugar and corn syrup solids
- Anna’s Signature Sugar Cone – Sweetened with sugar and corn syrup
Sugar Free Sugar Cones
- GoodPop No Sugar Added Cones – Sweetened with stevia
- My Sugar Free Sugar Cones – Made with maltitol and stevia
- Swiss Miss Sugar Free Cones – Contain maltitol and acesulfame potassium
- Holly’s Sugar Free Bakery Cones – Sweetened with xylitol and stevia
- No Sugar Added Crispy Cone – Erythritol and stevia sweetened
This covers some of the major brands making both sweetened and lower sugar varieties of sugar cones. Everyone has their own preferences, so sampling different options can help identify your favorites.
Verdict: Are sugar cones sugar free?
In summary:
- Traditional sugar cones are sweetened with sugar (typically 15-30 grams per cone).
- Sugar free varieties use alternative sweeteners like maltitol, stevia, and erythritol instead.
- Sugar free cones have roughly half the calories with no sugar or carbs.
- The taste is similar but sugar free brands vary in how closely they replicate the real thing.
- Brands like Keebler and Joy make popular sugared versions, while GoodPop and No Sugar Added make sugar free options.
So while the name “sugar cone” implies they are sugary, there are sugar free alternatives available. If you’re watching your sugar intake, be sure to read the packaging to find lower sugar or sugar free versions.
The bottom line
Traditional sugar cones contain around 15-30 grams of added sugar per cone, while sugar free varieties use alternative sweeteners to eliminate sugar and carbs. Sugar free cones allow you to enjoy the signature cone taste and crunch without all the added sugar.