Werther’s Original Sugar Free candies are a popular sugar-free candy option. But are they a smart choice for people with diabetes? As a diabetic, it’s crucial to understand how different sugar-free foods may impact your blood sugar levels. This article will explore the key factors to consider regarding Werther’s Sugar Free candies and diabetes. We’ll cover the ingredients, carbohydrate content, glycemic impact, and more to help you make informed decisions about enjoying these treats as part of a healthy diabetes diet.
What are the Ingredients in Werther’s Sugar Free Candies?
Werther’s Sugar Free candies contain the following main ingredients:
– Isomalt – A sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute. It provides sweetness but contains minimal digestible carbohydrates.
– Vegetable oil – Used to provide moisture and texture. Contains no carbohydrates.
– Milk protein – Adds creaminess and structure. Contains small amounts of carbohydrates.
– Cocoa butter – Imparts chocolate flavor. Contains minimal carbohydrates.
– Natural and artificial flavors – Provide taste. Do not significantly impact carbohydrate content.
– Soy lecithin – An emulsifier. Does not contain carbohydrates.
– Salt – Used in small amounts for flavor. Does not contain carbs.
The key ingredients of note are isomalt, milk protein, and cocoa butter. Isomalt is the primary sweetener, while milk protein and cocoa butter provide texture and flavor. Aside from these components, the candies are free of sugar alcohols like maltitol that can raise blood sugar. The candies also do not contain sugars like sucrose, glucose or fructose that have a direct impact on blood glucose levels. This makes them a better choice compared to traditional sugar-containing candies for diabetes management.
How Many Carbs are in Werther’s Sugar Free Candies?
The amount of digestible carbs in Werther’s Sugar Free candies is relatively low compared to traditional candies. According to the nutrition facts label, a typical serving size of 5 pieces (25g) contains:
– Total Carbohydrates: 9g
– Dietary Fiber: 5g
– Sugars: 0g
– Sugar Alcohols: 4g
So each 5 piece serving contains:
* 4g of sugar alcohols from isomalt that are minimally absorbed
* 3g of milk protein/cocoa butter that provide minimal carbohydrates
* 5g of indigestible fiber that does not raise blood sugar
This means there are about **3g of digestible carbohydrates per 5 piece serving**. The American Diabetes Association lists 15g of carbs as the carb amount in a “carb serving”, so a 5 piece serving provides substantially less than one serving of carbs.
The small amount of carbohydrates and lack of sugar make Werther’s Sugar Free a lower carb candy choice suitable for diabetes nutritional needs in moderation.
What is the Glycemic Index of Werther’s Sugar Free?
The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly a food causes spikes in an individual’s blood glucose levels. Foods are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100 based on how they compare to pure glucose.
Low GI foods (55 or less) are digested more slowly and cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar. High GI foods (70 or more) are digested quickly and can lead to sharp spikes in blood glucose.
Isomalt, the primary sweetener in Werther’s Sugar Free candies, has a very low GI of 2. This means it has a negligible effect on blood sugar.
While the GI of Werther’s Sugar Free candies specifically has not been measured, based on the low GI sweetener used, these candies likely have a low glycemic impact. Their effect on blood glucose is gradual rather than spiking.
This makes Werther’s a better choice compared to high GI sugary candies for people with diabetes. The minimal glycemic effect helps prevent blood sugar spikes after eating.
Are There Any Downsides to Werther’s for Diabetics?
While Werther’s Sugar Free are a good option compared to regular candies for people with diabetes, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind:
– **Blood Sugar Spikes** – While the glycemic impact is low, they may still produce slight increases in blood glucose levels. Those sensitive to small spikes should exercise caution.
– **Gastrointestinal Discomfort** – Some of the sugar alcohols may cause bloating, gas, or laxative effects in sensitive people if eaten in large amounts. Moderation is key.
– **Dental Cavities** – Like all candies, the stickiness and prolonged exposure to teeth can increase dental decay risk. Proper oral hygiene is important.
– **Nutritional Value** – The candies provide calories mainly from fat with minimal nutritional value. They should be accounted for within daily calorie and nutrition needs.
– **Weight Gain** – Overconsumption can lead to excess calories and weight gain, which can increase diabetes health risks. Portion control is important.
While these negatives are lessened compared to regular sugar candies, they should still be considered especially when consuming Werther’s frequently or in excess.
Tips for Incorporating Werther’s into a Diabetes Diet
Werther’s Sugar Free candies can be incorporated into a healthy diabetes meal plan in moderation through the following tips:
– **Mind Portions** – Stick to a modest serving of 3-5 pieces to keep calories and carbs in check. Avoid overindulging.
– **Account for Carbs** – Factor the 3g digestible carbs per serving into your carb budget for the meal or day.
– **Pair with Protein** – Eat candies alongside a protein source like nuts to help prevent blood sugar spikes.
– **Brush Teeth After** – Brush immediately after eating to protect tooth health and prevent lingering sugar exposure.
– **Test Blood Sugar** – Check glucose levels about 1-2 hours after eating to understand your individual response.
– **Limit Frequency** – Enjoy Werther’s as an occasional treat a few times per week rather than daily indulgence to prevent overconsumption.
By following healthy eating habits, Werther’s Sugar Free can be consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diabetes diet plan. Speak to your dietitian or doctor for personalized advice.
How Do Werther’s Sugar Free Candies Compare to Other Sugar-Free Candies?
Werther’s stands apart from some other popular sugar-free candies for diabetics in a few key ways:
**Compared to sugar-free mints/gums:**
– Higher calorie – Werther’s contain more calories from fat unlike near zero-calorie mints/gums.
– More carbs – Small amounts of digestible carbs vs. no carbs in mints.
– Less dental risk – Less sticky and soft texture than candies may be better for teeth.
**Compared to chocolate with sugar alcohols:**
– Fewer additives – Simple ingredients vs. long additive lists.
– Lower glycemic – Isomalt has lower GI than most other sugar alcohols.
– Less gastrointestinal effects – Isomalt less likely to cause digestive issues.
**Compared to smart sweets:**
– Higher calorie/carb – More calories and carbs than smart sweets with fiber.
– Less filling – Does not provide volume, protein, and fat like some smart sweets.
– Less nutrition – No protein/fiber content like high-nutrition smart sweets.
Overall, Werther’s Sugar Free are a simple lower carb candy option but lack the ultra-low calorie and glycemic profile of some alternatives. They provide less nutrition than some smart sweets but with fewer additives and less GI impact.
Are Homemade Sugar-Free Werther’s Possible?
It is possible to recreate homemade sugar-free Werther’s at home using isomalt and other diabetic-friendly ingredients. However, precisely replicating the taste and texture of original Werther’s can be challenging. Here is a sample recipe and some tips for homemade Werther’s:
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup isomalt
– 1/4 cup cocoa butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of sea salt
**Directions:**
1. Melt isomalt on low heat until dissolved into syrup.
2. Mix in cocoa butter and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
4. Pour into candy molds or allow to set in sheet then break into pieces.
**Tips for Best Results:**
– Use an accurate candy thermometer to achieve the ideal temperature and moisture.
– Chill thoroughly for at least 2-3 hours to achieve firm texture.
– Add a drop of liquid stevia or powdered monk fruit extract if more sweetness is needed.
– Consider adding a small amount of xanthan gum to improve chewiness.
– Add extra vanilla or other sugar-free flavors for taste.
While homemade Werther’s may not be identical, they can provide a lower carb treat option using wholesome ingredients selected for your dietary needs. Be sure to account for the carbohydrates and calories in any homemade candy treats within your meal plan.
The Bottom Line
Werther’s Sugar Free candies can be a sensible treat option for people with diabetes in moderation. The low glycemic impact, lack of sugar, and minimal carbohydrates make them a better choice than traditional sugar candies. However, portion sizes should still be monitored and they should be consumed as part of an overall balanced diabetic diet. Speak to your healthcare provider to determine if enjoying Werther’s or other sweets fits into your personalized nutrition plan and blood sugar control goals. With smart dietary habits, occasional small treats like Werther’s can be included to satisfy sweet cravings without sacrificing health.
