Peach rings, also known as peach gummies, are a popular candy made to resemble sliced peaches. Their sweet peach flavor and chewy texture make them a favorite treat for both kids and adults. But with their vibrant colors and fruit shapes, some people may wonder if peach rings actually contain any real peach ingredients. Additionally, many health-conscious consumers want to know if these candies are packed with sugar, or if there are lower-sugar options available. Here’s a comprehensive look at the ingredients and nutritional value of peach rings.
The Main Ingredients in Peach Rings
Peach rings are essentially a peach-flavored gummy candy. Their primary ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. This combination gives them their characteristic soft, chewy texture. While their peach shape and flavor may suggest they contain real fruit, peach rings are artificially flavored and colored. Here are some of the main ingredients found in popular brands of peach rings:
- Sugar: Plain white granulated sugar is the primary ingredient. It gives peach rings their sweetness.
- Corn syrup: Corn syrup helps provide a smooth, chewy texture.
- Gelatin: Gelatin acts as a gelling agent to give peach rings their chewy consistency.
- Citric acid: Provides some tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Artificial flavors and colors: These replica peach flavors and vibrant colors to resemble real peaches.
- Palm oil or canola oil: Added fats help provide a creamy, melting texture.
As you can see, the main components of peach rings are various forms of sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and gelling agents. While they may look and taste like peaches, real peach puree or juice is not used. The ingredients label does not indicate the presence of any actual peach, aside from “natural and artificial peach flavors.”
Nutritional Facts and Sugar Content
Being made predominantly of sugar, peach rings are very high in sugar and carbohydrates:
- Serving size: About 5 to 7 rings (40g)
- Calories: 140 to 160 calories per serving
- Total sugar content: 27 to 33 grams per serving
- Protein: 0 to 1 grams
- Total fat: 0 to 2 grams
As you can see from the nutrition facts, around 80% of the calories in peach rings come from sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men. This means a single serving of 7 peach rings nearly exceeds the daily limit!
Popular brands of peach rings like Trolli and Albanese contain between 3.5 to 4 grams of sugar per ring. So the amount of sugar really adds up if you eat a whole bag.
Sugar Sources in Peach Rings
When looking at the ingredients list, you may notice several different types of sugar listed. Here’s an explanation of the various forms of sugar found in peach rings:
Granulated White Sugar
This is plain sucrose (table sugar) from sugar cane or sugar beets. It provides the upfront sweetness that hits your taste buds instantly when you bite into a peach ring.
Corn Syrup
There are several types of corn syrup used in candy production:
- High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – HFCS is higher in fructose than regular corn syrup. It’s sweeter and helps keep candies soft. Peach rings are sometimes made with HFCS.
- Inverted sugar syrup – This is made by combining corn syrup with purified water and small amounts of acids or enzymes. It contributes to a smooth, glass-like texture.
Fruit Juice Concentrates
You may see pear, peach, or apple juice concentrate on the label. These add back small amounts of fruit sugar to enhance flavor.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
In addition to juices, compounds like maltol and ethyl maltol are sometimes added to replicate peach flavors. While present in tiny amounts, these boost the sweet taste.
In summary, while not containing actual peach fruit, various types of sugars comprise the majority of a peach ring’s ingredients. Multiple forms are used to produce the ideal soft, chewy gummy texture and sweet, peach-like flavor people expect from this candy.
Are There Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free Peach Rings?
Given their high sugar content, some people look for low-sugar alternatives when enjoying peach rings and other gummy candies. Here are some options:
Low-Sugar Pectin-Based Gummies
Pectin can be used as an alternative gelling agent instead of sugar and corn syrup. Pectin is a soluble fiber naturally found in fruits like peaches. Manufacturers can make reduced sugar gummies by replacing half the sugar with pectin. These typically have around 5 grams of sugar per serving compared to 13-15 grams in regular peach rings.
Sugar Substitutes
Sugar substitutes like erythritol, stevia, monk fruit extract, and allulose can be used to reduce the calorie count. However, these sugar-free peach rings still tend to have a higher carbohydrate count due to other binders like tapioca starch needed to provide the chewy texture.
Sugar Alcohols
Many gummy brands use sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol instead of regular sugar. These provide a sweet taste with fewer calories than sucrose. But sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues like gas or bloating when eaten in excess.
100% Real Fruit Snacks
Some alternatives for kids are 100% fruit leather or pouches made from pureed real peaches. These contain natural fruit sugar rather than added sugars. However, the texture is less gummy-like and chewy compared to traditional peach rings.
Check labels carefully when choosing low-sugar candy alternatives as the carb and calorie count can still be high in “sugar-free” versions depending on what replace the regular sugar.
Should You Avoid Peach Rings If You Have Diabetes?
People with diabetes need to closely monitor their carbohydrate and sugar intake. High amounts can cause unhealthy spikes in blood glucose levels.
Due to their high sugar content from added sugars like sucrose, corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrates, peach rings are not the best option for people with diabetes. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not recommend fully avoiding sugar or sweet treats. The ADA advises limiting added sugars to around 25 grams per day from all sources, not just candy.
As an occasional treat in small amounts, peach rings can be worked into a diabetes meal plan. Some tips include:
- Stick to a serving of 5 to 7 rings or less
- Account for their carbohydrate impact when dosing mealtime insulin
- Pair peach rings with a source of protein or healthy fat to help control blood sugar response
- Consume them just after a meal, not on an empty stomach
- Choose low-sugar pectin or sugar substitute-based options
In moderation along with proper medication and lifestyle management, people with diabetes can still enjoy these popular candies.
Healthier Alternatives to Peach Rings
Peach rings don’t offer much in the way of nutrition beyond calories and sugar. Here are some healthier snack alternatives to satisfy your peach craving:
Fresh Peaches
Choose in-season fresh peaches when you want that delicious juicy peach experience. Aside from natural sugars, peaches provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Frozen Peaches
Keep a bag of frozen peach slices on hand for a cold, sweet treat on hot days. Let them defrost slightly to naturally enhance their juicy flavor.
Greek Yogurt with Peaches
Top plain nonfat Greek yogurt with fresh peach slices or use peach yogurt. You’ll get protein, calcium, probiotics and less sugar than candy.
Peach Smoothies
Blend peaches, Greek yogurt, and ice for a creamy lower calorie beverage. Adding spinach or kale boosts nutrition.
Peach Salsa with Chips
Dip fresh corn chips or pretzels into a homemade chunky peach salsa. Roast peach halves and puree with chilies, onion, cilantro and lime juice.
Peach Oatmeal
Make overnight oats with milk, oats, cinnamon, and diced peaches for a naturally sweet breakfast.
When you want that peach rings flavor, go for whole foods like fresh peaches whenever possible. You’ll get more nutrition and fiber with less added sugar.
Do Peach Rings Have Gluten?
Peach rings are considered gluten-free. They do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye. Some of the main components like sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and vegetable oils do not contain gluten. Additionally, tests by third-party organizations have confirmed popular peach ring products as gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million.
However, it’s important to note manufacturing cross-contamination risks still exist in facilities that also process other products containing gluten. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should look for brands that are certified gluten-free and state “gluten-free” clearly on the label. Individuals highly sensitive should also check if the candy was made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. Calling the manufacturer directly can help identify any potential for cross-contact.
Are Peach Rings Vegan?
Standard peach rings are not considered vegan because they contain gelatin. Gelatin is derived from the bones, skins, and connective tissues of animals like pigs and cows. However, there are some brands of peach rings that use alternate ingredients to create a similar chewy candy without animal-based gelatin. These typically substitute gelatin with:
- Pectin – extracted from fruit peels
- Agar agar – derived from seaweed or algae
- Carrageenan – sourced from red seaweed
- Locust bean gum – from carob tree seeds
When purchasing peach rings, look for wording like “vegan”, “vegetarian”, or “gelatin-free” on the label. Also check the ingredients list for the alternate gelling agents like fruit pectin rather than just gelatin or “gelling agent.” Popular vegan gummy brands include Surf Sweets, Goody Good Stuff, and Smart Sweets.
Do Peach Rings Contain Allergens?
Peach rings may contain potential food allergens including:
Corn
Corn syrup and dextrose made from corn can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to corn. Reactions may range from mild symptoms like hives, itching, and swelling to severe anaphylaxis.
Soy
Some brands use soybean oil or soy lecithin. Those with soy allergies should avoid products containing soy-derived ingredients.
Tree Nuts
Peach rings manufactured on equipment shared with other nuts may risk cross-contact. Those with nut allergies should check with the manufacturer.
Coconut
Some peach rings contain coconut oil. Coconut is actually a fruit, so those with tree nut allergies can typically eat coconut, but some people have coconut specific allergies.
Always check the label for allergen statements like “May contain…” or “Made in a facility…”. Call the brand directly if concerned about cross-contamination.
Are Peach Rings Safe for Kids?
While high in sugar, peach rings are generally recognized as safe for kids to eat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a moderate amount of candy is fine for children as part of a balanced diet. Some tips for limiting sugar intake from candies like peach rings include:
- Consume candy along with a source of protein to help prevent blood sugar spikes
- Serve small, age-appropriate portion sizes
- Eat candy after a full meal, not on an empty stomach
- Brush teeth after eating sugary candy to prevent cavities
- Limit higher sugar candies to an occasional treat, not daily
Teaching kids portion control and moderation is key. When enjoyed in small amounts, peach rings can be part of a normal, healthy diet for children.
Do Peach Rings Expire or Go Bad?
Like most candies and sweets, peach rings typically have a long shelf life of 12 to 24 months when stored properly. The high sugar content creates an environment where microbes cannot easily grow. So unopened peach rings can last over a year past the “best by” date before quality begins to decline.
Once opened, peach rings may start to get stale within a few months. Signs peach rings have gone bad include:
- Hard, stiff texture
- Loss of chewiness
- Sugar crystals on the surface
- White film or icy coating
- Change in color
- Unusual taste or smell
For best quality and texture, eat peach rings within 2 to 3 months of opening. Discard any rings that become too hard, sticky, or stale.
To maximize freshness, store unopened peach rings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storage in humid, hot environments. Refrigerating opened rings can slightly prolong their shelf life as well compared to pantry storage.
Conclusion
Peach rings contain multiple types of added sugar to achieve their sweet flavor and signature chewy gummy texture. While they may look and taste like peaches, peach rings are artificially colored and flavored without containing any real peach fruit. Each ring packs around 4 grams of sugar, so portion sizes should be limited, especially for individuals with diabetes or those looking to reduce sugar intake. While not the healthiest choice, enjoying peach rings from time to time poses no risks for most people. Those with food allergies should check the ingredients label carefully for potential triggers like corn, soy, nuts, and coconut.
