Quick Answer
Klondike bars do not currently come in a sugar-free variety. The original Klondike bar contains sugar as one of the main ingredients. However, there are some lower sugar and healthier options within the Klondike bar product line.
In Depth Answer
The original Klondike bar, first released in 1922 by the Isaly’s dairy company, contains chocolate coated vanilla ice cream on a stick. The ingredients list sugar as a main component in both the chocolate coating and the ice cream itself. So, the traditional Klondike bar is not sugar-free.
However, in recent years, Klondike has expanded their product offerings to include some lower sugar varieties:
Klondike Minis
Klondike Minis are bite-sized versions of the original Klondike bar. They come in a 100 calorie pack with 6 mini bars per pack. Each mini bar contains around 3-4 grams of sugar compared to 22 grams in a regular size bar. So while not completely sugar free, Klondike Minis offer a lower sugar alternative.
Klondike Protein Bars
Klondike also offers a line of protein bars in flavors like chocolate peanut butter, chocolate caramel, and brownie batter. The protein bars contain between 1-4 grams of sugar each along with 10-11 grams of protein. So these bars would be a good option for someone looking for less sugar but still wanting a sweet treat.
Klondike Donut Sandwiches
Klondike’s latest creation is the donut sandwich, which replaces the stick with a glazed donut. While the donut does contain some sugar, the total sugar per serving is 16 grams compared to 22 grams in the original bar. The donut sandwich allows you to enjoy the Klondike bar flavor in a portion controlled serving.
No Sugar Added Ice Cream
Klondike is owned by Unilever, which markets no sugar added ice cream under the Breyers brand. So while Klondike itself does not make sugar free ice cream, you can create your own lower sugar version of a Klondike bar by using Breyers no sugar added vanilla ice cream and dipping it in sugar free chocolate shell topping.
Healthier Alternatives to Klondike Bars
If you are looking for sugar-free frozen treats, here are some brands and products to consider:
Halo Top
Halo Top offers a wide range of sugar free and low calorie ice cream flavors. Their vanilla bean flavor contains only 6 grams of sugar per serving. You could use this as the ice cream base and dip it in sugar free chocolate or coating.
Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars
Yasso makes Greek yogurt bars dipped in chocolate or peanut butter. The chocolate dipped bars contain only 5 grams of sugar. Yasso uses natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit to keep the sugar content low.
Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches
Skinny Cow has low fat ice cream sandwiches available in flavors like chocolate and vanilla. Each sandwich has between 13-16 grams of sugar, so not sugar free but lower than a regular Klondike bar.
Fudgsicles
The original fudgsicle contains only 8 grams of sugar per pop. So this provides the chocolate coating satisfaction without all the added sugar. You could even make “fudgsicle” bites by cutting them up and inserting popsicle sticks.
Banana “Ice Cream”
Using frozen bananas blended up makes a creamy, low sugar ice cream substitute. You can dip the frozen banana ice cream in sugar free chocolate for your own homemade lower sugar Klondike-style treat. Add some peanut butter or other flavors to customize it.
Petitions and Requests for Sugar Free Klondike Bars
There are many consumers asking for and requesting that Klondike consider releasing a sugar free variety of their famous ice cream bar. Here are some examples:
Change.org Petition
In 2022, a petition was created on Change.org asking Unilever to produce a sugar free Klondike bar. The petition states that the original recipe contains too much added sugar and many people could enjoy the chocolate and ice cream flavors together if a sugar free option was available. The petition has over 7,000 signatures so far.
Reddit Requests
There are several threads on Reddit with users requesting or discussing the idea of Klondike bars being available in a sugar free option. Many users state they would purchase this type of product and that it would appeal to the health/diet-conscious demographic.
Customer Reviews
Some reviews on grocery retailer websites like Instacart and Walmart ask about or request sugar free varieties for medical reasons like diabetes or weight loss goals. It seems there is consumer demand for this product.
Social Media Requests
Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram users have all tagged Klondike’s social media accounts asking them to produce sugar free bars that people with dietary restrictions could enjoy.
Is Klondike Considering Sugar Free Options?
Given the consumer demand, are there any indications that Klondike is developing sugar free products? Here is some of the latest news:
Recent Product Releases Focused on Protein
As mentioned earlier, Klondike’s most recent product innovations have focused on releasing protein bars and shakes. Their press releases tout the addition of protein over sugar content. This indicates the current priority is on high protein, rather than low sugar offerings.
Sugar Free Offerings Only in Ice Cream, Not Bars
Unilever does produce Breyers low carb and no sugar added ice creams. However, they have not applied this to any of their ice cream bar products like Klondike as of now. Their pipeline seems focused on alternative protein sources rather than sugar free formulations.
Priority on Indulgence in Moderation
In interviews, Klondike brand managers describe the brand identity as giving consumers permission to indulge moderately in satisfying foods like chocolate and ice cream.position their indulgent, nostalgic treats as permissible rewards. True sugar-free options may not align with this brand message.
No Public Response to Sugar Free Petitions
While Klondike engages with consumers on social media, they have not directly responded to any petitions or requests for sugar free bars. This lack of response or acknowledgement suggests it may not be a high priority for their product roadmap at this time.
The Bottom Line
While many consumers would welcome sugar free Klondike bars, there are currently no indications that Klondike plans to launch this product variant. Their focus remains on delivering the indulgent ice cream and chocolate experience people crave while offering some better-for-you options like minis and protein bars for portion control and added nutrition. Fans of the brand holding out for a sugar free bar may want to explore lower sugar alternatives or find creative ways to customize their own lower sugar Klondike-style treats in the meantime. But there’s still hope that Klondike may eventually release a sugar free line if consumer demand continues to grow.
| Klondike Product Line | Sugar per Serving |
|---|---|
| Original Klondike Bar | 22 grams |
| Klondike Minis | 3-4 grams |
| Klondike Protein Bars | 1-4 grams |
| Klondike Donut Sandwich | 16 grams |
