Russell Stover sugar free toffees are a popular low calorie candy option. For those watching their sugar and calorie intake, sugar free candies can provide the sweet treat without spiking blood sugar or packing on extra calories. But exactly how many calories are in a Russell Stover sugar free toffee? Let’s take a closer look.
Nutrition Facts for Russell Stover Sugar Free Toffees
The nutrition information for Russell Stover sugar free toffees lists the following facts per 1 piece candy:
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Includes 0g Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
As you can see, a single Russell Stover sugar free toffee contains just 15 calories. This makes them a light, guilt-free candy option.
Low Calorie Sweeteners in Sugar Free Toffees
So how does Russell Stover make sugar free toffees so low in calories? The answer lies in the sweeteners used.
Russell Stover sugar free toffees are sweetened with sugar alcohols rather than regular table sugar (sucrose). Common sugar alcohols used in sugar free candies include:
- Xylitol
- Maltitol
- Lactitol
- Erythritol
- Sorbitol
- Isomalt
- Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
Sugar alcohols provide the sweet taste of sugar with fewer calories. Most sugar alcohols are not completely absorbed and metabolized by the body, so they contribute fewer calories per gram compared to regular sugar.
For example, xylitol provides 2.4 calories per gram while sucrose provides 4 calories per gram. So products sweetened with xylitol can have 60% fewer calories from sugar content alone.
Sugar alcohols also do not spike blood sugar levels like regular sugar. This makes sugar free foods ideal for diabetics and others looking to control their blood sugar response.
Common Sugar Alcohols in Russell Stover Sugar Free Toffees
Based on the ingredient list, Russell Stover sugar free toffees are primarily sweetened with maltitol and sorbitol. These are two of the most popular sugar alcohols used in commercial sugar free products.
Maltitol – Maltitol has 75-90% the sweetness of sugar but contributes only 2.1 calories per gram. It has a similar taste and texture to sucrose, making it a good replacement in candies. It does have a mild laxative effect in some people if eaten in large amounts.
Sorbitol – Sorbitol is about 60% as sweet as sugar with 2.6 calories per gram. It has a smooth mouthfeel and is less likely to cause digestive issues compared to some other sugar alcohols.
By combining maltitol and sorbitol, Russell Stover provides great sweetness and texture with only a fraction of the calories compared to real sugar. The small amount of sugar alcohol contributes only about 2-3 calories per candy.
Other Ingredients in Sugar Free Toffees
While sugar alcohols account for the low calorie count, Russell Stover sugar free toffees also contain other ingredients like:
- Palm kernel oil
- Nonfat milk
- Soy lecithin
- Natural and artificial flavors
Palm kernel oil contributes the creamy texture and mouthfeel people expect from toffee candies. It provides 8 calories per gram of fat.
Nonfat milk helps enhance the caramel flavor. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that blends the ingredients smoothly.
The company uses both natural and artificial flavors to mimic the sweet brown sugar taste of regular toffee. However these flavorings are added in small amounts so they contribute minimal calories.
Exact Calorie Breakdown
To provide an exact calorie breakdown of the ingredients:
- Sugar alcohols (maltitol, sorbitol): 2 calories
- Palm kernel oil: 10 calories
- Nonfat milk: 1 calorie
- Soy lecithin: 0 calories
- Natural and artificial flavors: 0-2 calories
This adds up to the 15 calories stated on the nutrition label per piece of Russell Stover sugar free toffee.
Calories for Different Quantities
Now that we know there are 15 calories per candy, here is the calorie count for different serving sizes:
| Amount | Total Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 piece | 15 calories |
| 5 pieces | 75 calories |
| 10 pieces | 150 calories |
| 15 pieces | 225 calories |
| 20 pieces | 300 calories |
As you can see, even a larger serving of 20 pieces provides just 300 calories. This makes Russell Stover’s sugar free toffees a great occasional treat for watching calories and blood sugar impact.
Calorie Comparison to Regular Toffees
To highlight just how low in calories they are, here is a calorie comparison of Russell Stover sugar free toffees versus regular toffees:
| Candy | Calories (1 piece) |
|---|---|
| Russell Stover Sugar Free Toffee | 15 calories |
| Russell Stover Milk Chocolate Toffee | 80 calories |
| Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bar | 110 calories |
As shown, a single piece of regular milk chocolate or toffee can provide 80-110 calories versus just 15 calories for the sugar free version. Over a whole serving, the calorie difference really adds up.
20 pieces of Russell Stover sugar free toffees provide 300 calories while 20 pieces of the milk chocolate version would be 1600 calories. That’s a calorie saving of 1300 calories simply by choosing the sugar free alternative!
Blood Sugar Impact
Aside from calories, sugar free toffees are ideal for those monitoring their glycemic response.
Regular toffees with sugar can cause blood glucose levels to spike soon after eating. Sugar free toffees using maltitol and sorbitol in place of sugar have a negligible effect on blood sugar.
For diabetics or those following a low glycemic diet, this allows enjoying sweet treats without the same consequences of sugary candies.
Weight Loss Benefits
The low calorie count also makes Russell Stover sugar free toffees a smart choice for weight loss diets. Some benefits include:
- Satisfies a sweet craving for just 15 calories per piece
- Prevents overconsumption of high calorie treats
- Allows fitting into daily calorie limits more easily
- Reduces risk of stall in weight loss progress
When a sugar craving strikes, reaching for a low calorie sugar free toffee can help keep diet on track versus going for a high calorie chocolate bar.
Just be sure to still practice portion control. While sugar free candies are lower in calories, overdoing portions can still hinder weight loss goals.
Role in Keto Diet
Sugar free toffees can also fit into low carb, ketogenic diets. Since they are low in net carbs and calories, enjoying a few pieces here and there will not knock you out of ketosis.
Some tips for incorporating sugar free toffees into a keto diet include:
- Pay attention to all ingredients – some sugar free candies may contain starch
- Account for the grams of carbs and sugar alcohols in your daily tally
- Practice proper portion sizes to avoid excess calories
- Drink extra water – sugar alcohols can increase thirst
As an occasional treat, sugar free toffees can be included on a well-formulated keto diet.
Taste and Texture
Sugar free candies have come a long way in mimicking the taste and texture of their full sugar counterparts. While some people can detect a slight aftertaste, Russell Stover’s sugar free toffees deliver on the following sensory qualities:
- Appearance – Glossy brown toffee pieces
- Aroma – Sweet butterscotch fragrance
- Flavor – Rich toffee taste with brown sugar and vanilla notes
- Texture – Dense, chewy and smooth
- Mouthfeel – Does not dissolve too quickly or become overly sticky
Reviewers praise the candies for having the expected toffee flavor and crunchy texture, making them satisfying for toffee cravings.
Cost Comparison to Regular Toffees
One downside of sugar free candies is they often come at a higher price point than regular candies.
A 9 oz bag of Russell Stover sugar free toffee retails for around $6-7 while a 7 oz bag of their milk chocolate toffee sells for closer to $5.
Per piece, sugar free toffees cost about 25-45 cents each compared to 10-20 cents apiece for regular toffees. So you do pay a premium for the calorie and sugar savings.
However fans of sugar free candies find it well worth the extra cost to be able to enjoy their favorite treats guilt-free. The difference in calories quickly makes up for the added expense.
Where to Buy Sugar Free Toffees
Russell Stover sugar free toffees can be found at the following retailers:
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid
- Large grocery chains
- Discount stores like Target and Walmart
- Online at Amazon or direct from russellstover.com
They are easy to spot with their bright green packaging. Be sure to check the label for “sugar free” as Russell Stover also makes regular toffees.
Sugar free toffees are often displayed in the specialty diet food section, candy aisle, or checkout area. Be sure to look high and low so you don’t miss them!
Other Sugar Free Russell Stover Candies
In addition to sugar free toffee, Russell Stover makes many other sugar free candy varieties including:
- Sugar free chocolate
- Sugar free hard candy
- Sugar free peanut brittle
- Sugar free coconut bites
- Sugar free caramels
- Sugar free peppermints
All of their sugar free products use sugar alcohol sweeteners to provide the flavor and indulgence of candy with less impact on blood sugar and calorie intake.
Be sure to check the nutrition panel as calorie counts can vary slightly between candies based on specific ingredients. But they all provide a healthier alternative to enjoy sweets in moderation.
DIY Sugar Free Toffee Recipe
Looking to make your own sugar free toffee at home? Here is a recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sweetener like Swerve
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar free chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly with butter or oil
- In medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat
- Stir in the sweetener and pinch of salt
- Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
- Pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly into thin layer
- Let cool completely until hardened
- Break into pieces and top with sugar free chocolate if desired
Be sure to use a granulated low calorie sweetener that dissolves well to make this sugar free. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
FAQs
Are sugar free toffees gluten free?
Yes, Russell Stover sugar free toffees are labeled as a gluten free food. They are produced in a facility that manufactures other gluten-containing products, so not suitable for those with celiac disease. But they do not contain any gluten ingredients.
Do sugar free candies cause diarrhea?
Some sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol can cause digestive upset if eaten in large amounts. Consuming a few pieces should not cause issues but overdoing portions may lead to gas, bloating or diarrhea.
Are sugar free candies bad for your teeth?
While better than regular candies, sugar free varieties can still promote cavities and tooth decay. Acids are produced when sugar alcohols are fermented by mouth bacteria. Be sure to brush after eating sweets.
The Bottom Line
Russell Stover sugar free toffees provide an indulgent candy treat with only 15 calories per piece. Swapping out sugar for sugar alcohol sweeteners slashes both calories and carbohydrates.
While they come at a slightly higher cost, fans find the splurge well worth being able to satisfy their sweet tooth without the same health impact. Moderation is still key but sugar free toffees offer a lighter option for toffee lovers watching their weight or blood sugar.
