Quick Answer
A Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delight contains approximately 5g net carbs per piece. The total carb count is 9g per piece, but 4g of that is fiber, which does not count toward net carbs on low-carb diets like keto. So the usable carb content is about 5g net carbs.
Detailed Nutrition Information
Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights are a popular low-carb candy option. Here is the detailed nutrition information per 1 piece (28g) serving according to the Russell Stover website:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Potassium | 69mg |
| Total Carbs | 9g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar Alcohols | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, the total carb count per piece is 9g. But a substantial portion of that (4g) is fiber. On low-carb diets like keto, fiber does not count toward net carbs since it does not impact blood sugar.
Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and sometimes sugar alcohols from the total carb count. So the net carbs would be 9g total carbs – 4g fiber – 2g sugar alcohols = approximately 5g net carbs.
This makes Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights a great low-carb candy option. With just 5g net carbs, you can easily fit 1-2 pieces into a low-carb eating plan like keto, even if staying under 20g net carbs per day.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients in Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights:
– Pecans
– Sugar alcohol (maltitol syrup)
– Water
– Vegetable oil
– Inulin
– Natural flavors
– Salt
– Soy lecithin
The sugar alcohol used is maltitol syrup. This sweetener adds sweetness similar to sugar, but with fewer carbs and calories. Maltitol has a glycemic index of 35, compared to 65 for regular sugar. This means it has less impact on blood sugar.
The inulin fiber helps boost the fiber content, allowing Russell Stover to create a candy bar that tastes sweet but is low in net carbs.
Overall, the ingredients list is relatively clean and free of artificial ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits
Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights:
– High in Fat and Low in Net Carbs – With 12g fat and just 5g net carbs, this candy bar can fit into a ketogenic diet more easily than traditional candy bars. The fat comes from the pecan pieces and vegetable oil.
– High in Fiber – Each piece contains 4g of fiber, which is 16% of the recommended daily intake. The fiber comes from inulin and the pecans.
– Source of Manganese – Pecans are rich in manganese, providing 15% of the RDI per serving. Manganese is an essential mineral important for metabolism and bone health.
– Low in Saturated Fat – While high in fat overall, a serving contains just 3.5g saturated fat out of the total 12g. It also contains zero trans fat.
– No Added Sugar – Since this is a sugar free candy, it does not contain any added sugar. The sweetness comes from sugar alcohol instead.
– Gluten Free – Russell Stover Pecan Delights are certified gluten free, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
So in summary, the nutritional pros are the high fiber content, low net carbs, and nutrients provided from the pecans. The sweetness comes from sugar alcohol instead of sugar.
Comparison to Regular Candy Bars
Comparing Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights to regular candy bars shows some significant differences:
| Candy Bar | Calories | Net Carbs | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers Bar (1 bar) | 250 | 29g | 27g |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (1 cup) | 210 | 21g | 21g |
| Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delight (1 piece) | 140 | 5g | 0g |
As you can see, popular candy bars like Snickers and Reese’s have significantly more carbs and sugar, ranging from 21-29g net carbs and 21-27g sugar per serving.
The Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights provide the sweet taste of candy with only 5g net carbs and 0g sugar. This makes them a smart choice for low-carb eaters who still want to satisfy a candy craving.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index (GI) measures how much a food impacts your blood sugar levels. Foods high on the GI cause rapid spikes, while foods lower on the GI cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar.
On the GI scale:
– High GI is 70+
– Moderate GI is 56-69
– Low GI is 55 or less
Most candies and chocolate bars have a high GI of 70 or above. For example, Snickers has a GI of 68 and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups have a GI of 77.
Since Russell Stover’s Sugar Free Pecan Delights are sweetened with the sugar alcohol maltitol instead of regular sugar, they have a lower GI.
Maltitol has a GI of 35, which is considered low on the scale. This means the candy bar should cause a gradual, lower rise in blood sugar compared to traditional high-sugar candy bars.
This makes Sugar Free Pecan Delights a better option for people with diabetes or others who need to control their blood sugar levels. The lower carb content combined with the low GI sugar alcohol keep the blood sugar impact in check.
Cost Analysis
Here is a cost comparison of Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights versus regular candy bars:
| Candy | Ounces | Price | Cost Per Ounce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights | 7 oz | $5.49 | $0.78 |
| Snickers | 2.07 oz | $1.09 | $0.53 |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups | 10.5 oz | $5.09 | $0.49 |
Based on average grocery store prices, the Sugar Free Pecan Delights cost $0.78 per ounce. This is more expensive than name brand candy bars like Snickers and Reese’s, which cost $0.53 and $0.49 per ounce respectively.
However, you are paying a premium for the low carb, high fiber, and sugar free attributes of the Russell Stover candy. For people on a keto diet, the extra cost may be worthwhile to be able to fit these into their eating plan more easily.
You can save money by purchasing the 15 oz bag of Pecan Delights for $9.99 rather than the smaller 7 oz box. This brings the per ounce price down to $0.67. Purchasing in bulk usually saves money with this type of specialty candy.
Where to Buy
Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights can be found at these locations:
– Russell Stover website – Can be purchased online and shipped directly to your home. Offering free shipping on orders over $49.
– Russell Stover candy shops – Located within some department stores like Macy’s. Use the store locator to find a location.
– Amazon – Featured on Amazon.com with free 2-day shipping for Prime members. Discounted further with Subscribe & Save option.
– Walmart – Carried both in-store and online at Walmart and Walmart.com. Check product availability at your local store.
– Drug stores – Some major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid sell Russell Stover candies. Find the Sugar Free Pecan Delights in candy aisles.
– Grocery Stores – Larger grocery store chains may carry Russell Stover candies in the seasonal candy section. Selection will vary by location.
Your best bets are ordering online through Russell Stover, Amazon, or checking major brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart, CVS, and grocery stores. Be sure to compare prices to get the best deal.
Recipes and Serving Suggestions
Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights can be used in recipes or simply enjoyed on their own. Here are some serving suggestions:
– Pieces of Pecan Delight melted into coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
– Chopped up and added to keto-friendly desserts like mousse or chia pudding
– Used as a topping on keto ice cream sundaes
– Mix into yogurt parfaits along with chopped pecans and whipped cream
– Add to trail mix with other nuts, seeds, and shredded coconut
– Use as a topping on cottage cheese
– Garnish low-carb cheesecake slices
– Stir broken up pieces into smoothies
– Top your bowl of oatmeal or chia seed pudding
– Mix into nut butter and spread on celery sticks for an easy snack
– Melt and drizzle over baked goods like keto muffins
With zero sugar and just 5g net carbs, the possibilities are endless for how to enjoy Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights on a low-carb eating plan!
Low-Carb Pecan Delight Candy Bar Recipe
If you want to make your own low-carb pecan delight candy bars at home, here is an easy sugar free recipe to try:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup powdered monk fruit/erythritol sweetener
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
– Pinch of salt
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp almond milk
Instructions:
1. Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, sweetener, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and milk.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
7. Lift the candy bar loaf out of the pan using the parchment sides.
8. Cut into rectangles or squares with a sharp knife.
9. Keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
This makes about 8 mini pecan delight candy bars that are ready to enjoy! You control the ingredients, so you can have a sweet treat without all the sugar.
Pros and Cons
Here is an overview of some of the pros and cons of Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights:
Pros:
– Very low in net carbs and sugar free, making it keto and diabetic friendly
– Provides satisfying sweet flavor without spiking blood sugar
– Contains pecan pieces which add texture and nutrition
– High in fiber to help support digestive health
– Real pecan flavor unlike some sugar free candies
– Gluten free and vegetarian
– More nutrition than typical candy bars
– Convenient pre-portioned size
Potential Cons:
– Contains maltitol, which some people prefer to avoid due to laxative effect and blood sugar impact
– Still relatively high in calories for the small serving size
– Higher in price than regular candy bars
– Sweetened with processed sugar alcohol rather than natural sweeteners
– May cause digestive discomfort if eating too much
– Contains soy, which some people aim to avoid
Nutrition Facts Label
Here is the nutrition facts label for Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights:
As you can see, the Serving Size is 1 piece (28g). The calories are 140 per piece, with 90 calories from fat.
Total fat is 12g, mostly from the pecans. Protein is 2g.
The main carbohydrates are the 9g total carbs, with 4g fiber and 2g sugar alcohol. This brings the usable net carbs down to approximately 5g.
Sodium is fairly low at 25mg or 1% DV. Potassium is 69mg. Vitamins and minerals will come mostly from the pecans.
So in summary, they are a high fat, low carb candy option but still relatively low in other essential nutrients. The ingredients are fairly clean though compared to many candy bars.
Health and Safety
Here are some health and safety considerations when consuming Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights:
– Allergies – Contains pecans and soy. Avoid if you have an allergy or sensitivity.
– Blood Sugar – While these have a low glycemic impact compared to regular candy, they can still raise blood sugar, especially in large amounts. Monitor levels carefully.
– Digestive issues – Some sugar alcohols like maltitol may cause gas, bloating or diarrhea if consumed in excessive amounts. Start with 1 piece to assess tolerance.
– Dental health – The sticky, chewy texture can get stuck in teeth. Brush after eating or rinse mouth with water.
– High in saturated fat – The coconut oil and pecans provide saturated fat. Limit to 1-2 pieces per day if concerned about blood lipids.
– Caffeine – Chocolate naturally provides a small amount of caffeine. Enjoy away from bedtime.
– Food dye – No artificial food dyes based on the ingredients list. May contain natural colors.
– Food sensitivities – Free of major allergens like dairy, wheat, eggs. But contains coconut and pecans so avoid if allergic.
Overall, Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights are a relatively clean treat option for those on a low sugar diet. Enjoy up to 1-2 pieces per day, watch portions, and check for individual food intolerances.
Conclusion
Russell Stover Sugar Free Pecan Delights provide an impressively low carb candy bar choice. With only 5g net carbs and zero sugar, they can fit into a low-carb, keto, or diabetic eating pattern more easily than traditional candy options.
The generous pecan pieces provide nutrition, texture, and flavor. And the maltitol syrup sweetener mimics the taste of sugar without spiking blood glucose levels severely.
Be mindful of potential digestive effects if over-consumed. But otherwise, these make a tasty low-carb treat in moderation or incorporated into healthy dessert recipes.
So if you have been missing candy but sticking to a low-carb lifestyle, Sugar Free Pecan Delights present a delicious way to fulfill cravings in a healthier way. Just watch your portions and enjoy the flavor!
