York Peppermint Patties are a popular chocolate mint candy made by the Hershey Company. The classic York Peppermint Patties contain sugar, but Hershey’s also makes a sugar free version of the candy for people looking to limit their sugar intake. For people counting carbs or following a low carb or keto diet, the amount of carbohydrates and sugar alcohols in sugar free candy can impact their macros. This article will provide a detailed look at the carb count and ingredients in Hershey’s Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties.
What are Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties?
Hershey’s Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties are a modified version of the classic York Peppermint Patties candy. They have the same chocolate peppermint flavor but are made with sugar substitutes instead of sugar. The main sweeteners used in Sugar Free Yorks are maltitol syrup and sucralose. Maltitol syrup is a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness similar to sugar but with fewer calories and carbs. Sucralose (Splenda) is an artificial sweetener that contains no calories or carbs.
In addition to the sweeteners, Sugar Free Yorks contain cocoa butter, milk ingredients, peppermint oil, and other natural flavors. They have a creamy peppermint filling inside a dark chocolate coating. Hershey’s recommends storing the sugar free candies separately from regular Yorks due to the texture differences. The sugar free version has a softer filling and may absorb flavors from other candies.
Nutrition Facts
To determine the carb count and ingredients, we can look at the nutrition label and ingredient list on a package of Hershey’s Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties.
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 patty (40g) serving:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 55mg |
| Total Carbs | 17g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Includes 0g Added Sugars | 0% |
| Protein | 2g |
The key number we are looking for is the total carbohydrate count, which is 17g per serving. This breaks down to:
– 15g sugar alcohols (from maltitol syrup)
– 2g dietary fiber
– 2g sugars (includes sugar alcohols)
So a single 40g York peppermint patty contains 17g net carbs.
Ingredients
Now let’s look at the ingredients list:
Dark chocolate (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, PGPR), peppermint fondant (maltitol syrup, palm oil, hydrogentated palm kernel oil, cocoa butter, sodium caseinate, soy lecithin, artificial flavor, sucralose, polysorbate 80, Acesulfame potassium), cocoa butter, milk fat, peppermint oil.
This confirms that the main sweeteners are maltitol syrup and sucralose (Splenda). It also shows the other main ingredients including chocolate, cocoa butter, milk products, and peppermint oil.
Net Carbs Breakdown
To count net carbs for low carb and keto diets, we calculate:
Total Carbs – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols = Net Carbs
For a 40g Sugar Free York Peppermint Patty:
- Total carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar Alcohols: 15g
17g total carbs – 2g fiber – 15g sugar alcohols = 0g Net Carbs
So although Sugar Free Yorks contain 17g total carbs per serving, the 15g of sugar alcohols and 2g of fiber make the net carb count 0g.
This makes Hershey’s Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties a good low carb or keto-friendly candy option. The sugar alcohols provide sweetness without significantly impacting blood sugar or ketosis.
Amount of Net Carbs in Different Serving Sizes
The nutrition information is based on the standard 40g single patty serving size. But many people eat more than one York patty at a time. Here’s how the net carbs count changes for larger serving sizes:
| Serving Size | Total Carbs | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 patty (40g) | 17g | 0g |
| 2 patties (80g) | 34g | 0g |
| 3 patties (120g) | 51g | 1g |
| 4 patties (160g) | 68g | 2g |
| 5 patties (200g) | 85g | 3g |
As the serving size increases, the net carb count remains very low due to the high sugar alcohol content. Consuming 2-4 patties would still only have 0-2g net carbs total. So larger serving sizes can be accommodated within a keto diet.
Glycemic Impact
One of the reasons sugar alcohols like maltitol have less impact on blood sugar is because they are not fully absorbed and metabolized. A portion of the maltitol passes through the body undigested.
However, maltitol does still have some effect on blood glucose levels:
- The glycemic index of maltitol is 52, compared to table sugar which is 65.
- The glycemic load of a 40g York patty is estimated around 5, which is considered low (below 10 is low).
So Sugar Free Yorks will cause a lower rise in blood sugar than regular Yorks or other full-sugar candies. But they may still produce a mild blood glucose response. Individual tolerance varies.
Sugar Alcohol Side Effects
While sugar alcohols like maltitol have less impact on blood sugar, they can sometimes cause digestive side effects when consumed in large amounts. Side effects may include bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea. Consuming over 50g per day of maltitol may cause these issues for sensitive people.
The amount of maltitol in a single York patty is well below this threshold. But eating multiple patties or other maltitol-containing foods could potentially exceed the tolerance level. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues may be more prone to sugar alcohol side effects.
York Minis Nutrition
In addition to the standard size York Patty, Hershey’s also makes York Peppermint Patties Minis. These are bite-sized versions with a little over 5g per mini.
Here are the nutrition facts for York Minis:
| Serving Size | 1 pattie (5g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 22 |
| Total Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Total Carbs | 2g |
| Sugar Alcohols | 2g |
| Protein | 0g |
The macros are very similar to the regular size Yorks in proportion. Each mini patty contains 2g of maltitol sugar alcohol and 0g net carbs.
So the York Minis can also fit into a low carb, keto, or diabetic diet. The small size makes portion control easier as well.
Cost Comparison
Here is a cost comparison between regular and sugar free York Peppermint Patties:
| Product | Ounces | Price | Price per Ounce |
|---|---|---|---|
| York Peppermint Patties | 18 oz | $4.79 | $0.27 |
| Sugar Free Yorks | 8 oz | $3.79 | $0.47 |
The sugar free Yorks cost about 75% more per ounce compared to regular Yorks. However, sales and coupons can sometimes make the sugar free version more competitively priced.
Many people consider the added health benefits of sugar free worth the extra cost. Others find the premium price not worth it for occasional treats. Overall the price difference reflects the additional research, ingredients, and smaller market size of specialty sugar free candies.
Where to Buy Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties
Here are some of the best places to find Hershey’s Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties:
Grocery Stores
Sugar free Yorks are sold at most major grocery chains such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, etc. They are usually stocked in the candy aisle or sometimes in a “diabetic friendly” section. Availability may depend on the individual store.
Online Stores
The sugar free York patties can also be purchased from online retailers including Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, Vitacost.com, and Netrition.com. Online stores extend the reach for people who can’t find them locally.
Specialty Stores
Natural food stores, low carb/keto stores, and diabetic supply shops sometimes carry sugar free candies including Yorks. These smaller specialty retailers cater to the target consumer base.
Direct from Hershey
The Hershey Company website or app allows ordering York Peppermint Patties directly from the manufacturer. This is the most direct way to purchase them. Hershey’s also offers coupons and discounts on their website.
Recipe Ideas
In addition to eating Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties plain, there are unique ways to incorporate them into recipes and desserts:
Peppermint Patty Fat Bombs
– Make a keto fat bomb treat by coating York patties in melted dark chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.
Peppermint Bark
– Crush sugar free peppermint patties and mix into dark chocolate for low carb peppermint bark.
Peppermint Cheesecake
– Add crumbled York pieces into the crust and batter of a keto cheesecake.
Protein Shake
– Blend sugar free York peppermint patties into a protein shake for a minty flavor.
Holiday Bark
– Melt York minis with Lily’s chocolate chips and top with crushed candy canes.
The combination of chocolate and peppermint make Yorks a versatile low carb ingredient in recipes. Get creative with sugar free candy in your kitchen!
Conclusion
Hershey’s Sugar Free York Peppermint Patties provide the classic York flavor in a low carb, keto-friendly formula. Each 40g patty contains 17g of carbs, but 15g come from maltitol sugar alcohol. This makes the net carbs 0g per patty. Consuming a few patties fits into a low carb or diabetic diet, although large amounts may cause digestive side effects. Sugar free Yorks cost more than the regular version but can be purchased in stores and online. With their pepperminty chocolate taste, Sugar Free Yorks offer seasonal sweetness without the sugar impact.
