Vanilla wafers are a popular cookie that can be enjoyed with ice cream, used as a pie crust, or eaten on their own as a sweet treat. Many people enjoy the rich, sweet vanilla flavor of these cookies. However, some people are looking for ways to reduce their sugar intake while still being able to enjoy the taste of vanilla wafers. This leads to the question: is there a sugar free vanilla wafer?
What are vanilla wafers?
Vanilla wafers are round, flat cookies that have a sweet vanilla flavor. They are made with ingredients like flour, butter, vanilla, eggs, and of course – sugar. Traditional vanilla wafer recipes call for granulated white sugar or powdered sugar to provide the signature sweetness. The cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft and crumbly on the inside. Store-bought vanilla wafers may also contain preservatives and stabilizers to extend shelf life. Brands like Nabisco have made the cookies popular, often packaging them in a round blue tin.
Why choose sugar free?
There are a few reasons why someone may want to choose sugar free vanilla wafers:
– Managing diabetes – For people with diabetes, limiting sugar intake can help control blood sugar levels.
– Weight loss – Since sugar adds calories with minimal nutrients, limiting sugar can aid in weight loss efforts.
– Tooth health – Sugar contributes to cavities and tooth decay, so sugar free cookies help protect dental health.
– Digestive issues – Some people experience gastrointestinal problems when they consume sugary foods, so avoiding sugar can provide relief.
– Overall health – Reducing added sugar is recommended by health organizations for improved wellbeing.
Are there sugar free vanilla wafers?
The good news is yes, there are sugar free vanilla wafer options on the market for those who want to reduce sugar consumption but still enjoy the flavor and texture of vanilla wafers. Here are some of the main types of sugar free vanilla wafers available:
Low-calorie sweetener vanilla wafers
Some brands of vanilla wafers are made with low-calorie sweeteners instead of regular sugar. These sweeteners provide the sweet taste without all the calories and carbohydrates of sugar. Some common low-calorie sweeteners used include:
– Aspartame
– Saccharin
– Sucralose
– Stevia
– Monk fruit extract
Brands that offer low-calorie sweetener vanilla wafers include Bickiepegs and Lucy’s. Look for “sugar free” on the label to identify these options. They typically have around 5 calories per wafer.
Erythritol sweetened vanilla wafers
Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol that provides sweetness while being low in calories and carbs. It has 70-80% the sweetness of sugar with minimal side effects seen in some other sugar alcohols. Some brands using erythritol to reduce sugar and calories in vanilla wafers include:
– Smart Snacks
– Diabetic Kitchen
– Simple Mills
These have under 5g net carbs per serving. Erythritol vanilla wafers can be used in the same ways as regular vanilla wafers.
Monk fruit sweetened vanilla wafers
Monk fruit extract is a zero-calorie, low glycemic sweetener extracted from monk fruit. Using monk fruit allows companies to create sugar free vanilla wafers with no artificial sweeteners. Brands producing monk fruit vanilla wafers include:
– Lakanto
– Julian Bakery
– Birdbaked
These cookies taste very similar to regular vanilla wafers but contain minimal sugar and carbs. Monk fruit gives them natural sweetness with few drawbacks.
What are vanilla wafers made of?
To understand how sugar free vanilla wafers are made, it helps to look at the basic ingredients in traditional vanilla wafers:
– All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture
– Butter or vegetable oil – Gives richness and moisture
– Vanilla extract – For signature vanilla flavor
– Sugar – Adds bulk, texture, browning, and obviously sweetness
– Egg – Helps bind ingredients and gives structure
– Salt – Enhances flavor
– Baking powder or soda – For leavening
– Milk or cream – Contributes moisture and tenderness
Sugar free vanilla wafers swap out regular granulated sugar for low-calorie sweetener options. They may also use extra eggs or Binding agents to help hold the cookies together without as much sugar. Overall, though, the main ingredients remain similar to regular vanilla wafers.
How are sugar free vanilla wafers made?
The basic manufacturing process for sugar free vanilla wafers is quite similar to regular vanilla wafers:
1. Cream together butter or oil and sweetener – The solid fat is creamed with the chosen sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to aerate and cream the mixture. This creates the cookie base.
2. Beat in vanilla and eggs – Vanilla extract for flavor and eggs for structure are beaten in one at a time.
3. Whisk dry ingredients – The flour, salt, baking powder, and any other dry ingredients are whisked together in a separate bowl.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet – The dry mixture is slowly added to the wet ingredients and is stirred until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll dough and cut wafers – The dough is rolled flat, often to 1⁄4 inch thickness. Round wafer shapes are cut out, usually with a 1.5 inch cutter.
6. Bake – Sugar free vanilla wafers are baked at 300°F or less, for 9-11 minutes until set but not browned.
7. Cool – The baked wafers are cooled completely on baking sheets before packaging.
The lower baking temperatures help prevent excessive browning and a overly crisp texture in the sugar free wafers. Extended cooling also allows them to crisp up gradually. Otherwise, the basic prep steps align with regular vanilla wafer production.
What are the best sugar free vanilla wafer brands?
When choosing a good sugar free vanilla wafer option, here are some of the top brands to consider:
Lakanto
– Sweetened with monk fruit
– Contain just 1g net carbs per cookie
– Get crisp and crunchy after cooling
Birdbaked
– Also use monk fruit as sweetener
– Have a subtle sweetness with crispy texture
– Made without artificial ingredients
Lucy’s
– Utilizes stevia and inulin as sweeteners
– Also low carb with around 5 calories per wafer
– Has positive reviews for great taste
Simple Mills
– Erythritol sweetened formula
– Have a buttery, crunchy texture
– Just 1g sugar and 20 calories per wafer
Diabetic Kitchen
– Another brand using erythritol
– Contains only 5 calories per cookie
– Uses non-GMO ingredients
These represent some of the top low sugar, low carb brands based on ingredient quality, taste feedback, and nutrition profile. Always check the nutrition label to confirm sugar content.
How do sugar free vanilla wafers compare in taste?
When comparing brands of sugar free vanilla wafers, you will notice some differences in flavors and texture:
Sweetness
Since they lack regular sugar, most sugar free vanilla wafers are not quite as sweet as traditional versions. However, some brands are sweeter than others depending on the low-calorie sweetener used. For example, Lakanto and Birdbaked monk fruit wafers tend to be subtly sweet. Lucy’s made with stevia and inulin has moderate sweetness. Simple Mills erythritol wafers are closer to regular sugar sweetness.
Texture
Sugar helps give vanilla wafers their signature crispy, sandy texture. Some sugar free varieties can end up a little softer. Simple Mills and Lakanto tend to be the crispiest. Diabetic Kitchen has a softer texture. Getting the right snap and crispness without sugar requires careful moisture balances.
Flavor
Vanilla should be the predominant flavor in vanilla wafers. Some brands like Birdbaked have robust vanilla flavor. Others may taste a little more plain. To get that signature vanilla taste, quality vanilla extract is essential. Non-sugary flavors like vanilla bean flecks can also enhance flavor.
Aftertaste
Some sugar free cookies have an aftertaste from sugar alcohols or sweeteners. This is minimal in options like Lakanto and Simple Mills that use monk fruit and erythritol. Stevia-based options sometimes have more aftertaste.
What are some recipes using sugar free vanilla wafers?
Sugar free vanilla wafers can be used to create lower sugar versions of classic recipes that call for regular vanilla wafers. Here are some recipe ideas:
Banana Pudding
Layers of sugar free vanilla wafers, sliced banana, and sugar free vanilla pudding create a healthier banana pudding dessert.
Fruit Pizza
Use vanilla wafers as the “crust” and top with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a beautiful fruit pizza.
Icebox Cake
Stacking sugar free vanilla wafers and whipped cream makes a tasty icebox cake without lots of added sugar.
Peach Shortcakes
Split sugar free vanilla wafers and add peaches and whipped cream for individual shortcakes.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies
Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor and mix into cookie batter for extra flavor and crunch.
Pie Crusts
Crushed vanilla wafers make an easy crust for pies and cheesecakes without needing added sugar.
Are there any side effects from sugar free vanilla wafers?
Sugar free vanilla wafers made with sugar alcohols or low-calorie sweeteners may cause some mild digestive side effects in sensitive people, especially if consumed in large quantities. Possible side effects can include:
– Bloating or gas
– Abdominal discomfort
– Cramping
– Diarrhea
– Laxative effect
These symptoms are more common in sugar-free foods containing sorbitol, maltitol, or xylitol. Erythritol and monk fruit have fewer issues. Consuming a lot of sugar replacements at once increases likelihood of side effects. Staying hydrated and limiting portion sizes reduces risk. Those with IBS or similar conditions may be more prone to symptoms.
Most people can enjoy sugar free vanilla wafers in moderation with no problems. Start with a small serving and see how your body reacts. Additionally, talk to your doctor if you have concerns about sugar free ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are definitely good sugar free and low carb vanilla wafer options available for people looking to reduce sugar intake. Brands like Lakanto, Simple Mills, Lucy’s, Birdbaked, and Diabetic Kitchen offer tasty sugar free vanilla wafers using alternative sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, and stevia. Be sure to read nutrition labels closely and consider potential digestive side effects. In moderation, sugar free vanilla wafers can provide the classic flavor and experience without all the sugar. Enjoy them on their own or substituted into favorite recipes for a healthier twist. With some diligent label reading and brand comparisons, you can find a satisfying sugar free vanilla wafer.
