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EDA’s sugar-free candy contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and stevia to provide sweetness without added sugars. The specific sweeteners used vary by product. Sugar alcohols like erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol are also commonly used. Besides sweeteners, EDA’s sugar-free candies contain similar ingredients to regular candies like flavors, colors, fillings, etc. They go through extensive testing to ensure safety and match the taste of original recipes.
Background on EDA’s Sugar-Free Candies
EDA’s offers a line of sugar-free candy as an option for people looking to reduce sugar for health or dietary reasons. They aim to provide the same taste experience as their regular candies without the added sugars. Some of their popular sugar-free candies include:
- Sugar-free mints
- Sugar-free gum
- Sugar-free jelly beans
- Sugar-free chocolate
- Sugar-free hard candies
- Sugar-free gummies
The main strategy used to remove sugars is replacing them with high intensity sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, stevia, etc. Sugar alcohols like erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol are also used. Besides sweeteners, the other ingredients are very similar to the regular candies.
Extensive testing goes into developing sugar-free candy recipes. The goal is to match the sweetness profile and taste of the original as closely as possible. This ensures consumers receive a satisfying treat even without the added sugars.
Common Sugar Substitutes in Sugar-Free Candies
There are a few main categories of sugar substitutes used in EDA’s sugar-free candies:
Artificial Sweeteners
- Aspartame – Aspartame is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Aspartame is found in sugar-free gum, sugar-free chocolate, and other sugar-free treats.
- Acesulfame Potassium – Acesulfame potassium (also known as Ace-K) is an artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is often combined with aspartame in sugar-free candies and gum for a synergistic sweetness effect.
- Sucralose – Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made from sugar but is about 600 times sweeter. It is heat-stable which makes it good for baking. Sucralose provides sweetness in sugar-free chocolate, candy, and baked goods.
Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols like erythritol, sorbitol, and xylitol are often used for their sweetness and bulking properties:
- Erythritol – Erythritol has about 70% the sweetness of sugar but only about 5% of the calories. It also does not spike blood sugar. It provides sweetness and bulk to sugar-free candies and chocolate.
- Sorbitol – Sorbitol is only 60% as sweet as sugar but provides bulk and sweetness in sugar-free gum, mints, and more. It has a cooling mouthfeel.
- Xylitol – Xylitol is as sweet as sugar and used to sweeten sugar-free gum and candies. It has 40% fewer calories than sugar.
Natural Sweeteners
- Stevia – Stevia leaf extracts are up to 400x sweeter than sugar. Stevia provides sweetness to sugar-free gum, mints, and gummies.
Ingredients Beyond Sweeteners
While sugar substitutes account for the sweetness, EDA’s sugar-free candies contain many of the same ingredients as the regular varieties:
- Flavors – Natural and artificial flavors replicate the taste profile of each candy. Flavors include fruit flavors, chocolate, mint, etc.
- Colors – Vibrant colors come from natural and artificial food colorings approved by the FDA.
- Fillings – Sugar-free chocolates feature fillings like caramel, fudge, peanut butter, etc. The sugar content is lowered but the creamy textures match regular varieties.
- Emulsifiers – Soy lecithin helps evenly distribute fat, oil, and water in candy fillings and chocolate.
- Acids – Citric, malic, and other acids provide tartness in fruit and sour candy flavors.
- Thickeners – Gelatin, pectin, cornstarch, and gums give the right texture to chewy and gummy candies.
- Preservatives – Preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate prevent spoilage.
- Waxes – Waxes give a glossy sheen to candy coatings and help retain moisture.
The relative amounts of the various ingredients are adjusted in sugar-free recipes to best mimic the full-sugar originals.
Safety and Nutritional Profile
EDA’s takes care to ensure their sugar-free candies are safe for consumers:
- All ingredients are approved for use in food.
- Recipes adhere to FDA guidelines on sweetener usage levels.
- Products are tested for quality and safety.
- Facilities follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Compared to regular candies, sugar-free varieties are lower in sugar and carbohydrates:
- Total sugars are reduced by over 75% or eliminated completely.
- Calories from sugar are decreased.
- Net carbs are lowered, which is beneficial for low-carb diets.
However, sugar-free candies may still contain calories, fat, and carbs from ingredients beyond sweeteners. Some sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals if consumed in excess. Those following ketogenic and extremely low-carb diets should still account for total carbs from sugar-free candies. Overall though, sugar-free candies can be enjoyed in moderation by most people looking to reduce sugar intake.
Taste and Texture
Creating great tasting sugar-free candies with the right texture is a technical challenge. EDA’s team exhaustively researches ingredient substitutions and adjustments to match their original recipes as closely as possible. Their focus is providing the full sensory experience without the added sugars.
Factors they optimize include:
- Sweetness Profile – Using combinations of high intensity sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and natural sweeteners to achieve the desired sweetness.
- Mouthfeel – Sugar alcohols and ingredients like gelatin give bulk and chew to match the texture.
- Flavor Release – Release of flavor compounds over time during eating is calibrated to regular varieties.
- Aftertaste – Minimizing any off tastes from sweeteners.
- Appearance – Using colors, coatings, etc to achieve the expected look.
Extensive consumer testing helps dial in the formulas. EDA’s also manufactures their sugar-free candies on the same production lines as regular varieties for consistency.
Popular Sugar-Free Candy Options
Here is an overview of some of EDA’s most popular sugar-free candy options and how they achieve the sweetness and taste consumers expect:
Sugar-Free Mint
- Sweeteners Used: Sorbitol, xylitol, stevia
- Provides cooling, minty flavor and refreshing mouthfeel
- Sugar alcohols give an icy, meltaway texture
- Natural mint oils and menthol provide sensory experience
Sugar-Free Gum
- Sweeteners Used: Sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, stevia
- Sugar alcohols allow for long-lasting chewing experience
- Artificial sweeteners give instant sweetness during chewing
- Flavors like cinnamon and fruit are intense yet quickly dissipate
Sugar-Free Jelly Beans
- Sweeteners Used: Maltitol syrup, erythritol, stevia
- Maltitol provides full jelly bean texture
- Erythritol prevents sugar recrystallization
- Bold fruit flavors like cherry, orange, lemon, lime
- Shiny exterior coating
Sugar-Free Chocolate
- Sweeteners Used: Maltitol, sucralose, stevia
- Maltitol gives the creamy, smooth texture expected from chocolate
- Sucralose provides sweetness similar to sugar
- Cocoa butter and milk maintain rich chocolate flavor
- Fillings include peanut butter, caramel, fudge, and others
Sugar-Free Fruit Chews
- Sweeteners Used: Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, stevia
- Sugar alcohols provide chewy, gummy texture
- Natural and artificial fruit flavors like raspberry, orange, lemon, cherry
- Bright, vibrant colors
- Coated for a sour candy taste experience
Finding Your Favorite Sugar-Free Candy
With effort into recreating taste, texture, and appearance, EDA’s offers a wide selection of sugar-free candies to suit different preferences:
- Browse their sugar-free candy offerings to find your favorites.
- Try different sweetener options like aspartame, stevia, or xylitol blends.
- Sample different candy types from chewy fruit snacks to indulgent chocolate.
- Compare terms like no sugar added, low calorie, ketogenic diet friendly.
- Look for seasonal and limited time flavors.
Satisfy your cravings with a delicious sugar-free candy option. Just remember to enjoy in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. With EDA’s commitment to taste, safety and quality, you can feel confident you’ll find a satisfying sugar-free choice.
Conclusion
EDA’s sugar-free candies deliver all the taste and enjoyment of your favorites without all the added sugar. Careful formulation using sweeteners like stevia, aspartame, erythritol, and more closely mimics the sweetness profile and texture. Natural and artificial flavors, colors, fillings, and other ingredients match each variety’s unique sensory experience. Extensive testing ensures taste and safety. While not calorie-free, sugar-free candies have fewer carbs and sugar than regular candies and can be appreciated guilt-free in moderation. Browse EDA’s sugar-free line to find your new favorite sweet treat. Just remember to mind portions and consume as part of balanced diet. With EDA’s sugar-free candies, you don’t have to give up the sweet things in life.
