Snow cones are a popular summertime treat, especially for those looking to avoid sugar. Sugar free snow cone syrups provide the sweetness and flavor, without all the added calories. But what exactly is in these sugar free syrups?
The Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in sugar free snow cone syrup are:
- Artificial sweeteners – Popular choices are aspartame, sucralose, stevia, and sugar alcohols like xylitol or erythritol.
- Natural and artificial flavors – Provide the taste and scent. Common flavors are cherry, grape, lemon-lime, blue raspberry.
- Water – Acts as the liquid base.
- Food coloring – Gives the bright, vibrant colors.
- Preservatives – Help extend shelf life. Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are often used.
- Acids – Citric, malic, or fumaric acid help provide tartness.
The specific ingredients and amounts vary between brands and flavors. But these are the key components found in most sugar free snow cone syrups.
Sweeteners
One of the defining aspects of sugar free syrups is the use of non-nutritive sweeteners instead of regular sugar (sucrose). There are several popular options used:
Aspartame
Aspartame is one of the most common artificial sweeteners used today. Around 200 times sweeter than sucrose, it provides sweetness without calories or carbohydrates. Aspartame is considered safe by health authorities, though those with phenylketonuria (PKU) must control intake.
Sucralose
Sucralose is another intensely sweet artificial sweetener. Around 600 times sweeter than table sugar, it adds negligible calories. While very sweet, it lacks the bitter aftertaste sometimes associated with saccharin. Sucralose is considered safe in moderation.
Stevia
Stevia is a natural, plant-derived sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Its active compounds called steviol glycosides are around 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has no calories and helps reduce overall sugar and calorie intake.
Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols like xylitol, erythritol, and maltitol are commonly used to sweeten sugar free foods. Though they are carbohydrates, they are not fully absorbed and provide fewer calories than sugar. They have less of an effect on blood sugar and do not promote tooth decay. But overdoing sugar alcohols may lead to laxative effects.
Flavors
Flavorings are essential for giving snow cone syrups their taste. Both natural and artificial flavors may be used. Common flavors include:
- Cherry – Made with natural and/or artificial cherry flavoring.
- Grape – Uses grape juice concentrate along with artificial grape flavor.
- Blue raspberry – Made with flavors mimicking the distinctive raspberry and blueberry combo.
- Lemon-lime – Uses citrus oils, juices, or essences to achieve the flavor.
- Strawberry – Made with strawberry juice concentrate and artificial strawberry flavor.
- Pineapple – Pineapple juice concentrate helps provide the tropical taste.
The flavors are designed to taste like the real fruit varieties. But artificially flavored syrups likely contain very little (if any) real fruit ingredients.
Colors
Bright, vibrant colors are characteristic of snow cone syrups. Special coloring agents are added to create these fun hues.
Common types of food coloring include:
- FD&C dyes – Synthetic petroleum-derived colors approved for use in foods.
- Natural colors – Pigments derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources.
- Lake colors – FD&C dyes bound to aluminum hydroxide for uniform dispersion and intensity.
FD&C Blue No. 1 gives blue raspberry syrup its signature color. Other popular dyes used include Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6. Natural coloring agents like anthocyanin fruit and vegetable juices are sometimes used.
Preservatives
Preservatives help prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast in the snow cone syrups. This extends the shelf life and ensures safety. Common preservatives used include:
- Potassium sorbate – Inhibits mold and yeast growth.
- Sodium benzoate – Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.
Both potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are considered safe preservatives and commonly added at levels around 0.1%.
Acids
Acids like citric, malic, and fumaric acid help balance flavors and provide tartness. Just like lemon juice adds acidity to a recipe, these food-grade acids give snow cone syrups a pleasant, balanced sourness. Citric acid in particular offers a bright, citrusy taste.
Water
Plain water acts as the liquid base or solvent for snow cone syrups. Purified or distilled water helps provide clean, neutral taste. The ingredients are dissolved and combined in water to create the syrup.
Other Minor Ingredients
Some other minor possible ingredients include:
- Natural and artificial flavor enhancers like glutamates.
- Foaming agents like vinsol resin to help create bubbles.
- Acidity regulators and buffers.
- Anti-caking agents like silicon dioxide to avoid clumping.
These are used in small amounts as needed to help create the optimal flavor, texture, and consistency.
Ingredients to Avoid
When choosing a sugar free snow cone syrup, it’s also important to scan the label and ideally avoid products containing:
- High fructose corn syrup – A sweetener high in calories and low in nutrients.
- Hydrogenated oils – Contain unhealthy trans fats.
- Artificial dyes – Controversial and linked to hyperactivity in some studies.
There are quality syrups made without these concerning additives. Going with a trusted brand is best.
Benefits of Sugar Free Syrup
Some benefits of choosing sugar free snow cone syrup include:
- Far fewer calories and carbs than sugar-sweetened varieties.
- Does not negatively impact blood glucose levels.
- Reduces risk of cavities since sugar feeds oral bacteria.
- Provides flavor and sweetness without “empty” sugar calories.
- Allows people with diabetes to enjoy a refreshing snow cone.
Enjoyed in moderation, sugar free snow cones can be a tasty lower-calorie dessert option for summer.
Downsides to Consider
Some potential downsides to keep in mind with sugar free snow cone syrups:
- Artificial sweeteners and flavors are controversial and may cause issues like headaches or digestive problems in sensitive individuals.
- May still promote sweet cravings and taste preferences for sweets.
- Can be highly processed and contain many additives, albeit in small doses.
- Some sugar alcohols like maltitol may cause gastric distress, especially in large amounts.
Those with sensitivities may want to limit intake. But for most people, sugar free syrups are likely fine in moderation.
Safety Profile of Sweeteners
Non-nutritive sweeteners used in sugar free snow cone syrup are generally recognized as safe by health authorities:
Aspartame
Aspartame is approved for use in foods and beverages by the FDA and health organizations around the world. Reviews have found it safe in amounts up to the acceptable daily intake level of 50mg/kg body weight.
Those with PKU need to restrict aspartame intake due to the phenylalanine it contains. Overall, aspartame does not appear to pose health risks for most people at regular intake levels.
Sucralose
Sucralose has been extensively studied and deemed safe by the FDA, WHO, and EFSA. It passes through the body unabsorbed and unmetabolized. Clinical trials found sucralose shows no carcinogenic, reproductive, or neurological toxicity.
Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols like xylitol, erythritol, and maltitol have minimal systemic absorption and will not affect blood sugar levels. But excess consumption may have laxative effects in some people.
Stevia
Stevia leaf extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Stevia sweeteners have been safely used globally for decades. Reviews conclude stevia is not associated with adverse effects.
Overall, modern non-nutritive sweeteners used in moderation appear safe for most people according to the latest science.
Ingredient Safety Rundown
Here is a quick rundown of the safety considerations for ingredients commonly found in sugar free snow cone syrup:
| Ingredient | Safety Profile |
|---|---|
| Aspartame | Considered safe by FDA and EFSA up to acceptable daily intake levels. |
| Sucralose | Approved for use, extensive research supports its safety. |
| Sugar alcohols | Recognized as safe, though may cause gastric distress in excess. |
| Stevia | DEEmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA. |
| FD&C food dyes | Approved for use but some controversial around hyperactivity in children. |
| Natural flavors | Typically safe, but those with sensitivities may react. |
| Preservatives | Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are safe preserving agents. |
When consumed in moderation, these additives appear to pose minimal health risks for most people. But those with allergies or sensitivities should take care.
Best Practices
Some tips for safely enjoying sugar free snow cone syrup include:
- Avoid overdoing it – stick to about 1-2 servings max per day.
- Read labels carefully and look for clean, recognizable ingredients.
- Focus on brands without controversial dyes if concerned.
- Pair with fresh juice or milk for a more nutritious treat.
- Brush teeth after eating to prevent acid wear if having several snow cones.
- Store refrigerated after opening and finish within 2 months.
Be mindful that non-nutritive sweeteners may promote sweet tastes. But enjoyed occasionally, sugar free snow cones can be a refreshing summer indulgence.
The Bottom Line
Sugar free snow cone syrups provide the sweetness of regular syrups without all the sugar. Popular sugar substitutes like sucralose, aspartame, stevia, and sugar alcohols are used to achieve this.
The syrups also contain artificial and natural flavorings, food coloring, preservatives, and extra ingredients for optimal taste and texture. While highly processed, these components are generally recognized as safe in small amounts.
Enjoy sugar free snow cone syrups in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Look for quality brands without controversial ingredients. Be aware of potential digestive issues from sugar alcohols. Overall, sugar free syrups can be an occasional treat, providing refreshment without spiking blood sugar.
