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10 Best Sugar-Free Candies in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

10 Best Sugar-Free Candies in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

Finding sugar-free candy that actually tastes good can be a challenge. Sometimes food labels are confusing, especially when trying to differentiate between health claims like sugar-free, unsweetened, and no added sugar. To help you choose the best sugar-free candy, we've prepared a buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian full of useful information, including how to decode those labels.

We've also chosen 10 of our favorite candies based on our buying guide points and customer satisfaction. Tom & Jenny's Classic Soft Caramels is our favorite product. These caramels are delicious, made without artificial ingredients, and come in resealable packaging. Be sure to check out the rest of the products on our list!

Last updated: 06-28-2022

Table of Contents

How We Chose Our Products

To find the best sugar-free candy for our list, we considered the following:

The type of candy
Ensuring it is actually sugar-free
If it uses natural or artificial sugar substitutes
The packaging design and material

For more information about these criteria, scroll down to read our buying guide.

Compare the 10 Best Sugar-Free Candies

Image	Tom & Jenny's	Zolli Candy	ChocZero	Life Savers	Werther's	Asher's Chocolates	Hershey's	Hershey's	Hershey's	Hershey's
Name	Classic Soft Caramels	Zollipops Original Assorted Flavors	Keto Bark Dark Chocolate	Sugar-Free Wint-O-Green Mints	Caramel Coffee Hard Candies	Sugar-Free Milk and Dark Assortment	Twizzlers Zero Sugar Twists	Ice Breakers Sours	Reese's Zero Sugar Miniature Cups	Zero Sugar Jolly Ranchers
Features	Best Soft Caramels	Best Teeth-Friendly Lollipops	Best Low-Carb Chocolate	Best Mints	Best for Coffee Lovers	Best for Special Occasions	Best Chewy Candy	Best Mints for On-the-Go	Best for Peanut Butter Lovers	Best Assortment of Fruity Hard Candy
Price	$7.99	$3.99	$6.29	$23.00	$30.80	$14.99	$2.79	$2.89	$40.69	$3.98
Type	Soft caramel	Lollipops	Chocolate	Mints	Hard candy	Chocolate	Chewy	Fruity mints	Chocolate	Hard candy
Main ingredients	Heavy cream, vanilla extract, palm oil	Citric acid, beetroot juice, grape extract	Unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, almonds, sea salt	Magnesium stearate, artificial flavor	Butter, cream, coffee	Chocolate liquor, cherries, milk, pecans, cashews	Wheat flour, corn starch, palm oil, salt, artificial flavor	Malic acid, gum acacia, soy lecithin	Peanuts, chocolate, cocoa butter, palm oil, cream	Sweeteners, natural and artificial flavors
Sweeteners	Maltitol, xylitol	Isomalt, erythritol, stevia	Monk fruit	Sorbitol, aspartame	Acesulfame, isomalt	Maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, sucralose	Maltitol, sorbitol, acesulfame	Aspartame, maltitol, sorbitol	Malititol, sucralose, lactitol	Isomalt, polyglucitol syrup (hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, maltitol, and sorbitol), acesulfame
Highlights	Individually wrapped	Individually wrapped	Individually wrapped	Individually wrapped	Individually wrapped	Gift wrapping available	-	Comes in a dispenser puck	Individually wrapped	Individually wrapped
Amount	2.9 oz.	3.1 oz.	6 oz.	2.75 oz.	2.75 oz.	8 oz.	5 oz.	1.5 oz.	3 oz.	3.6 oz.
Link	View Amazon View Walmart View Tom & Jenny's	View Amazon View Target View Rite Aid	View Amazon View Walmart View Whole Foods	View Amazon View Walmart View Rite Aid	View Amazon View Walmart View Office Depot	View Amazon View Walmart View Ashers	View Amazon View Walmart View Rite Aid	View Amazon View Walmart View Instacart	View Amazon View Walmart View Target	View Amazon View Walmart View Instacart

10 Best Sugar-Free Candies

These are the best sugar-free candies we could find. They differ in flavor, texture, and type of sweetener, and you're sure to find a favorite among them.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Rachel Binkley.

Tom & Jenny'sClassic Soft Caramels

$7.99

Best Soft Caramels

Pros:

Natural sweeteners
Hint of sea salt
12 grams of net carbs

Cons:

Only about 12 pieces per package

These soft caramels are sweetened with sugar alcohols and have only 100 calories per serving. They're also made without gluten and artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and preservatives. Plus, they're made in the USA and offer a money-back guarantee if you don't love them!

Some people complained that the amount is too small. However, many appreciated the individually wrapped candies that come in a resealable bag. Many liked the flavor and texture of these soft caramels, saying they're rich, smooth, and creamy.

Type	Soft caramel
Main ingredients	Heavy cream, vanilla extract, palm oil
Sweeteners	Maltitol, xylitol
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	2.9 oz.

Zolli CandyZollipops Original Assorted Flavors

$3.99

Best Teeth-Friendly Lollipops

Pros:

Variety of flavors
Good for dental health
All-natural ingredients
Individually-wrapped

Cons:

Some reviewers mentioned these lollipops irritated their stomachs

These lollipops come in an assortment of flavors, including orange, grape, cherry, strawberry, pineapple and raspberry. They're made with all-natural ingredients and are free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, and nuts. Each bag contains approximately 15 pieces, which are individually wrapped.

Some reviewers said these lollipops upset their stomachs. On the other hand, an overwhelming amount of reviewers praised these lollipops, saying they were great for both kids and adults alike. Buyers said this is a perfect sugar-free treat!

Type	Lollipops
Main ingredients	Citric acid, beetroot juice, grape extract
Sweeteners	Isomalt, erythritol, stevia
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	3.1 oz.

ChocZeroKeto Bark Dark Chocolate

$6.29

Best Low-Carb Chocolate

Pros:

Low-carb
Soy and gluten-free; dark chocolate types are also dairy-free
Come in several varieties, like coconut, pecan and peppermint

Cons:

High in calories

This chocolate is both delicious and has only three grams of net carbs per ounce. The chocolate is individually wrapped, making it great for portion control or snacking on-the-go. It comes in a lot of flavor combos, including white, milk, or dark chocolate.

Some reviewers didn't like how it contained soluble corn fiber. If you're on keto or diabetic, you should check if that ingredient will work for you. However, most love the flavor and enjoy that the chocolate doesn't include artificial sweeteners.

Type	Chocolate
Main ingredients	Unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, almonds, sea salt
Sweeteners	Monk fruit
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	6 oz.

Life SaversSugar-Free Wint-O-Green Mints

$23.00

Best Mints

Pros:

Cool, minty taste
Freshens breath
Great for candy dishes, as they're individually wrapped

Cons:

Some reviewers warned about the laxative effect of the sweetener in these mints

These hard mints are sweetened with aspartame and sorbitol. They're individually-wrapped, making them ideal for office treats. They also come in peppermint flavor.

A few reviewers warned about the laxative effect of the sweetener in these mints and advised not to eat too many at once. Note that the serving size is one mint. Others loved these mints for their freshness and flavor. They helped manage sweet cravings, especially for people with diabetes.

Type	Mints
Main ingredients	Magnesium stearate, artificial flavor
Sweeteners	Sorbitol, aspartame
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	2.75 oz.

Werther'sCaramel Coffee Hard Candies

$30.80

Best for Coffee Lovers

Pros:

Caramel coffee flavor
Smooth texture
Individually wrapped and great for candy dishes

Cons:

Some reviewers said they were hard to digest

These hard candies offer a good balance between sweet and bitter. They're made with fresh cream and real butter, providing a smooth and creamy melt-in-the-mouth texture. Additionally, Werther's makes other flavors plus soft caramels in a sugar-free form, too.

Some reviewers said they had digestive trouble after eating them. It's not recommended to eat more than five pieces at one time. Despite this, the majority of reviewers praised the candies for their wonderful taste, calling the flavor rich and creamy.

Type	Hard candy
Main ingredients	Butter, cream, coffee
Sweeteners	Acesulfame, isomalt
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	2.75 oz.

Asher's ChocolatesSugar-Free Milk and Dark Assortment

$14.99

Best for Special Occasions

Pros:

Offers an assortment of gourmet chocolates
Diabetic-friendly
Gift wrapping available through Asher's Chocolates' website

Cons:

There's no indication of what kind each piece is

Not only does this box contain different types of milk and dark chocolate, it also offers caramels, toffees, jellies, buttercreams, and truffles. This variety ensures a different experience with every bite. The box lends itself well as a gift option for Valentine's Day, birthdays, or special occasions.

A few reviewers complained that the chocolates don't include a "map" that shows you what flavor you're choosing. However, many claimed these were the best sugar-free chocolates available. They praised them for being creamy and tasty.

Type	Chocolate
Main ingredients	Chocolate liquor, cherries, milk, pecans, cashews
Sweeteners	Maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, sucralose
Highlights	Gift wrapping available
Amount	8 oz.

Hershey'sTwizzlers Zero Sugar Twists

$2.79

Best Chewy Candy

Pros:

Classic strawberry Twizzlers flavor
Low-carb
Work as fun straws

Cons:

Some reviewers warn about the laxative effect these can have

If you're craving a sweet, fruity taste this might be a good option for you. These sugar-free Twizzlers have the same chewy consistency as the classic Twizzlers. Their strawberry flavor is familiar and sweet, all while being low-carb and sugar-free.

Although some reviewers warned they had digestive issues even though they ate less than the recommended serving of four sticks, many stress that the taste is great and very close to regular Twizzlers. They say that this is a great treat or snack when they need something sweet and for movie night.

Type	Chewy
Main ingredients	Wheat flour, corn starch, palm oil, salt, artificial flavor
Sweeteners	Maltitol, sorbitol, acesulfame
Highlights	-
Amount	5 oz.

Hershey'sIce Breakers Sours

$2.89

Best Mints for On-the-Go

Pros:

Variety of flavors
Freshens breath
Easily portable packaging

Cons:

Some reviews mentioned that the number of flavors they received wasn't even

These hard candies come in watermelon, green apple, and tangerine flavors for a sour tang. They're low in carbohydrates and have two calories per piece. The portable containers are great for throwing in your suitcase, purse, or pocket.

A few reviewers complained that they didn't get an even amount of the flavors. However, overall, fans of sour candies loved these as an on-the-go snack. They love that the candy is sour enough for an interesting flavor without being overwhelming.

Type	Fruity mints
Main ingredients	Malic acid, gum acacia, soy lecithin
Sweeteners	Aspartame, maltitol, sorbitol
Highlights	Comes in a dispenser puck
Amount	1.5 oz.

Hershey'sReese's Zero Sugar Miniature Cups

$40.69

Best for Peanut Butter Lovers

Pros:

Bite-sized
Individually wrapped
Similar to regular Reese's peanut butter cup taste
Low cholesterol

Cons:

110 calories in three pieces

These peanut butter cups are bite-sized chocolates with smooth and creamy peanut butter filling. In addition to being sugar-free, they're free from trans fats and contain less than five milligrams of cholesterol per serving. They're individually wrapped for convenience.

Some reviewers said their stomachs were upset by these; note that the serving size is three pieces. Many others were pleased that the cups taste exactly like regular Reese's peanut butter cups. Plus, they're great for diabetes and suitable for many types of diets, including Atkins, low-carb, and ketogenic.

Type	Chocolate
Main ingredients	Peanuts, chocolate, cocoa butter, palm oil, cream
Sweeteners	Malititol, sucralose, lactitol
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	3 oz.

Hershey'sZero Sugar Jolly Ranchers

$3.98

Best Assortment of Fruity Hard Candy

Pros:

Watermelon, grape, apple and raspberry flavors
Individually wrapped

Cons:

Reviewers mentioned they are smaller and not the same shape as regular Jolly Ranchers

These sugar-free Jolly Ranchers are great if you're looking for that familiar, fruity taste. You can choose between the wide variety of flavors included. They are also individually wrapped, making them easy to travel with or share with friends.

Some reviewers mentioned these candies are smaller and don't have that familiar rectangular shape. However, many agreed that they satisfy sweet cravings and taste very similar to regular Jolly Ranchers. Reviewers mention that there is no aftertaste and that they love the assortment of flavors.

Type	Hard candy
Main ingredients	Sweeteners, natural and artificial flavors
Sweeteners	Isomalt, polyglucitol syrup (hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, maltitol, and sorbitol), acesulfame
Highlights	Individually wrapped
Amount	3.6 oz.

How to Choose a Sugar-Free Candy - Buying Guide

In this section, you'll find a lot of useful information on how to choose a sugar-free candy that matches your preferences. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different "sugar-free" labels as well as alternative types of sweeteners.

Choose a Type of Candy

As with traditional candies, there are many types to choose from. Just a few options include hard candies, gummy or chewy candy, chocolates, or caramels. The first step is to know what type you want to eat!

If you're a fan of chocolate rather than fruity or sour flavors, there are plenty of options for you. Along with classic chocolate candy bars are chocolate-covered snacks, like raisins, pretzels, and coffee beans.

These sugar-free choices are great especially if you like to mix flavors, like the salt-and-sweet combination of chocolate-covered pretzels, or the bitter and sweet taste of chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Hard candies will last longer, unless you chew them! With such a wide variety of hard candy, between lollipops, butterscotches, lemon drops, candy canes, and more, you're bound to find one you like.

Finally, there is a range of chewy or gummy sugar-free candy. Gummies can come in sweet or sour flavors, so you may choose depending on your preference. And don't forget about soft candies like candy corn for Halloween.

Ensure That It's Actually Sugar-Free

Many consumers struggle to make sense of food labels, especially when it comes the health-related claims like sugar-free, unsweetened, and no added sugar. The differences between these labels aren't obvious, but are important.

"Sugar-free" means the product must contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. The sugar can be from naturally occurring sugars like milk or fruits. It also includes added sugars from natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols.

The term "unsweetened" means the product contains no added sugars, but it may contain naturally-occurring sugars. On the other hand, "no added sugar" means no sugar was added during the process, but the product may still contain sugar alcohols or natural sugars.

Decide Between Natural or Synthetic Sugar Substitutes

Sugar-free candies are usually sweetened with sugar substitutes, including artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. Artificial sweeteners don't contain carbohydrates, so they won't raise blood sugar levels in the short-term. On the other hand, sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate, meaning they can raise blood sugar levels.

Synthetic Options Like Sucralose Are Sweet

If you have a sweet tooth, consider sugar-free candy that uses a synthetic sugar substitute, such as sucralose. These substitutes have no calories but are much sweeter than sugar.

Sucralose, like the brand Splenda, also doesn't have an aftertaste like some sweeteners do. This makes sucralose a good option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake but who still want to experience the best, sweetest flavor possible.

Options Like Stevia and Monk Fruit Are Naturally-Derived

Stevia and monk fruit contain no calories or carbohydrates, but they're much sweeter than sugar. Inulin, a sweetener from chicory root, is another type of natural sweetener that is popularly used in sugar-free chocolate.

Stevia can sometimes have a bitter aftertaste. However, it is a good option for those with diabetes as it doesn't contain any carbohydrates and won't impact blood-sugar levels. Truvia is a sweetener that is a blend of natural flavors, erythritol, and rebaudioside A, which comes from the stevia plant. Monk fruit has a very sweet and smooth flavor without an aftertaste.

Inulin has no effect on your blood sugar, contains fiber, and has a mild flavor. This is good if you prefer your candy to be not too sweet. While you should be careful of inulin intake if you have irritable bowel syndrome or frequent stomach problems, it helps you feel fuller for longer and promotes intestinal health. It's often combined with other sweeteners in sugar-free products.

Sugar Alcohols Have Fewer Calories

Sugar alcohols are naturally found in fruits and vegetables, but can also be made from glucose and sucrose. The types of sugar alcohols commonly used in candies are maltitol, isomalt, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

Erythritol and isomalt are typically used in sugar-free chocolate. Similarly, maltitol is used in hard candy and xylitol is a common ingredient in chewy candies. Sorbitol has a very similar taste to sugar, and is usually used in both hard and chewy candy.

Sugar alcohols don't contribute to tooth decay, and some even prevent cavities and gum diseases, like xylitol. If you have diabetes or are concerned about high blood sugar, we recommend you avoid sugar alcohols or consume them in moderation. This is because unlike some other sugar substitutes, they can raise blood-sugar levels.

Consider the Packaging Design and Material

The common types of candy packaging are pouches, trays, boxes, twist ties, tins, and foil wrappers. Resealable bags are easy for storage, whereas candy trays and boxes provide a nice presentation, making them ideal for presents. Individually wrapped candies and pop-up tins are convenient for taking on the go and sharing with others.

There are also seasonal options to consider. Nothing is more festive than seasonal or holiday-themed packaging. Since candy is such an important part of many holidays, remember to keep the time of year in mind when you're shopping.

No matter what type of packaging you choose, make sure to keep the lid closed or bag sealed as much as you can in order to keep the candies fresh and maintain their level of quality.

Looking for More Sugar-Free Options?

Check out our favorite sugar-free snacks! If you're looking for different options to reduce your sugar intake, we have plenty of recommendations for you to try.

10 Best Sugar-Free Cereals in 2022

Top 10 Best Sugar-Free Cookies in 2022

10 Best Sugar-Free Chocolates in 2022

In Collaboration With Registered Dietitian Rachel Binkley

Registered Dietitian (RD, LD)

Rachel Binkley

Author: Apinya Masuda

Updated by: Tara Grier, 6/29/2022

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