Are ice breaker cubes sugar-free? Examining the Ingredients for a Nutrition-Conscious Diet

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Hershey Company, which produces the gum, all ICE BREAKERS gum and mint products are indeed sugar-free. But the question remains for many health-conscious consumers: beyond the label, are ice breaker cubes sugar-free in a way that aligns with specific nutritional goals? While they contain no added sugar, they use sweeteners that warrant a closer look for anyone minding their diet.

Quick Summary

Ice Breaker cubes are sugar-free, but rely on sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners for flavor. These alternatives have different effects on the body compared to table sugar. Understanding these ingredients is vital for managing dietary intake and dental health, especially for those on low-carb or diabetic diets.

Key Points

Sugar-Free, Not Calorie-Free: Ice Breaker cubes contain no sugar but get their sweetness from sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which contribute a small number of calories.
Contains Sugar Alcohols: Ingredients like xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol are incompletely absorbed by the body and can cause digestive issues if consumed in excess.
Dental Health Benefits: The xylitol in Ice Breaker cubes can help reduce plaque-causing bacteria, and the American Dental Association accepts the product for its dental benefits.
Dietary Considerations: While suitable for keto and diabetic diets, individuals should still be mindful of the total carbs from sugar alcohols and potential effects on blood sugar.
Toxic to Pets: Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, so it is crucial to keep Ice Breaker gum and any other xylitol-containing products away from pets.
Moderation is Key: To avoid potential digestive side effects, it is best to consume Ice Breaker cubes in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What Makes Ice Breaker Cubes "Sugar-Free"?

The term "sugar-free" is a specific label that means a product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per labeled serving. For Ice Breaker cubes, this is achieved by replacing traditional sugar with a combination of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. This distinction is crucial for anyone on a strict diet, managing blood sugar levels, or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle.

The primary sweeteners in Ice Breaker cubes include a mix of:

Xylitol: A sugar alcohol known for its sweetening power and dental benefits.
Maltitol and Maltitol Syrup: Other sugar alcohols that add bulk and sweetness.
Sorbitol and Mannitol: Additional sugar alcohols that contribute to the gum's texture and flavor.
Artificial Sweeteners: These include aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sometimes neotame, which provide intense sweetness without calories.

The Role of Sugar Alcohols in a Healthy Diet

Sugar alcohols, despite their name, are not sugars or alcoholic beverages. They are carbohydrates that are incompletely absorbed by the body, leading to a lower caloric impact and a lesser effect on blood sugar levels compared to sugar. This makes them a popular choice for sugar-free products.

However, this incomplete absorption is also why consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive issues. The unabsorbed carbohydrates travel to the large intestine, where they are fermented by bacteria, potentially causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some individuals. The severity of these side effects can vary depending on the person's sensitivity and the amount consumed.

Artificial Sweeteners and Calorie-Free Sweetness

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame provide sweetness at a fraction of the amount needed for sugar, and often with zero calories. They are not carbohydrates and, therefore, do not impact blood sugar levels. While sugar alcohols are typically the main ingredient by weight in Ice Breaker cubes, artificial sweeteners play a significant role in providing the desired level of sweetness. It's worth noting that products containing aspartame must include a warning for phenylketonurics.

Ice Breaker Cubes vs. Traditional Sugared Gum: A Comparison

To fully appreciate the nutritional profile, it helps to compare Ice Breaker cubes with their traditional, sugar-filled counterparts. The table below highlights key nutritional differences.


Feature	Ice Breaker Cubes (Sugar-Free)	Traditional Gum (Sugared)
Sweeteners	Sugar alcohols (Xylitol, Maltitol, Sorbitol) & Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K)	Sugar (Sucrose), Corn Syrup, Dextrose [Uncited]
Sugar Content	0g per serving	High, varies by brand [Uncited]
Calorie Count	~5 calories per piece, primarily from sugar alcohols	Higher, from sugar content [Uncited]
Dental Impact	Can benefit dental health, especially with Xylitol, by reducing bacteria	Contributes to tooth decay and cavities due to high sugar content [Uncited]
Digestive Effects	Potential for gas, bloating, or laxative effect with excessive consumption	Minimal digestive effect, but contributes to overall sugar intake [Uncited]
Dietary Suitability	Generally suitable for low-carb, keto, and diabetic diets, but net carbs and sugar alcohol effects must be considered	Not suitable for diets that restrict sugar or carbohydrates [Uncited]
Ingredients	Includes sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, gelatin, gum base, artificial flavors/colors	Includes sugar, corn syrup, gum base, artificial flavors/colors [Uncited]

How Ice Breaker Cubes Fit into a Nutrition Diet

For most people enjoying the gum in moderation, the nutritional impact is negligible. However, for those with specific dietary needs, a few considerations apply.

Keto and Low-Carb Diets: While Ice Breaker cubes are sugar-free, their use on a strict ketogenic diet requires attention to total and net carbs. A single piece contains a small amount of sugar alcohol and maltodextrin, which can add up if you consume many pieces. Some people on keto monitor total carbs, including sugar alcohols, while others subtract them. Maltitol has a higher glycemic index than other sugar alcohols, so this should be factored in.
Managing Diabetes: Because Ice Breaker cubes are sugar-free, they do not cause the same blood sugar spike as regular gum. Some sources specifically call them diabetic-friendly. However, it is always recommended for individuals with diabetes to monitor their personal response, as sugar alcohols can still have some minor effect on blood sugar. The ADA considers gum sweetened with sugar substitutes safe for individuals with diabetes.
Digestive Sensitivity: For individuals with IBS or other digestive sensitivities, the sugar alcohols can trigger symptoms. If you experience discomfort after consuming sugar-free products, it is best to limit or avoid them.
Dental Health: The presence of xylitol is a key benefit. Xylitol is clinically proven to help prevent cavities and promote dental health by inhibiting the growth of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) accepts Ice Breaker cubes for this reason.

Conclusion

To definitively answer the question "are ice breaker cubes sugar-free?", yes, they contain no added sugar. However, for a comprehensive understanding of their place in a nutrition diet, it is essential to look beyond the simple label. The inclusion of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners means they are not calorie-free, and they can have digestive impacts in larger quantities. When used in moderation, they can be a useful tool for maintaining fresh breath while controlling sugar intake, and they even offer the dental benefit of xylitol. As with any food product, reading the ingredients list and understanding how they interact with your body is the best way to make informed dietary choices. For those with specific health conditions like diabetes, personal monitoring and moderation are key to avoiding unwanted effects.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer, all ICE BREAKERS gum and mint products are sugar-free.

Both Ice Breaker cubes and mints are sugar-free, but they have different ingredients. Notably, Ice Breaker gum products contain gelatin, which is derived from pork, while the mint products do not.

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol are carbohydrates used to sweeten products without using sugar. They are incompletely absorbed by the body, which results in fewer calories and a lower impact on blood sugar.

Yes, if consumed in large quantities, the sugar alcohols in the gum can cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or have a laxative effect, especially in sensitive individuals.

Ice Breaker cubes are sugar-free and have a minimal effect on blood sugar, making them generally safe for individuals with diabetes. However, monitoring your body's response to sugar alcohols is recommended.

Yes, xylitol is known to promote dental health by reducing the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. This is one reason why the American Dental Association accepts the product.

No, absolutely not. The xylitol in Ice Breaker gum is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar. If a dog consumes any xylitol-containing gum, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Because they are sugar-free, many individuals on a keto diet consider them acceptable. However, they contain carbohydrates from sugar alcohols, so tracking net carbs is necessary to ensure they fit within your daily limits.