Are Sweet Tart Chews Considered Healthy? The Definitive Guide

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), certain Sweetarts products are classified as unhealthy ultra-processed foods, raising questions about their nutritional value. This guide unpacks the facts to determine if sweet tart chews can be part of a healthy diet or if they are best left as an occasional treat.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional profile of Sweet Tart chews by examining their sugar content, ingredients, and processing level, as well as their potential health and dental impacts. It also suggests several healthier snacking options for those looking to curb a sweet craving.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Sweet Tart chews are primarily composed of sugar, offering no significant nutritional value and contributing to empty calories.
Harmful to Dental Health: The combination of a sticky, chewy texture and high acidity makes these candies particularly damaging to tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.
Contains Artificial Additives: Many varieties include synthetic dyes and artificial flavors that have been linked to potential health concerns, such as hyperactivity.
Highly Processed Food: The Environmental Working Group classifies certain SweeTarts as unhealthy ultra-processed foods, which are often associated with a higher risk of chronic health problems.
Not a Recommended Snack: Due to their nutritional profile, Sweet Tart chews are not a healthy snack option and are best consumed as an occasional treat in moderation.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a sweet fix, consider healthier options like fresh fruit, dark chocolate, or homemade snacks that provide more nutritional benefits.

Examining the Nutritional Profile of Sweet Tart Chews

Sweet Tart chews, like most candies, are a high-sugar product that provides a rapid energy boost with virtually no other nutritional benefits. A typical serving contains a significant amount of added sugar, often exceeding 20 grams, contributing to the "empty calories" label associated with many confections. These high levels of sugar can lead to energy crashes and contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently. The primary ingredients are dextrose and corn syrup, which are simple carbohydrates that offer little to no fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals.

The Impact on Dental Health

One of the most significant drawbacks of consuming chewy candies like Sweet Tarts is their effect on oral hygiene. Their sticky texture allows sugar to linger on and between teeth long after consumption, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to produce enamel-eroding acid. Furthermore, Sweet Tarts and similar sour candies are highly acidic, which can directly weaken tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and long-term dental problems. The combination of stickiness and high acidity makes them particularly damaging to teeth.

Artificial Additives and Highly Processed Nature

Beyond sugar, Sweet Tart chews contain a range of artificial additives, including synthetic colors like Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, and Yellow 5. These dyes have, in some studies, been linked to adverse effects such as hyperactivity in children. Some varieties may also contain ingredients that contribute to unhealthy trans fats or lower-calorie sweeteners like sorbitol, whose long-term health effects are still being researched. Being classified as an ultra-processed food by organizations like the EWG means they undergo extensive industrial processing, which often strips foods of their natural nutrients and fiber.

Comparison of Sweet Tart Chews and Healthier Alternatives


Feature	Sweet Tart Chews	Healthy Snack Alternative (e.g., fruit)
Nutritional Value	Provides primarily empty calories from sugar; lacks vitamins, minerals, and fiber.	Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Dental Impact	High sugar and acid content promotes tooth decay and enamel erosion.	Natural sugars are less concentrated, and fiber helps clean teeth; less acidic overall.
Energy Level	Causes rapid blood sugar spikes followed by a crash.	Provides sustained energy release due to fiber and complex carbs.
Ingredients	Highly processed with corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic dyes.	Whole, unprocessed ingredients with no added artificial components.
Satiety	Offers little to no feeling of fullness, leading to more cravings.	Fiber and nutrients help promote a feeling of fullness.

Mindful Consumption and Moderation

While Sweet Tart chews are not a health food, enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle. The key is to view them as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack. Savoring the candy and consuming it mindfully can help prevent overeating and reduce potential health impacts. After indulging, it is particularly important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth to remove lingering sugar and acid. Some dentists recommend enjoying sugary snacks with a meal to reduce the amount of time sugar and acid are in contact with your teeth.

Healthier Alternatives to Satisfy a Sweet Craving

For those seeking a healthier way to satisfy a sweet tooth, there are numerous options that offer both flavor and nutritional benefits. Fresh fruits like berries, grapes, or a sliced apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon provide natural sweetness along with vitamins and fiber. For something chewy, homemade fruit leathers or energy balls made with dates and nuts can be a great substitute. Dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, is another popular alternative that offers a more complex flavor with less sugar than most candy bars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question, "are sweet tart chews considered healthy?" can be answered with a firm "no." They are best described as an ultra-processed candy with a high sugar and acid content, lacking any meaningful nutritional value and posing risks to dental health. While enjoying them occasionally is fine, they are not a recommended part of a healthy, balanced diet. By understanding their composition and opting for healthier alternatives more frequently, individuals can better manage their sugar intake and protect their overall well-being. Ultimately, informed choices lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Here is a helpful resource for more information on ultra-processed foods and their health effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweet Tart chews contain a high amount of added sugar. The exact amount varies by product and serving size, but it can be upwards of 20 grams per serving, mostly derived from dextrose and corn syrup.

Sweet Tart chews are harmful to teeth due to their high sugar and acidic content. The chewy, sticky texture allows sugar to cling to teeth, and the acidity can erode protective tooth enamel, significantly increasing the risk of cavities.

No, Sweet Tart chews offer no genuine nutritional benefits. They are a source of empty calories and lack essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are important for overall health.

Healthier alternatives include fresh fruit (like berries, grapes, or apples), dark chocolate, and homemade snacks like fruit leathers or energy balls made with dates and nuts.

Yes, enjoying Sweet Tart chews in moderation as an occasional treat is generally fine for most people. The key is to balance consumption with a nutritious diet and good oral hygiene.

Sweet Tart chews contain synthetic dyes such as Red 40 Lake and Yellow 5, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children in some studies. The level of concern depends on individual sensitivity and overall diet.

Sweet Tart chews contribute to weight gain primarily through their high sugar content. The rapid blood sugar spike followed by a crash can lead to cravings and overconsumption, while the empty calories add to overall calorie intake without promoting satiety.