Are Unreal bars ok for diabetics? A detailed review

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, adults should limit added sugar intake, a crucial guideline for those managing diabetes. Unreal bars are specifically formulated with significantly less sugar than traditional candy bars, making them a more appealing option for diabetics, but their suitability still depends on individual factors and ingredients like cassava syrup.

Quick Summary

Unreal bars feature lower sugar content and simple, all-natural ingredients, making them a potentially better alternative to conventional candy for diabetics. However, their ingredients, particularly cassava syrup, still contain carbohydrates that affect blood sugar, requiring careful portion control. Moderation and individual monitoring are essential for incorporating these bars into a diabetic diet.

Key Points

Lower Sugar: Unreal bars have significantly less sugar than conventional candies, making them a better choice for diabetics when eaten in moderation.
Contains Carbs: Despite lower sugar, Unreal bars contain carbohydrates from ingredients like organic cassava syrup that will still raise blood sugar levels.
No Sugar Alcohols: The absence of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners prevents common digestive issues and avoids potential laxative effects.
Dark Chocolate Benefits: Many Unreal products use dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants and has a lower glycemic index, potentially improving insulin sensitivity.
Portion Control is Key: The individually wrapped servings are ideal for portion control, which is essential for managing blood sugar.
Monitor Individual Response: Every diabetic is different; monitoring your own blood glucose after eating is the best way to determine your body's reaction.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before adding new foods to your diabetic diet.

Understanding Unreal Bars and Diabetes

For many with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels while navigating the world of snack foods can be a challenge. Unreal bars and candies have gained a reputation as a healthier, lower-sugar indulgence, but it's important to dig deeper into their composition to determine if they are a suitable choice for a diabetic diet. While they are a step up from conventional candies, they still contain sources of carbohydrates that impact blood sugar.

Unreal Ingredients: What's Inside?

Unreal bars are known for their simple, all-natural ingredient lists. For example, their popular dark chocolate coconut bars contain only organic coconut, organic cassava syrup, and dark chocolate. Unlike many other 'diet' or 'sugar-free' products, Unreal explicitly states that its products are free from sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which can cause digestive issues for some people. This avoids the unpleasant side effects often associated with other reduced-sugar options.

Key ingredients in Unreal bars include:

Dark Chocolate: Many Unreal products use dark chocolate, which can have a lower glycemic index and potentially offer health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity, when consumed in moderation. Look for products with a higher cocoa percentage for maximum benefit.
Organic Cassava Syrup: This ingredient is used as a natural sweetener. While it is less refined than high-fructose corn syrup, it is still a carbohydrate that the body converts to sugar, which will affect blood glucose levels. Unlike some sugar alcohols that pass through the body with minimal impact, cassava syrup contributes to the overall carbohydrate count.
Organic Coconut/Nuts: These ingredients contribute healthy fats and fiber, which can help slow the absorption of sugar and lead to a more gradual rise in blood sugar. The fiber and fat content make the overall glycemic impact more favorable compared to simple sugars.

Comparison: Unreal vs. Standard Candy

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare an Unreal bar to a standard candy bar. The primary advantage of Unreal is its significantly lower added sugar content, often up to 51% less than competitors on an equal-weight basis.


Feature	Unreal Coconut Bar	Standard Candy Bar (e.g., Mounds)
Added Sugar (per bar)	~3g	~8g (more than double)
Sweeteners	Organic Cassava Syrup, Cane Sugar (in dark chocolate)	Corn Syrup, Sugar
Ingredients	All-natural, non-GMO, vegan	Artificial flavors, corn syrup, preservatives
Fiber	3g per serving	Often less than 1g
Glycemic Impact	Lower due to less sugar, fiber, and fat	Higher due to high concentration of simple sugars
Portion Size	Individually wrapped mini bars encourage portion control	Larger standard bars can lead to overconsumption

The Diabetic's Approach to Unreal Bars

While Unreal bars are a better choice than conventional candy, they should not be considered 'diabetic candy.' The key for a diabetic is moderation and monitoring. Here’s a plan for incorporating them into a diet:

Read the Label: Always check the carbohydrate count for the specific Unreal product. Different varieties will have different nutritional profiles. For instance, the coconut bars may differ significantly from the peanut butter cups.
Mind Portion Sizes: Unreal's individually wrapped bars are excellent for portion control. A single bar can be a planned, mindful treat rather than a large, uncontrolled binge. Some people with Type 2 diabetes find that a single small bar doesn't cause a significant blood glucose spike, especially when eaten with a meal.
Monitor Blood Glucose: The ultimate test is your own body's reaction. Test your blood sugar levels after eating an Unreal bar to see how it affects you. This allows for personalized understanding and adjustment.
Consider the Meal Context: Eating a sweet treat after a meal that includes fiber and protein can help mitigate a rapid blood sugar spike. Avoid eating it on an empty stomach.

Conclusion: A Better Indulgence, But Still an Indulgence

So, are Unreal bars ok for diabetics? The answer is nuanced. They are a much better alternative to traditional, high-sugar candies due to their lower sugar content, lack of artificial additives, and use of high-cocoa dark chocolate. However, because they still contain carbohydrates from sources like cassava syrup, they must be treated as a treat, not a health food. The core principles of diabetic management—portion control, moderation, and blood glucose monitoring—remain critical when consuming Unreal bars. For the diabetic craving a chocolate fix, Unreal offers a way to indulge more mindfully and with potentially less impact on blood sugar, but it is not a free pass. As with any new food in a diabetic diet, professional medical consultation is always recommended before making significant changes.

Final Recommendations for Diabetics:

Treat Unreal bars as an occasional treat, not a daily snack.
Choose dark chocolate varieties with higher cocoa content.
Start with a single, individually wrapped portion.
Monitor your blood sugar to understand your personal response.
Pair it with a balanced meal to minimize blood sugar spikes.

Authoritative Source

For more information on managing diabetes and understanding dietary guidelines, consult the Diabetes UK website: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/eating/chocolate-and-diabetes

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Unreal bars should be considered an occasional treat, not a daily snack. While they are lower in sugar than other candies, they are still a concentrated source of carbohydrates that can affect blood sugar, and moderation is key for a balanced diabetic diet.

No, Unreal specifically formulates its products without sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. This is a key feature that prevents potential digestive upset common with many other 'sugar-free' products.

Yes, because Unreal bars contain carbohydrates from sources like cassava syrup, they will cause a rise in blood sugar. The effect will likely be less pronounced than with high-sugar candy, but you should still monitor your blood glucose to see your personal response.

Dark chocolate, especially with a high cocoa content, contains polyphenols and antioxidants that may improve insulin sensitivity and support heart health. These potential benefits are why dark chocolate is often recommended over milk chocolate for those managing diabetes.

For diabetics, it is best to have an Unreal bar in moderation, perhaps after a meal containing fiber and protein to slow sugar absorption. Always choose a small portion, like one of the individually wrapped mini bars, and avoid having it on an empty stomach.

No, the nutritional profile can vary between different Unreal products. Always check the specific nutritional label for carbohydrate and sugar content, as products like the coconut bars might differ from the peanut butter cups.

For diabetics, Unreal bars are a significantly better alternative than traditional candy due to their lower sugar content and simple, all-natural ingredients. However, they should still be treated with caution and consumed in moderation.

Because Unreal does not use sugar alcohols, the risk of a laxative effect is removed. Many diet sweets cause gastrointestinal issues due to sugar alcohols like erythritol.

Cassava syrup is a natural sweetener derived from the cassava plant. While less refined than corn syrup, it is still a carbohydrate that the body converts to glucose. Its impact on blood sugar means it requires the same careful monitoring as other carb sources.