Are Werther's Originals OK for Diabetics? Navigating Sweet Treats and Blood Sugar

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 38 million Americans have diabetes, a condition requiring careful carbohydrate management. For many, this means reconsidering favorite sweets like Werther's Originals, raising the critical question of whether they can be part of a diabetic diet.

Quick Summary

The suitability of Werther's Originals for diabetics depends on the specific product. The regular version is high in sugar and should be avoided. The sugar-free variety uses sugar alcohols like isomalt, which have less impact on blood sugar but require moderation due to potential digestive side effects.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always choose the 'sugar-free' version of Werther's Originals, as the regular kind is not suitable for diabetics due to high sugar content.
Understand Sugar Alcohols: Sugar-free Werther's use sugar alcohols like isomalt, which have a less significant effect on blood sugar compared to regular sugar.
Practice Strict Portion Control: Overconsumption of sugar-free candy can still impact blood sugar and cause digestive issues, so eat only a small amount.
Monitor Your Blood Glucose: Individual reactions vary, so test your blood sugar after consumption to understand how your body responds to the sugar-free sweets.
Watch for Digestive Side Effects: Excessive intake of sugar alcohols can lead to bloating, gas, and a laxative effect, so start with a small quantity.
Consult a Professional: Discussing your snack options with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian is the safest approach to incorporating sweets into a diabetic diet.
Sugar-Free is Not Carb-Free: Remember that sugar-free options still contain some carbohydrates and calories and should not be consumed without consideration.

Werther's Originals offer a tempting, creamy caramel treat, but the answer to whether they are acceptable for diabetics isn't a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It depends entirely on which version you choose and how you consume it. A person with diabetes must distinguish between the standard, sugar-laden Original and its sugar-free counterpart to make a safe dietary choice. Understanding the key ingredients and their effects on glucose levels is crucial for anyone managing their blood sugar.

The Difference Between Regular and Sugar-Free Werther's

For those with diabetes, the primary concern is the rapid increase in blood glucose levels caused by traditional sugary foods. Regular Werther's Originals contain significant amounts of sugar and glucose syrup, which can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar and should generally be avoided. The sugar-free version, however, replaces these simple sugars with sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, changing its metabolic effect.

Regular Werther's Original (Hard Candy) Ingredients and Effects

Sugar: The main ingredient, which is a simple carbohydrate that is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar.
Glucose Syrup: Another simple sugar, similar to table sugar in its effect on blood glucose levels.
Other ingredients: Cream and butter add fat, but the high carbohydrate load from the sugars remains the primary concern for a diabetic.

Sugar-Free Werther's Original (Hard Candy) Ingredients and Effects

Isomalt: A sugar alcohol that replaces sugar. It is digested more slowly and incompletely than sugar, leading to a much smaller and more gradual rise in blood glucose.
Acesulfame-K: An artificial sweetener used alongside isomalt for sweetness, which does not affect blood sugar.
Low Net Carbs: Because sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed, the net carbohydrate count is much lower than in the regular version, making it a better option for managing carbohydrate intake.
Potential Gastrointestinal Issues: Excessive consumption of isomalt and other sugar alcohols can lead to digestive discomfort, such as gas, bloating, and a laxative effect.

How Sugar-Free Werther's Impact Blood Glucose

While the sugar-free varieties are a better alternative, they are not a free pass for uncontrolled snacking. Sugar alcohols still contain some carbohydrates and calories, and can affect blood glucose, albeit to a much lesser extent. It is important for individuals to monitor their personal blood sugar response after consuming them, as individual reactions to sugar alcohols can vary.

Regular vs. Sugar-Free Werther's: A Comparison Table


Feature	Regular Werther's Original	Sugar-Free Werther's Original
Sweetener	Sugar, Glucose Syrup	Isomalt, Acesulfame-K
Carbohydrate Content	High	Low (due to sugar alcohols)
Blood Sugar Impact	Causes a rapid spike	Causes a smaller, slower rise
Safety for Diabetics	Generally unsafe for regular consumption	Safer in moderation, with monitoring
Potential Side Effects	Hyperglycemia, weight gain	Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, diarrhea) with excess consumption
Portion Control	Essential and very strict	Still necessary, but less critical for immediate blood sugar control

Best Practices for Diabetics with a Sweet Tooth

If you have diabetes and want to enjoy a Werther's, follow these guidelines to manage your blood sugar effectively:

Choose the Sugar-Free Version Only: Always check the packaging to confirm you are purchasing the sugar-free variety.
Practice Portion Control: Stick to the recommended serving size, and be mindful of the calorie and carbohydrate counts. A single piece or two may be sufficient to satisfy a craving without causing an issue.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar before and after eating the candy to understand how your body specifically reacts.
Pair with Protein or Fat: Consuming the candy alongside a source of protein or healthy fat can help slow down the absorption of any remaining carbohydrates and mitigate a blood sugar spike.
Be Aware of Side Effects: The laxative effect from sugar alcohols is real. Start with a small amount to gauge your tolerance.

A Note on Artificial Sweeteners

Studies on the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners are ongoing and have yielded mixed results, with some linking regular consumption to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. However, sugar-free options can still be a valuable tool for managing cravings in the short term and may be a safer choice than their full-sugar counterparts. The key is mindful consumption, not unrestricted indulgence. Consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian is the best way to determine if and how sugar-free treats can fit into your personal diabetes management plan.

Conclusion

For individuals managing diabetes, the regular version of Werther's Originals is not a suitable option due to its high sugar and glucose content, which can cause dangerous blood sugar spikes. The sugar-free version offers a viable alternative, using sugar alcohols that have a much smaller impact on blood glucose levels. However, it requires moderation and careful monitoring due to the presence of carbohydrates and potential gastrointestinal side effects from sugar alcohols. Ultimately, enjoying sugar-free Werther's in small, controlled portions can be a safe way to satisfy a sweet craving, provided it's done with awareness and monitoring.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on managing candy and diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, regular Werther's Originals contain high amounts of sugar and glucose syrup, which can cause a rapid and significant spike in blood sugar levels, making them unsuitable for regular consumption by diabetics.

Regular Werther's use sugar and glucose syrup. The sugar-free version replaces these with sugar alcohols like isomalt and artificial sweeteners like acesulfame-K, which have a much smaller impact on blood sugar.

Yes, they can. While the effect is much less than with regular sugar, the sugar alcohols still contain carbohydrates and can cause a small, slower rise in blood glucose. It's important to monitor your personal reaction.

Yes, consuming sugar alcohols in excess can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach upset, and a laxative effect.

There is no universal safe amount, as individual tolerance varies. A good approach is to start with a very small portion (e.g., one or two candies) and monitor your blood glucose and digestive response before increasing intake.

Always check the product packaging. The sugar-free variety will be clearly labeled as 'Sugar Free' or 'No Sugar Added'.

Sugar-free candies often have fewer calories and can satisfy a craving without a major blood sugar spike. However, they are not calorie-free, and over-consuming them can still hinder weight loss efforts.