No Aspartame: Joyride's Commitment to Natural Sweeteners
In a market often flooded with artificially sweetened products, Joyride has carved a niche by explicitly rejecting synthetic sweeteners like aspartame. The company's mission, launched in 2022, was to create a new kind of candy: one that delivers on flavor without relying on what they call "junk" ingredients. This commitment has led them to formulate their products with a carefully selected blend of plant-based and natural sweeteners.
This deliberate avoidance of aspartame is a key part of the brand's appeal to health-conscious consumers. By focusing on ingredients like allulose, stevia, and in some cases, xylitol, Joyride offers an alternative that aligns with keto, vegan, and low-sugar diets. The brand's FAQ page explicitly states that no artificial sweeteners are used.
The Sweetener Blend: What Joyride Uses Instead
Rather than a single sweetener, Joyride utilizes a combination of ingredients to achieve its desired taste and texture. This allows for a more complex and balanced flavor profile, avoiding the aftertaste that some people associate with certain single-source natural sweeteners.
Sweeteners in Joyride Candy Products
- Allulose: A rare sugar found naturally in figs and raisins, allulose provides sweetness similar to sugar but with virtually no calories. It is a cornerstone of Joyride's candy recipes. It contributes to the overall sweetness without causing the same blood sugar spike as traditional sugar, though some Joyride candies do contain a small amount of regular sugar to enhance flavor and texture.
- Steviol Glycosides (Stevia Extract): Derived from the stevia plant, this is a zero-calorie, natural sweetener used in various Joyride candies. It is significantly sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed. While effective, some people are sensitive to stevia's unique aftertaste, which is why Joyride often pairs it with other sweeteners.
- Soluble Corn Fiber: Beyond acting as a bulking agent, soluble corn fiber adds prebiotic fiber to the products and a mild, pleasant sweetness. This ingredient contributes to the texture and adds a nutritional benefit, supporting digestive health.
Sweeteners in Joyride Gum
Joyride's gum products, which were formerly part of the brand Project 7, use a different primary sweetener: xylitol.
- Xylitol: This sugar alcohol is known for its dental health benefits and is also a low-calorie sweetener. The gum is explicitly advertised as being sugar-free and aspartame-free.
- Stevia: Similar to the candy line, stevia is also used to enhance the sweetness of the gum.
Joyride Sweeteners vs. Common Alternatives
Here is a comparison of Joyride's approach to sweeteners compared to typical market standards.
| Feature | Joyride Products | Traditional Candy | Diet Products with Aspartame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener(s) | Allulose, Steviol Glycosides (Stevia), Xylitol (in gum) | High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Glucose Syrup | Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium |
| Sweetener Source | Primarily plant-based and naturally occurring | Refined sugar cane, beets, or corn | Synthetic chemicals |
| Calorie Content | Low-calorie or zero-calorie, depending on the product | High in calories from sugar | Zero-calorie |
| Aftertaste | Generally mild, though stevia can cause a slight aftertaste for some | No distinct aftertaste | Can have a chemical or metallic aftertaste |
| Effect on Blood Sugar | Low impact; allulose does not spike blood sugar | Significant spike in blood sugar levels | Varies; no major impact for most people |
| Other Features | Often includes prebiotic fiber; no sugar alcohols | No additional fiber; no gut health benefits | Often contains sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive issues |
Why the Aspartame Question is So Common
Questions about aspartame are frequent because it is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners in the food and beverage industry, found in everything from diet sodas to chewing gums. However, aspartame has been the subject of controversy and public concern for decades, prompting many consumers to seek out alternatives. Brands like Joyride have recognized this trend and built their identity around offering cleaner-ingredient options. The company's transparency about its use of plant-based sweeteners directly addresses this consumer demand for fewer artificial ingredients.
The “No Junk” Ingredient Promise
Beyond simply avoiding aspartame, Joyride's ingredient philosophy extends to other artificial components. The brand's products are formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. For color, they use vegetable and fruit juice concentrates, such as carrot, blueberry, and spirulina. This focus on a "no junk" approach provides peace of mind for consumers who are wary of synthetic additives. As the brand states on its website, they are about providing "delicious, flavorful candy made with real ingredients".
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question, "Does Joyride contain aspartame?" is a definitive no. The brand has intentionally steered clear of artificial sweeteners and other synthetic ingredients, opting instead for a blend of natural, plant-based alternatives like allulose and steviol glycosides in their candies, and xylitol and stevia in their gums. This approach caters to the growing number of consumers seeking healthier, more transparent snack options without compromising on flavor. Joyride's commitment to clean ingredients sets it apart from traditional and even some "diet" candy brands on the market, giving you a sweeter treat with a clearer conscience. For a full list of ingredients and FAQs, you can refer to the official Joyride website [joyridesweets.com/pages/faq].
