Which Joyride Products Contain Stevia?
When asking, "Does Joyride have stevia in it?" it is crucial to specify the product, as the brand has expanded its offerings. The presence of stevia is a characteristic of the brand's popular candy line, specifically their zero-sugar and keto-friendly gummies and strips. Ingredient panels for items such as the Sour Fruit Gummies, Sour Gummy Worms, and Gummy Bears clearly list "stevia extract" or "steviol glycosides". This distinguishes them from other Joyride-branded products, such as the seltzers and coffee concentrates offered by Joyride Coffee Distributors, which are different product lines and do not contain stevia. The candy products are marketed as being naturally sweetened, relying on this blend of plant-based ingredients to deliver flavor without artificial additives or sugar alcohols.
Stevia and Allulose: The Joyride Sweetener Blend
The sweetness in Joyride candy doesn't come from just one source. The formulation combines stevia extract with allulose, another plant-based sweetener. This blending is a common strategy in the low-sugar food industry to create a more balanced and palatable flavor profile. Stevia provides a potent, zero-calorie sweetness, while allulose contributes a mild, sugar-like flavor and texture without the glycemic impact. This combination allows Joyride to achieve a low-carb, zero-sugar product that is also high in fiber, making it suitable for keto and other health-conscious diets.
Why Joyride Uses Stevia and Other Sweeteners
Joyride's decision to use a blend of natural sweeteners is driven by several key factors:
- Zero Sugar: The primary goal is to create products with no sugar, which appeals to individuals managing blood sugar levels, following a keto diet, or simply trying to reduce their sugar intake.
- No Sugar Alcohols: Unlike many other sugar-free candies, Joyride avoids sugar alcohols (like erythritol or maltitol), which can cause digestive issues for some people.
- High Fiber Content: Ingredients like soluble corn fiber are added to increase the product's fiber, which also helps to lower the net carb count.
- No Artificial Sweeteners: The brand's FAQ page explicitly states they use no artificial sweeteners, instead opting for plant-based options like stevia and allulose.
Potential Side Effects of Stevia and Allulose
While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, both stevia and allulose can have side effects, particularly when consumed in large quantities. Stevia, derived from the stevia plant, has a history of safe use, but some people report a slight aftertaste. Allulose is a rare sugar that passes through the body without being metabolized, and some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort from large amounts. The combination in Joyride products is designed to minimize these effects, but moderation is always recommended. An important note on the packaging warns users to limit consumption to one serving per day if not accustomed to a high-fiber diet to avoid potential discomfort.
Comparison of Joyride Candy and Other Products
| Feature | Joyride Zero Sugar Candy (Gummies, Strips) | Joyride Sustainable Seltzer | Other Gummy Brands (e.g., Haribo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Stevia Extract, Allulose | None (Unsweetened on tap) | High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar |
| Sugar Content | Zero sugar | Zero sugar | High |
| Net Carbs | Low (around 3-6g) | Zero | High |
| Fiber | High | None | Low |
| Best For | Keto, low-sugar diets | Unflavored sparkling water | Standard candy cravings |
| Availability | Retail stores, online | On-tap for offices/restaurants | Widespread |
Making an Informed Choice
For consumers, understanding the ingredients is key. If you are specifically looking to avoid stevia, Joyride's zero-sugar candy line is not the right choice for you, despite its clean label marketing concerning artificial sweeteners. However, if you are searching for a low-sugar, low-carb candy that uses plant-based sweeteners instead of artificial additives or sugar alcohols, Joyride is a strong contender. Always read the ingredient list on the specific product package, as formulations can change over time. The Joyride sweets website offers additional information on their ingredients and mission. Read more on the official FAQ page.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether Joyride contains stevia depends entirely on the product. While the company produces other beverages without added sweeteners, its zero-sugar line of candies, including gummies and sour strips, explicitly lists stevia extract as a key ingredient alongside allulose. This blend is part of their strategy to offer a natural, keto-friendly alternative to traditional sugary confections. For anyone on a low-sugar or keto diet, Joyride candies provide a sweet treat using natural, plant-based ingredients like stevia. Always review the product label to ensure it meets your specific dietary needs.
