Unreal Candy's Mission for Lower Sugar
Unreal was founded on the principle of recreating classic candies with a focus on real, simple ingredients and significantly less sugar. Unlike many mainstream competitors that rely on high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and preservatives, Unreal opts for a cleaner ingredient list. This brand uses organic ingredients and natural colorings sourced from vegetables like beet juice and spirulina. They also intentionally avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, relying instead on real cane or coconut sugar but using much less of it. This commitment allows them to offer an indulgent experience with a more mindful approach to sugar intake.
Sugar Content by Product Type
The sugar content in Unreal candy varies by product type and serving size. Looking at some of their most popular offerings reveals their strategic approach to minimizing sugar while retaining flavor:
- Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars: These mini bars are a standout with just 3 grams of sugar per bar, representing up to 51% less sugar than the leading brand. The simple ingredients include organic coconut, organic cassava syrup, and fair-trade dark chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: For the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination, Unreal offers a version with 5 grams of sugar per cup. This is 36% less sugar than the leading brand on an equal weight basis and is a vegan, fair-trade certified option.
- Milk Chocolate Gems: A 30g serving (about 35 pieces) contains 14g of total sugars, with 11g included as added sugars. The candy shells are naturally colored with sources like turmeric and beet juice.
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems: A 30g serving of the dark chocolate peanut gems has 13g of sugar. These are also naturally colored and vegan.
- Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars: This classic candy bar alternative contains 6 grams of sugar per bar, which is 40% less sugar than the leading brand.
How Unreal Achieves Lower Sugar
Instead of relying on artificial sweeteners, Unreal reduces its sugar content through simple, intentional choices. One key strategy is simply using less sugar. For instance, in their three-ingredient coconut bars, organic cassava syrup and cane sugar are used minimally to achieve the desired sweetness. The company also leverages the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients, like rich fair-trade dark chocolate and coconut, so that less added sugar is needed to create a satisfying taste profile. This approach is in stark contrast to many traditional candies, where added sugar is often the primary ingredient. The removal of artificial flavors and preservatives means the pure, natural taste of the core ingredients is more prominent, making for a richer and more satisfying experience without the sugar overload.
Unreal vs. Traditional Candy: A Sugar Comparison
To truly appreciate Unreal's lower sugar promise, a direct comparison is essential. The following table highlights the difference between popular Unreal products and their traditional counterparts, based on individual pieces or comparable servings.
| Product | Serving Size | Unreal Sugar Content | Traditional Brand Equivalent | Traditional Brand Sugar Content | Sugar Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups | 1 Cup | 5g | Reese's Peanut Butter Cup | ~10g (approx) | ~50% |
| Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar | 1 Mini Bar | 3g | Mounds Bar (approx) | ~7g (approx) | ~51% |
| Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar | 1 Bar | 6g | Snickers Bar (approx) | ~10g (approx) | ~40% |
| Milk Chocolate Gems | 30g | 14g Total Sugars | M&M's Milk Chocolate (approx) | ~20g (approx) | ~30% |
Is Unreal Candy a 'Healthy' Option?
While Unreal is often marketed as a "healthier" alternative, it is important to remember that it is still a candy and should be consumed in moderation. The term "healthy" can be misleading, but it is accurate to call it a better choice due to its cleaner ingredient list and lower sugar content. The absence of artificial dyes, preservatives, corn syrup, and sugar alcohols is a significant improvement. Furthermore, Unreal prioritizes ethical sourcing of its ingredients, including fair-trade chocolate, which contributes to a more sustainable and responsible product. For those with dietary restrictions, many Unreal products are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, offering an indulgent treat without compromising their dietary needs.
Conclusion: A Better Indulgence
Unreal Candy successfully delivers on its promise of a more mindful indulgence by offering classic candy flavors with significantly less sugar and cleaner ingredients. By using natural sweeteners and high-quality, ethically sourced components, the brand provides a satisfying experience without the excess sugar, artificial dyes, and preservatives found in traditional candy. For those seeking to reduce their sugar intake or simply prefer a simpler, more transparent ingredient list, Unreal offers a genuinely better alternative. However, even with the reduction in sugar, portion control remains key to a balanced diet.
For more information on Unreal's product lineup and nutritional details, you can visit the official website for additional context and nutritional information.
Customer Reviews and Taste Profile
Customer reviews of Unreal candy are generally positive, with many praising the taste despite the lower sugar content. Some reviewers note that the flavor is richer and more authentic, particularly with the dark chocolate varieties. However, some occasional negative reviews mention inconsistent textures, such as chalkiness or dry peanut butter, but these appear to be less common. For many, the slightly different taste and texture are a fair trade-off for the improved ingredients and reduced sugar. The higher price point compared to conventional candy is another factor often mentioned by consumers, but they feel it is justified by the quality ingredients.
Key Takeaways for Sugar Conscious Consumers
- Unreal offers specific product nutrition data: The sugar content varies significantly by product, so always check the label for details on your favorite item.
- It uses natural sweeteners: Unreal relies on organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, or cassava syrup and avoids artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
- It contains significantly less sugar: Compared to leading traditional brands, Unreal candies contain up to 51% less sugar.
- Not all options are vegan or dairy-free: While many products are vegan and gluten-free, some (like the Milk Chocolate Gems) contain dairy.
- It's a 'better for you' candy, not a 'health food': Despite the cleaner ingredients, it is still an indulgence and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Reviews are generally positive regarding taste: Most consumers find the flavor to be rich and satisfying despite the lower sugar, with few exceptions related to texture.
