Nutrition Diet: Does Haribo have sugar free gummies?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to notorious Amazon reviews that captivated the internet, the question 'Does Haribo have sugar free gummies?' has a complex and cautionary answer. While the product did exist, it was famously discontinued in some markets after consumers experienced severe gastrointestinal distress from its sugar substitute, maltitol.

Quick Summary

Haribo's discontinued sugar-free gummy bears used maltitol, a sugar alcohol that caused severe digestive upset when over-consumed. The viral reviews highlighted the side effects, leading to the product's removal from some markets. Better alternatives now exist for managing cravings.

Key Points

Haribo's Infamous Gummies Discontinued: The original sugar-free Haribo gummies were removed from the market due to notorious viral reviews documenting their severe laxative effects.
Maltitol Was the Culprit: The sweetener used in the gummies was Maltitol, a sugar alcohol that is poorly absorbed by the body, leading to fermentation and digestive issues when eaten in large quantities.
Moderation is Key: The viral consumer reviews highlighted that overindulgence in sugar alcohols, not just the Maltitol in Haribo's product, can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress.
Better Alternatives Exist Today: Many contemporary sugar-free gummy brands like SmartSweets use different sweetening agents that are often gentler on the digestive system.
Sugar-Free Doesn't Mean Consequence-Free: The incident proves that simply swapping sugar for a substitute doesn't eliminate all potential health impacts; careful portion control is still necessary.
Always Check the Label: Whether managing diabetes or simply watching sugar intake, it is crucial to read ingredient lists for sugar alcohols and other sweeteners and understand their effects.

The Infamous Gummy Bears: A Cautionary Tale

The short and definitive answer to the question, 'Does Haribo have sugar free gummies?', is no, not anymore—at least not the infamous, widely-reviewed product. The notorious sugar-free Haribo gummy bears were discontinued following widespread reports of severe digestive distress from consumers who overindulged. This situation became a viral internet sensation, with hilarious, yet horrifying, Amazon reviews detailing the powerful laxative effects of the gummies. The story of these gummy bears serves as a potent reminder that a 'sugar-free' label does not always mean 'consequence-free', especially when it comes to the complex science of sugar substitutes.

The Science Behind the 'Liquid Fire'

The culprit behind the gastrointestinal mayhem was Maltitol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in the original sugar-free formulation. Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates that provide fewer calories than sugar because they are not fully absorbed by the body. While this is beneficial for reducing calorie intake, it comes with a significant drawback: when consumed in large quantities, unabsorbed Maltitol ferments in the gut. This fermentation process is what leads to the bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and powerful laxative effect experienced by so many unwitting consumers. Many sugar-free products contain polyols like Maltitol, so it is vital for consumers, especially those with sensitive digestive systems, to be aware of the potential effects of over-consumption.

Modern Alternatives to Consider

For those seeking a low-sugar or sugar-free treat without the risk of a digestive disaster, many newer and safer alternatives are available on the market today. Brands have learned from Haribo's experience and now use different sweetening agents or more balanced formulations. When choosing, it's important to look for products that utilize sweeteners like Erythritol, Stevia, or Monk Fruit, which are often easier on the digestive system in moderation.

SmartSweets: This brand is well-known for its low-sugar gummy candies, using alternative sweeteners and plant-based ingredients.
YumEarth Organic Gummies: For an allergen-friendly and organic option, YumEarth offers gummies that are free from high-fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes.
Project 7 Gummies: These gummies use a different sweetener profile and come in a variety of unique flavors.
ChocZero: For those who prefer non-gummy sweets, ChocZero offers sugar-free caramels that are also keto-friendly.

Understanding Sugar-Free vs. Regular Gummies

To make an informed decision for your diet, understanding the differences between sugar-laden and sugar-free candies is crucial. The primary distinction lies in their impact on blood sugar and potential digestive side effects.


Feature	Regular Gummies (e.g., Classic Haribo Goldbears)	Sugar-Free Gummies (like the discontinued Haribo product)
Sweetener	Refined sugar (sucrose), corn syrup	Sugar alcohols (e.g., Maltitol, Erythritol)
Calorie Count	Higher	Lower (sugar alcohols provide fewer calories)
Digestive Impact	Can cause blood sugar spikes; excess sugar can lead to other health issues	Can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea if over-consumed due to poor absorption
Dental Health	Contributes to tooth decay by feeding cavity-causing bacteria	Better for dental health as sugar alcohols are not a food source for oral bacteria
Taste Profile	Classic, full-sugar flavor; generally consistent	Can have a slightly different taste or aftertaste, depending on the sweetener
Availability	Widely available	Infamous Haribo version discontinued; many modern alternatives exist

Navigating Sugar-Free Treats in Your Diet

For those on a controlled-carb diet, managing diabetes, or simply trying to reduce sugar intake, sugar-free candies can be a useful tool. However, the Haribo incident is a stark reminder that moderation is absolutely key. Regardless of the sweetener used, it's always wise to read the nutrition facts and ingredient list carefully. Starting with a small portion allows you to assess how your body reacts to a particular sugar alcohol or artificial sweetener. Remember that these are still highly processed treats and should not be a primary part of a healthy diet, which should focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Moderation

So, does Haribo have sugar free gummies? No, the notorious version is gone, but its legacy lives on as a famous internet warning. The core lesson is a simple but critical one: even when trying to make a 'healthier' choice by opting for sugar-free products, awareness and moderation are paramount. The use of sugar alcohols like Maltitol provided a lower-calorie alternative to sugar but came with an intense and uncomfortable side effect when over-consumed. Today, consumers have access to many better-formulated sugar-free candies, but the best approach for any sweet treat—sugar-filled or sugar-free—is always mindful consumption as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the notorious sugar-free Haribo gummy bears, famously reviewed on Amazon for their laxative effects, were discontinued by the company in some markets years ago.

The gummies were sweetened with Maltitol, a sugar alcohol. When consumed in excess, Maltitol is not fully absorbed by the body and ferments in the gut, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Not necessarily. The digestive side effects are primarily linked to consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols, like Maltitol or Sorbitol. Other sweeteners, like Stevia or Monk Fruit, generally do not have this effect, but moderation is still advised.

Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are a type of carbohydrate that are absorbed more slowly and incompletely than sugar. They are used as sweeteners in many 'sugar-free' products, providing fewer calories but potentially causing digestive issues in large quantities.

Several brands offer sugar-free gummies with different sweetener profiles. Examples include SmartSweets, YumEarth Organic Gummies, and Project 7, which use alternative ingredients to achieve a low-sugar taste.

While sugar-free candies do not spike blood sugar as much as regular candy, they still contain carbohydrates and calories. People with diabetes should consume them in moderation and be mindful of the sugar alcohol content, which can still affect glucose levels.

To avoid adverse digestive effects, consume sugar-free candies with sugar alcohols in moderation. Start with a very small portion to see how your body reacts, and always read the nutrition label for the sugar alcohol content.