Core Ingredients of Double D SmartSweets
Double D SmartSweets are designed as a better-for-you alternative to conventional lollies, and their ingredient list reflects this focus on low sugar, high fibre, and natural sources. While specific ingredients can vary slightly depending on the flavour and product type (e.g., gummies vs. drops), a consistent core group of components defines the range.
Fibre-Rich Foundation
At the heart of many Double D SmartSweets is a significant amount of soluble fibre sourced from corn and tapioca starch. This prebiotic fibre is a key distinguishing feature, providing the bulk and chewy texture typically associated with gummies, while also offering notable health benefits.
Benefits of prebiotic fibre:
- Supports Gut Health: As a prebiotic, this fibre feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, contributing to a healthier digestive system.
- Promotes Satiety: The high fibre content helps promote a feeling of fullness, which can assist with appetite management.
- Reduces Net Carbs: By using fibre, the total sugar and net carbohydrate count can be kept very low, making the product suitable for various dietary plans.
Natural Sweeteners
Instead of refined sugars and artificial alternatives, Double D SmartSweets rely on plant-based natural sweeteners to achieve their sweet flavour. The primary sweeteners used are erythritol and stevia (specifically, steviol glycosides). In some products, like the butterscotch drops, allulose may also be used.
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits. It has very few calories and a low glycemic impact, meaning it doesn't cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
- Stevia (Steviol Glycosides): A highly potent, non-nutritive sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It provides sweetness without adding calories.
- Allulose: A rare sugar found in small quantities in wheat, raisins, and honey. Like erythritol, it has a low calorie count and doesn't impact blood sugar.
Colours and Flavours from Natural Sources
To provide the vibrant colours and fruity tastes, Double D SmartSweets avoids artificial additives entirely. Instead, they use concentrates from natural sources, such as:
- Elderberry juice concentrate
- Black carrot concentrate
- Carrot concentrate
- Anthocyanins (a natural colourant)
- Gardenia extract
These natural colours provide the visual appeal without the health concerns sometimes associated with artificial dyes. Natural flavours are also used to create the distinct fruity profiles.
Other Functional Ingredients
To give the sweets their desired texture and consistency, several other ingredients are used:
- Pectin: A naturally occurring carbohydrate from fruits, used as a gelling agent to create the gummy texture.
- Citric Acid and Malic Acid: These fruit-derived acids provide the tart or sour taste in some varieties, such as the sour gummies.
- Glycerin: A vegetable-source glycerine can be used to help create a soft, chewy texture.
- Carnauba Wax: A plant-based glazing agent used to prevent the gummies from sticking together.
Double D SmartSweets vs. The American SmartSweets
While Double D SmartSweets (an Australian brand) and the American SmartSweets share a similar mission to create low-sugar candy, their ingredient lists have notable differences. This table highlights some of the variations in their gummy product formulas based on product information found online.
| Feature | Double D SmartSweets (e.g., Berry Gummies) | US SmartSweets (e.g., Sweet Fish) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Fibre Source | Soluble fibre from corn and tapioca starch. | Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) and/or chicory root fiber. |
| Sweeteners Used | Erythritol and Stevia (Steviol Glycosides). | Often Stevia leaf extract, sometimes Allulose (depending on product variation). May have undergone formula changes over time. |
| Sweetener Philosophy | Committed to natural sweeteners, including a combination of sugar alcohols (erythritol) and non-nutritive sweeteners (stevia). | Historically aimed for no sugar alcohols in some products, promoting use of stevia, monk fruit, or allulose. |
| Vegan Status | The entire Smart Sweets range from Double D is vegan-friendly. | Many of their products are plant-based, while some may contain gelatin depending on the specific candy. |
| Geography | Australian manufacturer, focused on the Australian market. | Canadian-based company, primarily serving North American market. |
How These Ingredients Support a Nutrition Diet
Choosing snacks with mindful ingredients can significantly impact overall dietary health. Double D SmartSweets' formulation offers several advantages for those on a nutrition diet:
- Supports Sugar Reduction: The use of natural, low-calorie sweeteners drastically reduces sugar intake, which is critical for managing blood glucose levels, weight, and dental health.
- Boosts Fibre Intake: The high prebiotic fibre content is a powerful tool for digestive health. Most conventional candies offer no fibre at all, while a bag of Double D SmartSweets contains a substantial amount.
- Clean Ingredient List: The absence of artificial colours, flavours, and added sugars aligns with a more natural and less processed dietary approach.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: The vegan and gluten-free status of these sweets means they are suitable for a wider range of dietary requirements and allergies.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Double D SmartSweets are a deliberate mix of natural components chosen to create a healthier, low-sugar confectionery option. They are primarily built on a base of soluble prebiotic fibre from corn and tapioca starch, and sweetened using natural alternatives like erythritol and stevia. The addition of fruit and vegetable juice concentrates provides natural colour and flavour, while other ingredients like pectin and citric acid ensure a pleasant texture and taste. By focusing on these high-fibre, naturally-sweetened, and often vegan-friendly ingredients, Double D has created a guilt-free indulgence that can satisfy sweet cravings while aligning with a balanced nutrition diet. For those managing sugar intake or simply seeking a healthier treat, understanding what are the ingredients in Double D SmartSweets? is the first step towards making an informed choice about their snack options.
