Finding a Delicious Answer to 'What Candy Has No Sodium?'

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the American Heart Association, a vast majority of Americans consume too much sodium, with processed foods being a major culprit. For candy lovers on a restricted diet, the question of what candy has no sodium is a crucial one. Fortunately, several varieties of candies are naturally free of or very low in sodium, allowing for a sweet treat without the added salt.

Quick Summary

Many hard candies, gummies, and certain dark chocolates are naturally sodium-free or contain negligible amounts, making them suitable for low-sodium diets. Ingredient lists and nutritional labels are key to identifying truly sodium-free options. While most candy isn't a health food, some varieties can be enjoyed in moderation by those watching their salt intake.

Key Points

Label-Reading is Crucial: Always check the nutrition label, as sodium can be hidden in unexpected places, even in candy, to enhance flavor or as a preservative.
Hard Candies are Often Sodium-Free: Many basic hard candies and lollipops, like Dum Dums and Jolly Ranchers, are made without sodium.
Not All Chocolates Are Created Equal: While some high-cacao dark chocolates are sodium-free, many milk chocolates and specialty dark chocolates contain added salt for flavor.
Homemade is Safest: For complete control over ingredients, making candy at home allows you to ensure no sodium is added.
Gummies Vary Widely: Sodium content in gummy candies can range, so compare labels between brands carefully, as some are explicitly sodium-free.
Fruit-Based Options Exist: Natural fruit bars, such as those by That's It, provide a tasty, sodium-free alternative to traditional candy.

The Surprising Truth About Sodium in Sweets

While many people associate sodium with savory snacks like chips and pretzels, it's a common ingredient in many processed foods, including certain types of candy. Sodium is often used in confectionery not just for flavor but also as a preservative and to enhance the texture and stability of the product. This makes finding a truly sodium-free candy a careful process of label-reading.

Categories of Candies with Little to No Sodium

For those seeking sweet treats without the salt, several categories of candy typically offer a low-to-no sodium profile. These include:

Hard Candies and Lollipops: Most traditional hard candies, like Jolly Ranchers or Dum Dums, are made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and flavorings. They rarely require sodium in their recipes, making them an excellent go-to option.
Certain Gummy Candies: Many gelatin-based gummy candies, such as certain varieties of Haribo Starmix, can be sodium-free. However, it is essential to check the nutrition facts, as some brands may use sodium-containing additives.
Some Dark Chocolates: High-quality dark chocolates, particularly those with a high cocoa percentage (like 88% or more), often contain zero or very little sodium. Brands such as Endangered Species make high-cocoa dark chocolate bars that are explicitly listed as having no sodium.
Naturally Sweetened Fruit Bars: Chewy fruit bars made purely from fruit ingredients can be a delicious, sodium-free alternative to candy. The brand That's It, for example, offers mini fruit bars with no added sodium.
Marshmallows (Homemade): Many store-bought marshmallows contain sodium, but homemade versions can be made easily with no added salt. Recipes typically include gelatin, sugar, and flavorings.

The Importance of Reading the Label

Even within the same candy type, sodium content can vary significantly between brands. For example, while some dark chocolates are sodium-free, others can be labeled with added salt, like Alter Eco Brown Butter Dark Chocolate, which contains 50 milligrams per serving. A product labeled as “sugar-free” can also contain sodium, as is the case with some sugar-free caramels. Always double-check the nutrition facts panel for the most accurate information.

Sodium Content Comparison of Popular Candies

This table provides a quick comparison of the typical sodium levels in various candy types. Always check the specific product label for exact values, as they can vary.


Candy Type	Examples	Typical Sodium Per Serving	Sodium-Free Options?
Hard Candy	Jolly Ranchers, Dum Dums	0 mg	Yes
Marshmallows	Standard brands	20-40 mg	Yes (often in homemade recipes)
Fruit Chews	That's It. Fruit Bars	0 mg	Yes
Dark Chocolate	Endangered Species Extreme Dark (88% cocoa)	0 mg	Yes
Jelly Beans	Jelly Belly Sugar-Free	0 mg	Yes (specific varieties)
Milk Chocolate	Standard brands (like Hershey's)	20-30 mg	No, contains milk products
Candy Corn	Brach's Classic Candy Corn	65 mg	No, contains sodium

The Role of Sodium in Confectionery

Sodium's role in candy is not always apparent to the consumer. For example, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a key leavening agent used to create the light, airy texture in honeycomb candy, which contributes significantly to its sodium content. Furthermore, many caramel and toffee candies contain added salt to balance the intense sweetness, a common practice in modern food manufacturing.

How to Enjoy Candy on a Low-Sodium Diet

For those who need or prefer to limit their sodium intake, smart candy choices are a simple process. The best approach is to favor candies with simple ingredient lists and natural flavors over complex, processed options. Focusing on hard candies, natural fruit-based treats, and certain high-cacao dark chocolates can satisfy a sweet craving while keeping sodium levels in check. If you're a fan of chews or soft candies, check for brands that specifically market their products as low-sodium or check the nutrition facts carefully.

Conclusion

Navigating the candy aisle for a sodium-free option can seem daunting, but it's an achievable goal with a bit of knowledge. From the simplicity of hard candies to the richness of high-cacao dark chocolate and the wholesomeness of fruit bars, a variety of delicious candies exist for those watching their salt intake. By prioritizing simple, whole ingredients and diligently checking labels, you can enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your dietary needs. Homemade candies, made from basic ingredients like sugar and water, offer another surefire way to control sodium content completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many classic hard candies and lollipops are naturally sodium-free. Dum Dums, Jolly Ranchers, and Smarties are typically safe bets, but it's always best to verify the latest nutrition information on the product's packaging.

No, dark chocolate is not always sodium-free. While high-quality, high-cocoa dark chocolate (often 88% or higher) often has no added sodium, some brands include salt to enhance the flavor. Check the nutrition label for confirmation.

Yes, some gummy candies are suitable, but you must read the labels carefully. Some brands, such as certain varieties of Jelly Belly Sugar-Free, are explicitly marketed as containing zero milligrams of sodium.

Sugar-free candies can contain sodium, often from additives or processing agents. Some sugar-free caramels, for instance, still have significant sodium content. Always check the nutrition facts panel.

Sodium is added to candies for several reasons. It can act as a preservative, help with the candy's texture and consistency, and is often used to balance the intense sweetness, especially in confections like salted caramel.

Homemade marshmallows can be made entirely sodium-free by omitting any optional salt from the recipe. Many store-bought versions, however, do contain some sodium from preservatives or other ingredients.

To be certain, check the nutrition facts label on the candy's packaging. The serving size's sodium content should be listed as 0mg. It's the most reliable way to confirm a candy is sodium-free.