What grape jelly has no artificial sweeteners? A comprehensive guide

January 9, 2026 •

2 min read

According to Nielsen data, consumer demand for clean-label products is on the rise. For those looking to avoid synthetic ingredients, the search for a grape jelly with no artificial sweeteners can be confusing, with many popular brands containing high-fructose corn syrup or other additives. This guide aims to clear the confusion and highlight the best options available.

Quick Summary

A guide to finding grape jelly without artificial sweeteners, detailing specific brands, how to read ingredient labels, and what natural alternatives to seek out.

Key Points

Welch's Natural vs. Standard: Always buy Welch's Natural spread to avoid high-fructose corn syrup, as their standard jelly contains it.
Read the Label: Look for common artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame potassium, which are often found in 'sugar-free' products.
Opt for Fruit-Sweetened Spreads: Some brands, like Polaner All Fruit, sweeten exclusively with concentrated fruit juices for a no-added-sugar option.
Consider Organic: Organic varieties, such as those from Santa Cruz Organic, prioritize simple, natural ingredients and avoid artificial additives.
The Jelly vs. Jam Distinction: While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the key difference is jelly is made from juice while jam uses crushed fruit; both can be made without artificial sweeteners.
Homemade is an Option: For complete control over your ingredients and sweetener, making your own jelly at home is a simple and effective choice.

Decoding the Difference: Natural vs. Conventional Grape Jelly

When shopping for grape jelly, understanding the ingredients is key. Conventional jellies often use high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and other corn syrups, while natural and organic spreads rely on simpler, whole-food ingredients.

Common Ingredients to Watch For

To find a grape jelly with no artificial sweeteners, examine the ingredient list. Avoid products containing high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame potassium, and artificial colors or flavors. Natural brands typically list ingredients like concord grapes, sugar, fruit pectin, and lemon juice concentrate. Fruit spreads may use concentrated fruit juices as a sweetener.

Leading Brands That Offer Natural Options

Several brands offer grape jelly options free from artificial sweeteners and HFCS:

Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread: Made with concord grapes, sugar, fruit pectin, and lemon juice concentrate, this spread avoids HFCS and artificial additives.
Smucker's Natural Concord Grape Fruit Spread: This product uses naturally sourced fruit and no artificial additives. Be aware that Smucker's 'Sugar Free' line contains artificial sweeteners.
Polaner All Fruit Concord Grape: Sweetened only with fruit juice concentrates (pear, grape, pineapple), this spread has no added sugar.
Santa Cruz Organic Concord Grape Fruit Spread: An organic choice that uses organic ingredients.
Good Good Concord Grape Jelly: This keto-friendly option is sweetened with stevia and erythritol.

Comparison: Natural vs. Conventional Grape Spread


Feature	Conventional Grape Jelly	Natural Grape Spread	No-Sugar-Added Spread
Sweeteners	High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Sugar	Sugar, Fruit Juice Concentrate	Stevia, Erythritol
Artificial Additives	Often contains artificial flavors and colors	Free of artificial flavors and colors	Free of artificial flavors and colors
Ingredient List	Longer, with complex, synthetic names	Shorter, with recognizable fruit and pectin	Uses plant-based natural sweeteners
Calorie Count	Typically higher	Varies, but often similar to conventional due to sugar content	Significantly lower, due to use of alternative sweeteners
Best For	Traditional flavor, often lower cost	Health-conscious consumers preferring simple ingredients	Those on low-sugar or keto diets

The Health Benefits of Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners

Choosing a grape jelly free of artificial sweeteners and HFCS offers potential health benefits. High intake of added sugars like HFCS is linked to health issues. While calorie-free, artificial sweeteners are debated and may affect metabolism or gut health. Opting for naturally sweetened spreads reduces processed ingredients and focuses on fruit nutrition.

Making Your Own Natural Grape Jelly

For full ingredient control, making homemade grape jelly is simple. A basic recipe includes grape juice, pectin, a natural sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or fruit juice), and lemon juice. You can find detailed instructions on canning and food websites for a jelly free of additives.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Health

Finding grape jelly with no artificial sweeteners is achievable by reading labels and choosing brands with simple, natural ingredients like fruit, sugar, and pectin. Whether buying Welch's Natural or making your own, prioritizing cleaner ingredients is a beneficial choice.

Authoritative Source

For more information on sugar substitutes, consult the National Cancer Institute's fact sheet on artificial sweeteners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Welch's Natural Concord Grape Spread is made with grapes, sugar, fruit pectin, and lemon juice concentrate, containing no high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or colors.

Yes, Smucker's offers a 'Natural Concord Grape Fruit Spread' that uses ingredients from natural sources. Their standard jelly, however, often contains corn syrups, and their 'Sugar Free' jam uses artificial sweeteners.

Jelly is made from fruit juice, giving it a clear, firm consistency, while jam is made from crushed fruit, resulting in a thicker, chunkier texture. Both can be made with or without artificial sweeteners.

Look for chemical-sounding names like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, or general terms like 'sugar-free' and 'reduced sugar,' which often indicate the presence of artificial additives.

Organic products must adhere to strict guidelines, and organic grape jellies will not contain artificial sweeteners. However, they may still contain added sugars, so it is always important to check the ingredient list.

No, Polaner All Fruit Concord Grape is sweetened with fruit juice concentrates (pear, grape, pineapple) and contains no added sugar.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a processed sugar added to many foods. While opinions vary on its health impact, some prefer to avoid it in favor of natural sweeteners found in brands like Welch's Natural.