The Primary Sweetener in Hershey's Zero Sugar Chocolate Bars
For its solid Zero Sugar chocolate bars, Hershey's relies on a sugar alcohol called maltitol to provide sweetness. Unlike table sugar, maltitol is not fully absorbed by the small intestine and has fewer calories per gram. This makes it a popular ingredient for creating low-calorie or sugar-free food items that still offer a satisfyingly sweet taste.
What is Maltitol?
Maltitol is a type of carbohydrate known as a sugar alcohol, or polyol, that is naturally derived but manufactured for use in foods. It provides about 90% of the sweetness of sugar but with half the calories. Maltitol is used in Hershey's Zero Sugar to mimic the texture and cooling effect of sugar, creating a similar mouthfeel to their traditional chocolate bars.
The Role of Polydextrose
In addition to maltitol, Hershey's Zero Sugar chocolate candy bars also contain polydextrose. This is a low-calorie synthetic polymer used as a food additive. Polydextrose acts as a fiber source and texturizing agent, adding bulk and improving the mouthfeel of the chocolate. It helps compensate for the loss of bulk when sugar is removed from the recipe.
A Different Sweetener Blend for Zero Sugar Syrup
It is important to note that the sweetener blend differs between Hershey's Zero Sugar candy and the Zero Sugar chocolate syrup. The syrup is not sweetened with maltitol but instead uses a combination of other low-calorie sweeteners, including:
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that is well-tolerated by most people and has virtually zero calories.
- Acesulfame Potassium: A calorie-free artificial sweetener.
- Sucralose: A non-caloric artificial sweetener.
This distinction is crucial for consumers, especially those with sensitivities to specific sugar alcohols.
Potential Side Effects and Health Considerations
While sugar alcohols offer a way to reduce sugar intake, they are not without potential side effects. Excessive consumption of maltitol, in particular, can cause gastrointestinal distress.
- Gas and bloating due to bacterial fermentation in the large intestine.
- Diarrhea, as sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect.
- Spikes in blood sugar levels, although less significant than with sugar, can still occur.
For this reason, The Hershey Company explicitly recommends consuming its Zero Sugar candy in moderation.
The Classic Taste, Minus the Guilt?
Many consumers find that the Zero Sugar bars successfully replicate the classic Hershey's flavor and creamy texture. The challenge for food manufacturers is to create a sugar-free product that tastes and feels like its traditional counterpart. Using maltitol and polydextrose helps Hershey's achieve a similar product profile, though individual taste perceptions may vary. For those on low-carb or diabetic diets, it offers a guilt-free indulgence, provided it's consumed responsibly to avoid digestive issues.
Lily's Chocolate: A Different Approach
Hershey's also owns the brand Lily's, which uses stevia as its primary sweetener. The use of stevia in Lily's products makes them a different option for those who prefer plant-based, non-sugar alcohol sweeteners, or who have digestive sensitivities to maltitol. The existence of Lily's in Hershey's portfolio highlights the different ways companies approach sugar reduction. For more information on sugar alcohols and their effects, visit the Harvard Health blog: How healthy is sugar alcohol? - Harvard Health.
Zero Sugar vs. Traditional Sugar: A Comparison
| Feature | Hershey's Zero Sugar Chocolate Bar | Hershey's Zero Sugar Syrup | Traditional Hershey's Chocolate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener(s) | Maltitol, Polydextrose | Erythritol, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose | Sugar (Sucrose) |
| Sweetness | Similar to sugar | Intense sweetness | Standard sweet taste |
| Calories | Reduced (about 20% less per serving) | Low-calorie/zero-calorie | Full calorie |
| Blood Sugar Impact | Can cause small spikes, especially maltitol | Minimal to no impact | Significant blood sugar spike |
| Digestive Effects | Potential gas, bloating, and laxative effect | Minimal for erythritol in moderation, but sucralose can have effects | None, unless intolerant to other ingredients |
| Suitable For Diabetics? | Can be, but requires monitoring blood sugar due to maltitol | Generally suitable, but check labels and consult a doctor | Not ideal, should be avoided or consumed very rarely |
Conclusion
In summary, the sweetener in Hershey's Zero Sugar chocolate candy bars is maltitol, a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness with fewer calories than sugar but with the potential for gastrointestinal side effects if consumed in excess. It is sweetened differently than the Zero Sugar syrup, which utilizes a blend of erythritol, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. While Zero Sugar products offer a sweet alternative, consumers should be mindful of their body's response to sugar alcohols, practice moderation, and read labels carefully to understand the ingredients in each product.
