Which Candy Does Not Have Sugar? A Guide to Sweet Alternatives

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research, the sugar-free candy market has expanded rapidly, with many major brands offering versions of classic favorites that substitute sugar with alternative sweeteners. For those with health-related concerns or simply looking to reduce their sugar intake, the question of which candy does not have sugar has never been more relevant.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer candies made without sugar, using alternative sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and sugar alcohols. Choices range from hard candies and chocolates to gummies, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.

Key Points

Variety of Options: Sugar-free candies are widely available in various forms, including hard candies, chocolates, and gummies, replicating classic flavors and textures.
Diverse Sweeteners: Brands use a range of alternative sweeteners, including natural options like stevia and monk fruit, and sugar alcohols like erythritol and maltitol.
Consider Sweetener Effects: Different sweeteners have different effects on the body; some, particularly sugar alcohols, can cause digestive issues if over-consumed.
Dental Health Benefits: Some sugar-free candies, especially those with xylitol, can offer benefits for oral health by helping to prevent cavities.
Not Always Calorie-Free: While free of sugar, many of these candies contain sugar alcohols which have calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutritional information to understand the ingredients and potential impact on blood glucose, especially if managing diabetes.

Understanding Sugar-Free Alternatives

Many companies have created sugar-free versions of their popular products, but it is important to know what replaces the traditional sugar. The sweet taste is achieved by using a variety of substitutes, each with its own characteristics and potential effects. For example, some candies use artificial sweeteners, while others use natural alternatives or sugar alcohols. Knowing the difference is key to making an informed choice, especially for those with specific health conditions like diabetes.

Common Sweeteners in Sugar-Free Candy

Stevia: A plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It is significantly sweeter than sugar and has a glycemic index of zero, making it suitable for diabetics.
Monk Fruit: Another natural, zero-calorie sweetener sourced from a Southeast Asian fruit. It does not raise blood sugar levels and is popular in keto-friendly products.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol with very few calories that is known to not affect blood sugar. It's often used with other sweeteners to improve flavor and texture. For some, it can cause digestive discomfort in large quantities.
Maltitol: A sugar alcohol with fewer calories than sugar, frequently used in chocolates and gummy candies. It is important to consume in moderation, as excessive amounts can have a laxative effect.
Xylitol: This sugar alcohol is known for its dental health benefits and is often found in gums and mints. It can help reduce the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
Isomalt: Derived from beet sugar, isomalt is often used in hard candies and provides a smooth texture.

A Look at Popular Sugar-Free Candies

Many well-known brands now produce delicious candy that does not have sugar. From nostalgic hard candies to rich chocolates, there are options to suit almost any preference.

Sugar-Free Hard Candies

Classic hard candies are a staple of the sugar-free market. Brands like Jolly Rancher and Werther's Original offer zero-sugar alternatives that retain the flavor profile of their traditional counterparts. These candies are excellent for a long-lasting sweet treat without the sugar rush. Other options include Arcor Fruit Hard Candy and Sugar Free Starlight Mints.

Sugar-Free Chocolates

Chocolate lovers have an increasing number of choices. Hershey's and Russell Stover both offer a range of zero-sugar chocolate products, from bars to assorted assortments. For those on the keto diet, ChocZero makes keto bark sweetened with monk fruit, while Lily's offers a variety of chocolate bars sweetened with stevia and erythritol.

Sugar-Free Gummy Candies

While creating sugar-free gummies that mimic the texture of traditional ones is challenging, brands like Albanese and SmartSweets have made significant strides. Albanese offers a variety of sugar-free gummy bears, while SmartSweets provides gummies with dramatically less sugar using chicory root fiber. It is important to note that gummies made with certain sugar alcohols, like maltitol, should be consumed in moderation to avoid digestive issues.

Comparison of Popular Sugar-Free Candies


Candy Type	Examples	Sweetener Used	Potential Effects	Best For
Hard Candy	Jolly Rancher Zero Sugar, Werther's Original Sugar Free	Isomalt, Maltitol, Stevia	May cause digestive upset if over-consumed	Longer-lasting flavor; on-the-go snacking
Chocolate	ChocZero, Lily's Sweets, Russell Stover Sugar Free	Monk Fruit, Stevia, Erythritol, Maltitol	Minimal impact on blood sugar, but watch portion size	Satisfying deep chocolate cravings, keto diets
Gummy Candy	Albanese Sugar Free Gummi Bears, SmartSweets	Maltitol, Chicory Root Fiber	High fiber content can cause gas/bloating in excess	Chewy, fruity treats; low-sugar diets
Mints/Lollipops	Altoids Sugar Free Mints, Zolli Pops	Xylitol, Erythritol, Sorbitol	Xylitol promotes dental health, may cause digestive upset	Breath freshening, tooth-friendly snacking

Important Considerations for Sugar-Free Candy

When choosing sugar-free candy, always read the nutritional label carefully. While 'sugar-free' implies no added sugar, the candy may still contain carbohydrates from sugar alcohols, which can impact blood glucose levels. Different sweeteners affect individuals differently, so pay attention to how your body reacts. Products using maltitol, in particular, are known for their laxative effect when consumed in large quantities. For a deeper dive into the pros and cons of sugar-free options, a great resource can be found at Verywell Health.

Conclusion: The New Sweet Reality

Today, a person doesn't need to give up sweet treats to manage their sugar intake. The wide availability of candies that do not have sugar, sweetened with a range of innovative alternatives, offers plenty of choices for everyone from diabetics and keto dieters to those simply cutting back. However, moderation and label-reading remain key to enjoying these products as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Whether you prefer the creamy caramel of a Werther's or the fruity burst of a Jolly Rancher, a sugar-free alternative is likely waiting to satisfy your craving.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all sugar-free candies are calorie-free. Many contain sugar alcohols like maltitol or erythritol, which contain some calories, though typically fewer than sugar.

Yes, consuming large amounts of sugar-free candy, particularly those with sugar alcohols like maltitol, can cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

The best sugar-free candy for diabetics often includes those sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol, as these have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Always check the nutrition label and monitor your own blood sugar response.

Yes, some candies use natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, which are derived from plants and fruits. Brands like ChocZero and Lily's often use these natural alternatives.

Candies sweetened with sugar alcohols like xylitol are actually beneficial for dental health, as they do not promote tooth decay like sugar does. In fact, xylitol can help reduce cavity-causing bacteria.

Some alternative sweeteners, like stevia and some artificial ones, can have a noticeable aftertaste for certain individuals. Others, like monk fruit and allulose, are often preferred for their cleaner taste.

Yes, it is possible to make sugar-free candy at home using alternative sweeteners and ingredients. Recipes for keto gummies, chocolates, and hard candies can be found online.