Sugar-free gummy candies
Sugar-free sweets are made using natural sweeteners, which replace refined white sugar. The most commonly used sweeteners are natural honey, fruit juice, stevia or erythritol. Gummy sweets sweetened with honey have a pleasant taste and offer the added benefit of the natural micronutrients found in honey.
Apple flavored gummies “Bear Bros” in a box
Original price was: €30.50.€27.45Current price is: €27.45.
Fruit juice flavored gummies “Bear Bros” in a box
Original price was: €31.50.€28.05Current price is: €28.05.
The ‘Brothers Honey’ confectionery stand
Original price was: €578.00.€531.00Current price is: €531.00.
Apple-flavoured gummies „Bear Bros“ in a jar
Price range: €6.60 through €12.10
Fruit juice gummies “Bear Bros” in a jar
Price range: €6.60 through €12.10
Passion fruit flavoured gummies „Bear Bros“ in a jar
Price range: €6.60 through €12.10
Raspberry-flavoured gummies „Bear Bros“ in a jar
Price range: €6.60 through €12.10
Set of gummy bears in „Bear Bros“ jars in different flavours
Price range: €23.20 through €40.60How are sugar-free sweets made?
In the production of sugar-free gummy sweets, refined sugar is replaced by one or more natural sweeteners. Natural honey gives the sweets a mild sweetness and a distinctive aroma, whilst also enriching the product with minerals.
Fruit juice concentrates (raspberry, apple, passion fruit) add natural sweetness and a distinct fruity flavour. Stevia extract and erythritol are often used as low-calorie sweeteners, but they do not provide the same complexity of flavour as honey or fruit juice.
The base of jelly sweets consists of gelatine or vegetable agar, which gives them their characteristic elastic texture. Jelly sweets made with a gelatine base usually have a firmer consistency and retain their shape for longer.
Natural sweeteners in gummy sweets: honey, stevia, erythritol
Natural honey is one of the oldest sweeteners, possessing antibacterial properties and natural antioxidants. Honey has an average glycaemic index of 58, compared with 65 for refined sugar, so it raises blood glucose levels slightly more slowly.
Stevia is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. In its pure extract form, stevia is 250–300 times sweeter than sugar, but contains no calories. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with an energy value of just 0–0.2 kcal/g, compared with 4 kcal/g for sugar.
Honey-sweetened sweets, such as Bear Bros, combine the natural goodness of honey with fruit juice flavours and a complex of 10 vitamins (vitamins C, E and the B group). This combination provides sweetness and added nutritional value.
What should you look out for when choosing sweets with less sugar?
It is important for shoppers to read the label carefully. The phrase ‘no added sugar’ means that no refined sugar was used in the production of the product, but the product itself may contain natural sugars from honey, fruit juices or other ingredients.
The list of ingredients should be short and easy to understand. Natural ingredients, such as honey, fruit juice concentrates and gelatine, indicate a high-quality product free from artificial additives. Products free from colourings, preservatives and artificial flavourings are a safer choice.
Some gummy sweets are enriched with vitamins C, E and the B vitamins, which help to strengthen the immune system and support energy metabolism.
Are sugar-free gummies suitable for people with diabetes?
Sugar-free gummies sweetened with stevia or erythritol generally have a lower glycaemic index than regular sweets. However, gummies sweetened with honey still contain natural sugars, which can raise blood glucose levels. We recommend consulting a doctor or dietitian before consuming them.
Are honey-sweetened gummies healthier than sugar-sweetened ones?
Natural honey has antibacterial properties, antioxidants and trace minerals that refined sugar lacks. The glycaemic index of honey (about 58) is slightly lower than that of sugar (about 65). However, the energy value is similar (honey: about 3.04 kcal/g, sugar: 4 kcal/g), so honey-sweetened gummies should also be eaten in moderation.
How many calories do sugar-free gummies contain?
The calorie content depends on the sweetener used. Gummies sweetened with erythritol have the fewest calories (about 0–0.2 kcal/g of erythritol). Honey-sweetened gummies are close to regular ones in calories, as the energy value of honey is about 3.04 kcal/g. Stevia contains no calories at all.
How long do sugar-free gummies keep?
The shelf life of gummies depends on the composition and the type of packaging. Honey-sweetened gummies in sealed packaging usually last 12 months. Products sweetened with stevia or erythritol may have a longer shelf life, as these sweeteners are more stable than natural honey.