Mindful snacking: how do sugar-free sweets fit into a balanced diet?
A balanced diet can include the occasional sweet treat. What matters is your overall eating pattern, the portion you choose and what is in the food.
What is mindful snacking?
Pay attention to what you eat and how much. Choose a small portion, take time to enjoy the flavour and compare ingredients and nutrition information when it helps. Sweets are an occasional treat alongside your regular meals and snacks.
Sugar-free, low in sugar or no added sugars?
In the EU, “sugar-free” means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. “Low in sugar” means no more than 5 g per 100 g for solid foods or 2.5 g per 100 ml for liquids. “No added sugars” means no sugars or other foods were added for their sweetening properties. Naturally occurring sugars may still be present.
Are sugar-free sweets automatically healthier?
Sugar-free sweets can still contain calories and carbohydrates. Some sugar substitutes provide energy. Check the nutrition information per 100 g and per portion.
Which sweeteners are used in sugar-free sweets?
Some sugar-free sweets contain polyols such as maltitol, isomalt or sorbitol. They contribute sweetness and texture. Eating too much of a product high in polyols can have a laxative effect. Follow the information on the packaging.
Five ways to enjoy sweets mindfully
- Choose a portion that suits you.
- Compare sugars, carbohydrates and energy on the label.
- Eat slowly and enjoy the flavour.
- Include a variety of nutritious snacks.
- Consider your overall diet.
Explore sugar-free sweets at CandyMixMatch
Shop our sugar-free sweets and explore fruity and creamy favourites. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information for each product to see what suits you.
Want to know more about ingredients, colours and allergens? Read Reading a sweet label: where do you start?
Frequently asked questions
Do sugar-free sweets contain calories?
They can. Check the energy value on the label.
Can sugar-free sweets fit into a balanced diet?
A small portion can be an occasional treat alongside a varied diet.
Why is there sometimes a laxative warning?
Some polyols can cause digestive discomfort when consumed in excess. Follow the information on the packaging.
Choose what suits you
If you want to cut down on sugar, sugar-free sweets are one option. Read the label and choose a portion you will enjoy.
