Following a diet, reducing sugar or living with diabetes? The nutrition table, ingredients and serving size help you make informed choices. Do not rely only on claims such as “sugar-free” or “light”.
1. Read the nutrition table
Compare values per 100 g and then calculate your actual serving. Check energy (kJ and kcal), carbohydrates and “of which sugars”. Sugars are already included in total carbohydrates: do not add them together.
2. Diabetes: look beyond sugars
Sugar-free candy may still contain carbohydrates. The amount and type of sweeteners can affect blood glucose. How polyols are counted depends on the product and your personal care plan. Ask your diabetes healthcare professional or dietitian for individual advice.
3. Check ingredients and sweeteners
Ingredients are usually listed by descending weight. Sugar-free candy may contain maltitol, isomalt or sorbitol. Polyols can provide calories and excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Read packaging warnings.
4. Understand nutrition claims
Under EU rules, “sugar-free” means no more than 0.5 g sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. “Low sugar” means no more than 5 g per 100 g of solid food (2.5 g per 100 ml of liquids). “No added sugars” does not rule out naturally occurring sugars. “Light” does not automatically mean low calorie.
5. For weight management, compare portions
Sugar-free does not mean calorie-free. Compare kcal per portion and consider how much you eat. Your overall eating pattern matters most.
6. Check allergens and warnings
Look for highlighted allergens such as milk, soy, wheat and nuts. Aspartame warnings about phenylalanine matter for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). Check other warnings too.
7. Quick checklist
- Am I reducing sugar, tracking carbohydrates or managing calories?
- How much will I eat?
- What are the calories and carbohydrates per portion?
- Which sweeteners and allergens are listed?
- Do any warnings or personal dietary recommendations apply?
Frequently asked questions
Is sugar-free candy suitable for everyone with diabetes?
Not necessarily: carbohydrates, sweeteners, portions and individual treatment all matter.
Should I add carbohydrates and sugars?
No, sugars are part of total carbohydrates.
Is candy with no added sugar always low calorie?
No. Check kcal per 100 g and per portion.
Explore CandyMixMatch
Browse our sugar-free candy range and check each product’s current ingredients, allergens and nutrition values. Related reading: How to read a candy label, Sugar-free candy explained, Mindful candy choices and Candy while dieting.
General nutrition information only; not individual medical advice.
