Is Sugar Free Candy Healthy?

A high sugar intake is a cause for concern because it is linked to a number of health problems. To avoid sugar when consuming candy, many people choose sugar-free options. To make sugar-free candy sweet, there are two classes of sweeteners that are typically used; sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. For the most part, these sweeteners have been shown to be a safe way to reduce sugar intake.

Many sugar substitutes have such an intense sweetening power that only a tiny portion is needed to make food sweet (Image: Vassiliy Vassilenko/iStock/Getty Images)

Sugar Alcohol Pros

Sugar alcohols are commonly found in candies. (Image: Grigory Stepanov/iStock/Getty Images)

Sugar alcohols are commonly found in candies as well as other foods such as ice creams, cookies and puddings. Since sugar alcohols are not actually sugar, items that include sugar alcohols will commonly advertise "sugar free" or "no sugar added." The American Diabetes Association notes that sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners that affect blood sugar less than other carbohydrates, which can make them useful as a weight loss aid.

Sugar Alcohols Cons

Sugar alcohols may cause upset stomach. (Image: lofilolo/iStock/Getty Images)

There is one major and well documented disadvantage to these sugar alcohols; they can cause upset stomach and a laxative effect in some people. The Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that an FDA warning is required is required on products that could cause consumers to ingest 50 grams of sorbitol or 20 grams of mannitol -- two types of sugar alcohols. The organization notes that high amounts of sugar alcohol moving unabsorbed through the intestines can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Artificial Sweeteners Advantages

Artificial sweeteners contain intense sweetening power. (Image: mgturner/iStock/Getty Images)

Artificial sweeteners are zero calorie sweeteners that contain an intense sweetening power that is usually at least 100 times greater than sugar. Like sugar alcohols, these sweeteners are used in candies as well as other sweet foods, such as frozen desserts, diet drinks, baked goods and chewing gum.

Artificial Sweeteners Drawbacks

Artificial sweeteners may be linked with cancer. (Image: MamaMiaPL/iStock/Getty Images)

There have been some safety concerns related to artificial sweeteners. The Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that some artificial sweeteners may not be completely safe, though the risk is small. The National Cancer Institute notes that although there have been animal studies that have found a possible link between some artificial sweeteners and certain types of cancer, the FDA has reviewed the evidence and found no proof that any artificial sweeteners are associated with cancer in humans.

Stevia

Stevia is a healthy zero calorie sweetener. (Image: schmaelterphoto/iStock/Getty Images)

Stevia is a sugar substitute that does not fall under the category of sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. Stevia is a highly purified substance derived from the stevia plant, with an intense sweetening power. The Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that stevia may not be safe but there is a lack of research on the sweetener. The FDA, however, recognizes stevia as safe, as long as it is consumed in recommended amounts.