For a reader with diabetes and dry mouth looking for hard sugar-free candy without sugar alcohols, I mentioned that such products were not on my radar.
Mary O. from Richmond, Virginia, quickly found sugar-free candy sweetened with stevia. The ingredient information she shared indicated that the product contained no sugar or sugar alcohols.
However, upon closer inspection of the Nutrition Facts label, the candy did contain a small amount of sugar alcohol called omalt. Regulations allow products with less than half a gram of sugar alcohol per serving to be labeled as zero.
Jeanne G. from St. Louis raised concerns about the toxicity of xylitol and other sugar alcohols to dogs. The FDA warned in 2016 about the dangers of xylitol in pets, which can lead to symptoms like weakness and seizures.
While xylitol is safe for humans in moderation, excessive consumption can cause diarrhea. It has antibacterial properties that can help reduce cavities, making it a common ingredient in sugar-free gums and candies.
Studies have shown that high levels of xylitol may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, but only at doses significantly higher than those found in typical sugar-free products.
Ann from Monterey, California, suggested frozen grapes as a sugar-free, crunchy snack. Grapes contain natural sugars but are still recommended by dental experts for good oral health.
Barbara Intermill, a registered dietitian, can be contacted at barbara@ quinnessentialnutrition.com.
