Introduction to Low Carb Sweets
Introduction to Low Carb Sweets
Sweet treats and candy aren’t exactly things that spring to mind when we talk about healthy living and the low carb lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you need to say ‘goodbye’ to your favourite sweet flavours. Going low carb means you need to carefully track what you’re eating and understand how it all adds up in carbs, and that includes sugary snacks.
The simple sugars found in candies, chocolates, and other sweets are one of the types of carbs that need to be carefully tracked and moderated as part of a low carb diet. Consuming too many sweets can easily set a low carb diet off track, so it’s important to make sure that the sweets we do eat are either low-sugar or sugar-free, and make sure that we don’t get carried away with portion sizes. Sometimes even a small handful of candy can contain a lot more sugar than you’d expect.
The basic ingredient in candy that contributes to its carb count is, as you’d expect, sugar. Simple sugars are the most basic form of carbohydrates found in our foods. These types of sugars are also found in many fruits, but the kinds typically used in candy and sweets have been refined, and are usually much more concentrated. Fortunately, there are several sugar-alternatives available that provide the same sweet flavours, but without the same effects on the body as they are digested.
Some alternative sweeteners that are common in low-sugar and sugar-free sweets and candy are malitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. These belong to a family of chemical compounds known as ‘sugar alcohols’, and despite their name, they do not contain any actual alcohol. Sugar alcohols act in a similar way to sugars, in that they produce a sweet taste, but at a much lower calorie count. This is what makes them ideal ingredients for sweets that are much more suitable as part of a low carb diet.
Sugar alcohols are very common ingredients, and are not limited only to products made specifically for low carb or other special diets. You can find them everywhere, such as in the most popular low-calories colas and sugar-free chewing gums. For low carb dieters, this is good news, as many of the sweets and sugary treats that we crave are already available in reduced-calorie varieties, like candy bars, gummies, hard candies, chocolates, and even marshmallows!
If you’re interested in getting creative and making your own sweets for your next Halloween party or birthday party, this collection of low carb candy recipes from AllDayIDreamAboutFood.com has a wide variety of chocolatey and sweet tastes to explore.
Whatever your sweet tooth happens to crave, you can find a huge selection of sweets and candy at The Low Carb Grocery. In the meantime, here are some of the most popular low-sugar and sugar-free products that our customers simply love, and we’re sure that you will too!
Jelly Belly Sugar Free Jelly Beans – As the biggest name in gourmet jelly beans, you can be sure that Jelly Belly sugar free candies will taste spectacular. This pack of assorted flavours brings a different taste combination in each handful.
Smart Sweets Gummy Bears – This unique twist on gummy bears turns a sweet treat sour for an unusual taste sensation that you’ll love! Smart Sweets sour gummy bears are made using stevia, and they really crank up the sour flavour for those of us who enjoy a different kind of gummy snack.
Atkins Indulge Chocolate Peanut Candies – One handful of these crunchy chocolate bites and you’ll be hooked, just like the rest of us. Atkins Indulge treats are very low in sugar, and are sweetened with malitol. If you enjoy the classic taste of peanuts and chocolate, these are the sweet snacks for you!
So, if your sweet tooth is starting to crave something new, give one of these treats a try, or explore all the other low carb sweets available at The Low Carb Grocery. We’re sure that you’ll really enjoy trying a variety of new sweet treats, in moderation of course, as a part of your low carb lifestyle!
