Sugar-Free Candy: Keto-Friendly Russel Stover Treats?

Russell Stover is an American company that supplies candy, chocolate, and confections. The company was founded in 1923 and has since expanded its product line to include a sugar-free range. This range includes Assorted Chocolates, Milk Chocolates, Dark Chocolates, Caramels and Toffee, Nuts and Peanut Butter, Hard Candies and Jelly Beans. However, despite being marketed as 'sugar-free', these products are not keto-friendly. This is because they contain sugar alcohols, specifically maltitol, which has a high glycemic index and can affect ketosis and blood sugar levels.

Russell Stover's sugar-free candy is sweetened with stevia extract

The Russell Stover sugar-free candy line was launched in 1998. The products are sweetened with stevia extract, a sweetener that is 30 to 150 times sweeter than table sugar. It is derived from the steviol glycosides present in the stevia plant and is commonly used in sugar-free and carb-free products.

Stevia is a suitable sweetener for those following a keto diet as it contains no calories or carbs and is not metabolised by the body. However, Russell Stover's sugar-free products also contain other ingredients that may affect ketosis. The primary ingredient in these candies is maltitol, a sugar alcohol with a glycemic index of 35 for the powder and 52 for the syrup, which is known to spike blood sugar levels and interfere with ketosis.

In addition to stevia extract and maltitol, the sugar-free candy line also includes products sweetened with maltitol syrup, polydextrose, and artificial flavours. While stevia itself is keto-friendly, the presence of these other ingredients means that consuming Russell Stover Sugar Free products is not recommended for those following a keto diet.

Russell Stover's sugar-free line includes a variety of products such as assorted chocolates, chocolate candy, dark chocolate, caramel and toffee, nuts and peanut butter, coconut, mints, creams, truffles, hard candies, and jelly beans. While these products are marketed as "sugar-free," they are not completely sucrose-free and still contain sugar alcohols that can affect blood sugar levels.

Maltitol in the candy can cause a glucose response

Russell Stover's sugar-free candies are sweetened with stevia extract, maltitol, maltitol syrup, and polydextrose. While stevia is keto-friendly, maltitol is not.

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol—a sweet-tasting carbohydrate that is neither sugar nor alcohol. It is typically manufactured rather than being used in its natural form, which is found in some fruits and vegetables. It has fewer calories than sugar, but it still contains calories and can affect blood glucose levels.

Maltitol has a glycemic index of 35 in its powdered form and 52 as a syrup, compared to table sugar's glycemic index of 60. The glycemic index is a measure of how much a food raises your blood glucose level. A higher glycemic index means a higher blood glucose level.

Consuming maltitol will lead to a slower rise in blood sugar and insulin levels compared to consuming glucose or sucrose. However, it will still lead to a rise in blood glucose levels, which can interfere with ketosis.

Maltitol is considered beneficial for people with diabetes as it provides a way to satisfy a sweet tooth without the same blood glucose spike as sugar. However, it is important to note that it is not completely inert and can still affect blood glucose levels. Therefore, people with diabetes should discuss the use of maltitol with their doctor or dietitian before consuming it.

The candy is highly-processed

Processed foods often contain high levels of added sugars, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. In the case of Russell Stover's sugar-free candy, the primary ingredient is maltitol, a sugar alcohol that has a similar effect on blood sugar as regular table sugar. This defeats the purpose of a "sugar-free" product, which is marketed towards health-conscious consumers.

Furthermore, the processing of foods can strip them of their natural nutrients, leaving them with little to no nutritional value. While the candy may be low in carbs, it is not a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, or fibre. Consuming highly-processed foods can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, the processing of foods can also affect their texture, taste, and appearance. In the case of Russell Stover's sugar-free candy, some consumers have complained that the chocolate is not as crunchy as the regular sugar-containing variety. This may be due to the use of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which can affect the texture and taste of the product.

Overall, the high level of processing in Russell Stover's sugar-free candy is a concern due to the potential negative impact on health, the interference with ketosis, and the lack of nutritional value. While it may be a suitable treat for those on a low-carb diet, it is not a healthy alternative to regular chocolate and should be consumed in moderation.

The candy is not keto-friendly

Maltitol is not a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol. It has a glycemic index of 35 for maltitol powder and 52 for maltitol syrup, which is very close to that of table sugar at 60. This high glycemic index means that maltitol will significantly impact your blood sugar levels, potentially kicking you out of ketosis.

In addition to maltitol, Russell Stover's sugar-free candies also contain polydextrose and artificial flavours. These ingredients can cause gastrointestinal issues for some people, which is another concern for those following a keto diet.

While the candies are technically sucrose-free, the presence of maltitol, a sugar alcohol that affects blood sugar, means they are not truly "sugar-free" in the context of a keto diet. The highly-processed nature of these candies and the inclusion of non-ketogenic ingredients make them incompatible with the keto diet.

Therefore, if you are strictly adhering to a keto diet, it is best to avoid Russell Stover's sugar-free candies and opt for alternative keto-friendly chocolate options that use sweeteners with a glycemic index of zero, such as erythritol and stevia.

The candy can cause gastrointestinal issues

Russell Stover's sugar-free candy contains maltitol, a sugar alcohol with a glycemic index of 35 for maltitol powder and 52 for maltitol syrup. This is a concern for those on a keto diet as it can affect ketosis and cause gastrointestinal issues. Maltitol is not easily absorbed in the gut and can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Some people may be more sensitive to its effects than others, but it is a common issue reported by consumers of Russell Stover's sugar-free candy. In addition to maltitol, the candy also contains polydextrose, a synthetic polymer of glucose that is only partially fermented and minimally absorbed in the gut, which may further contribute to gastrointestinal distress.

The high amount of sugar alcohols in Russell Stover's sugar-free candy can lead to digestive issues for some people. Sugar alcohols are not fully digested or absorbed in the small intestine and can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhoea when consumed in large amounts. While sugar alcohols can be a good alternative to sugar for people with diabetes or those watching their weight, they can also cause digestive issues, especially when consumed in excess.

The artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols in Russell Stover's sugar-free candy can have a laxative effect, especially when consumed in large amounts. This is because the body has difficulty absorbing these substances, leading to osmotic diarrhoea. This means that water is drawn into the intestines, causing loose stools and frequent bowel movements. While the candy may be marketed as a healthier alternative to regular chocolate, the high content of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners can cause digestive issues for some people.

The candy's high glycemic index can also cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. This spike in blood sugar can lead to increased hunger, weight gain, and a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the candy's artificial ingredients and high processing may negatively impact overall health and well-being.

While Russell Stover's sugar-free candy may be a tempting treat for those on a keto diet, it is important to be aware of the potential gastrointestinal issues it can cause. The high content of maltitol and other sugar alcohols can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, and the candy's overall impact on blood sugar levels may affect ketosis. It is always important to read the ingredient list and be mindful of the potential side effects when consuming sugar-free or low-carb products.

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