Is Smucker's Sugar-Free Strawberry Preserves Keto-Friendly?

Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves is a popular product, but is it keto-friendly? With 0 grams of total sugar and 80% fewer calories than regular preserves, it seems like a good option for those on a keto diet. However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals that it may not be suitable for keto after all. The preserves contain unhealthy ingredients like sucralose, red #40, and dextrose, which are high-glycemic sweeteners that can raise blood sugar levels and prevent ketosis. Additionally, with 11.77g of net carbs per 100g serving, it is considered a high-carb processed food. As such, Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves should be avoided on a keto diet, and those looking for keto-friendly alternatives can opt for jams and preserves that use sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves nutritional information

Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves is sweetened with Splenda and has 80% fewer calories than regular preserves. It contains 10 calories per serving, 0 grams of total sugar, and 40 grams of net carbs per 12.75-ounce jar.

The product is not keto-friendly due to its high-carb content and the presence of unhealthy ingredients like sucralose, red #40, and dextrose. Sucralose is a carb-free artificial sweetener that may lead to gut health issues when consumed regularly. Red #40 is a controversial food additive, and dextrose and maltodextrin are high-glycemic sweeteners that can raise blood sugar levels.

The full list of ingredients is as follows:

• Water
• Strawberries
• Polydextrose
• Maltodextrin
• Fruit Pectin
• Citric Acid
• Locust Bean Gum
• Natural Flavors
• Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
• Sucralose (Non-Nutritive Sweetener)
• Calcium Chloride
• Red 40

Is Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves keto-friendly?

Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves is not keto-friendly. While it contains no sugar, it is a highly processed food with unhealthy ingredients such as sucralose, red #40, and dextrose. It is also very high in net carbs, with 11.77g of net carbs per 100g serving. For reference, those on the keto diet should limit their net carb consumption to 20-30g per day to stay in ketosis.

Instead, people on the keto diet should opt for jelly and jams that are low in net carbs and use keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Some alternative products include Nature's Hollow Strawberry Jam, Skinnygirl Sugar Free Kosher Preserves, and Smucker's Low Sugar Strawberry Preserves.

Customer reviews of Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves

Some customers appreciate the convenience of being able to have strawberry preserves while following a low-carb or diabetic diet. They also highlight the value for money and the fact that the product is sugar-free and low in calories. However, others are disappointed by the texture, describing it as "gummy" or "gelatinous" and difficult to spread on bread.

"Pretty good for sugar-free."

"Taste is good, texture is not."

"LOVE IT, IT TASTES DELICIOUS WITH MY BREAD, PANCAKES, AND FRUITS."

"I didn't like the taste. It tastes artificial and weird."

"I did not have any aftertaste like some sugar-free food. You will definitely like it!!!"

Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves recipes

Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. Here are some ideas and suggestions for using this sugar-free spread:

Breakfast and Brunch Options:

• Classic PB&J: Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves pairs perfectly with peanut butter for a classic PB&J sandwich. It can also be used with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter for a slightly different take on this classic.
• Waffle Topping: Serve the preserves with light whipped cream over waffles. For an extra indulgent touch, add some chopped nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer the preserves with Greek yogurt and granola for a delicious and healthy breakfast parfait. You can also add some fresh or frozen strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Dessert Ideas:

• Angel Food Cake Topping: Use the preserves as a topping for angel food cake. The light and airy cake is a perfect match for the sweet and fruity preserves. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Dark Chocolate Brownies: Drizzle the preserves over dark chocolate brownies for a decadent dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberry is a match made in heaven.
• Cheesecake: Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves can be used as a topping for cheesecake. It adds a tangy and fruity contrast to the creamy cheesecake. You could also swirl it into the cheesecake batter before baking for a marbled effect.

Savory Dishes:

• Glazed Chicken: Add an unexpected twist to your favorite chicken glaze by mixing in the strawberry preserves. The sweetness of the preserves pairs surprisingly well with savory dishes, and it can help to create a beautiful glossy glaze.
• Charcuterie Board: Include the preserves on a charcuterie board as a fruity dip or spread. It will add a touch of sweetness to the savory meats and cheeses and can also be used as a pairing with different types of crackers.

With its sweet strawberry flavor and versatility, Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves is a great addition to your pantry, offering endless possibilities for creating delicious and healthy dishes.

Alternative keto-friendly jams and preserves

While Smucker's Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves is not keto-friendly, there are plenty of alternative keto-friendly jams and preserves to choose from. Here are some suggestions and tips to help you find the perfect keto-friendly option:

Understanding Keto-Friendly Ingredients

Firstly, it's important to understand which ingredients are keto-friendly and which ones you should avoid. Here are some sweeteners and additives that are commonly used in jams and preserves, along with their keto-friendliness:

• Stevia, Monk Fruit, and Erythritol are considered keto-friendly sweeteners and are safe alternatives to sugar.
• Sucralose is a carb-free artificial sweetener with a glycemic index of zero, but it may lead to gut health issues when consumed regularly.
• Dextrose and Maltodextrin are high-glycemic sweeteners that can raise your blood sugar levels and prevent ketosis.
• Red #40 is a controversial food additive that is best avoided.

Exploring Keto-Friendly Options

Now that you know what to look for, here are some delicious keto-friendly jams and preserves that you can enjoy:

• Nature's Hollow offers a range of sugar-free and keto-friendly jams, including strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry flavours. Their products are also vegan, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly.
• ChocZero has a sugar-free orange marmalade that is a perfect keto-friendly option.
• Skinnygirl offers sugar-free kosher preserves in apricot and raspberry flavours.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market has an organic strawberry fruit spread that is a climate-pledge-friendly option.
• Polaner has sugar-free strawberry preserves with fiber, which can be a good choice if you're looking for an added boost of fiber.

Making Your Own Keto Jam

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make your own keto-friendly jam at home. Here are some simple recipes to get you started:

• The Big Man's World has a keto jam recipe that uses strawberries, lemon juice, chia seeds, and keto maple syrup (optional). This recipe is naturally sweetened and has no pectin.
• Low Carb Maven shares a sugar-free strawberry jam recipe that uses gelatin to thicken the jam. It's a simple recipe that only requires a few steps and basic ingredients.
• Sweet As Honey provides a keto jam recipe using frozen raspberries, chia seeds, lemon juice, and a sugar-free powdered sweetener. This recipe doesn't require any cooking, making it a quick and easy option.

Remember, when choosing or making keto-friendly jams and preserves, always read the ingredient labels carefully and opt for minimally processed options with natural sweeteners and ingredients. Enjoy exploring these delicious alternatives!

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