Is Sugar-Free Candy Okay for People With Diabetes?

While sugar itself doesn’t directly cause diabetes, it can make blood sugar management more difficult. But does sugar-free candy have the same effect on blood sugar as the traditional stuff? And how does it affect weight? The answers to these common diabetes questions aren’t so straightforward.

“Generally speaking, sugar-free candy will have less of an effect on blood glucose than its sugar-containing counterpart,” says Jo-Anne M. Rizzotto, RDN, CDCES, a certified diabetes care and education specialist and a registered dietitian-nutritionist in Boston.

That said, “Sugar-free does not mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free,” she says. “While sugar-free candy is made with artificial sweeteners, and those sweeteners have fewer calories and carbohydrates, when eaten in certain amounts they still may have an impact on glucose levels and can sabotage one’s weight loss efforts.”

“The major difference between regular and sugar-free candy is the kind of sweetener used,” says Anna Taylor, RD, who is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition in Ohio. Taylor says there’s typically no significant difference in the fat or protein content of sugar-free candy.

You may find a couple of different types of sugar substitutes in sugar-free candies: artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. These sweeteners don’t contain any calories, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers them “food additives.”

“You’ll see sugar alcohol content listed in grams on the nutrition facts label, under the total carbohydrates section,” Taylor says. “In addition, you will see the type of sugar alcohol the product contains on the ingredients list.”

High-sugar foods are often high in calories and can spike blood glucose levels, which is a problem for effective diabetes management. So, many people turn to sugar-free candies for a touch of sweetness without the potential health effects.

Like any sweet treat, sugar‑free candies are best enjoyed in moderation. Both sugar‑sweetened and artificially sweetened options come with trade‑offs, so it’s worth being mindful of how often they show up in your diet.

Experts agree that sugar-free candy is a better choice than candy made with regular sugar for people with diabetes. “Having the option of sugar-free candy to satisfy a sweet tooth without causing a spike in blood glucose can be very helpful, in addition to reducing one’s daily sugar consumption and posing less of a risk to dental health,” Rizzotto says.

Another possible benefit? Sugar-free candy often, though not always, contains fewer total carbohydrates and fewer calories than regular candy, Taylor says.

“It’s also easy to consume more candy with the justification that it is sugar-free, potentially causing you to eat more calories and more carbohydrates than if you were just eating the regular candy made with sugar,” Rizzotto says. “Always read the nutrition facts label to see how many calories, carbohydrates, and sugar alcohols, if any, the candy contains.”

Follow this handy guide to make sure the sweet stuff — regular or sugar-free — doesn’t mess with your blood sugar levels.

Enjoy in Moderation

Focus on portion sizes and think of candy as an occasional treat, whether you’re choosing regular or sugar-free options, Taylor says. That way, you’ll be able to budget for treats without exceeding the recommended sugar or carb intake, she says.

Watch for Saturated Fat

When choosing a candy, “You want to look for the lowest saturated fat content and ensure that the carbohydrate content fits into your carb budget,” Taylor says. For instance, sugar-free chocolate still contains cocoa butter, which is high in saturated fat. Too much saturated fat can raise your cholesterol levels, and it should be limited to no more than about 6 percent of your total daily calories, Taylor says.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Choose a treat you truly enjoy and know will be satisfying. Planning for a piece of candy you love — whether regular or sugar‑free — can help you feel satisfied without going overboard. “Savor it slowly, without letting guilt flaw the experience of enjoying the candy,” Rizzotto says.

• Sugar-free candies aren’t calorie- or carbohydrate-free. Too much of these foods can stall weight loss goals and increase blood glucose levels — the same way regular sugar does.
• Artificial sweeteners don’t directly spike blood sugar, but studies suggest they may alter gut bacteria, affect glucose absorption, and influence insulin or incretin responses.
• Foods with sugar alcohols can have side effects. These include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Sugar‑free candy can be a helpful option for people with diabetes, but portion sizes still matter. Whether you choose regular or sugar‑free, savor a small amount and make it fit your carb and calorie goals.