10 Best Sugar-Free Candies: Diabetic & Keto-Friendly Treats
Cutting sugar doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. To help you make healthier snacking choices, we’ve tested and selected the best sugar-free candy of 2025. Each option in this article delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience, while also being diabetic-friendly, making this list the best sugar-free candy for diabetics who want guilt-free snacking.
Have you ever pondered what “sugar-free” actually means? As you read along, you will learn what that is, the different types of sweeteners, and an FAQ section. This quick read will also cover the health benefits and key considerations before hitting the ‘add to cart’ button. Let’s get started.
10 Best Sugar-Free Candy Compared for 2025
From classic hard candies to chewy gummies and chocolate bars, these selections cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Note that all of the following sugar-free candies are diabetic friendly.
| Sugar-Free Candy Brand | Key Features | Price |
| Jolly Rancher | • Bold Fruit Flavors (apple, grape, raspberry, etc.) • Sugar- and aspartame-free • Hard Candy • Diabetic-friendly | Price on Amazon |
| Werther’s Original | • Caramel chocolate flavor with coffee • Sugar-free & diabetic-friendly • Hard candy • Individually wrapped | Price on Amazon |
| Zolli Pops | • Lollipop candy • Sugar free • Gluten-Free, Kosher, Vegan • Natural fruit flavors | Price on Amazon |
| Altoids | • Wintergreen (minty flavor) • Sugar-free hard candy • Ideal for on-the-go breath freshening • Portable daily use | Price on Amazon |
| Live Savers | • Gummy candy • Safe for vegetarians • 5 flavors • Sugar free | Price on Amazon |
| ChocZero | • Dark chocolate bar • Almond flavor • Gluten-free, plant-based, and low-carb/keto-friendly • Sugar free | Price on Amazon |
| Dr John’s | • Lollipop candy • Sugar-free, naturally sweetened • No animal-derived ingredients • Dental-friendly with xylitol/erythritol | Price on Amazon |
| Trident | • Chewing gum • Sugar free • Kosher, plant-based, vegetarian • Fruit and Mint flavors | Price on Amazon |
| Assortit | • Fiery cinnamon • Hard candy • Sugar-free, individually wrapped • Gluten-free and vegan | Price on Amazon |
| SUNNY ISLAND | • Jelly candy • Fruit flavors • Soft, chewy jellies • Natural coloring | Price on Amazon |
Detailed Review of the 10 Best Sugar-Free Candies
Well, it is now time to go in-depth and review our top picks to make things easy for you. Here, we will add pros and cons for each sugar-free candy based on what we found during our testing process.
#1 Jolly Rancher Sugar Free Hard Candy
Jolly Rancher secured its position as the best sugar-free candy in our review, which delivers bold, fruity flavors like watermelon, grape, apple, and raspberry without the sugar. Individually wrapped for freshness, these hard candies are perfect for on-the-go snacking, parties, or gifting. Customers love the authentic taste and long-lasting chew, making it a popular choice for sugar-conscious candy lovers who want a classic, flavorful treat anytime.
Pros
- Sugar-free and aspartame-free
- Individually wrapped for convenience and freshness
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or gifts
- Long-lasting hard candy
- Authentic bold fruit flavors
Cons
- Flavor preference may vary among consumers
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.7/10
#2 Werther’s Original Sugar Free Chocolate Hard Candy
Werther’s Original ranks among the best sugar-free hard candy options, praised for capturing the classic creamy caramel taste with a rich twist. Many verified consumers have highlighted the smooth, buttery texture and the fact that each piece feels indulgent despite having no added sugar. The candies are convenient for portion control and travel. Some reviewers note a slight sweetener aftertaste and small pack size, but overall satisfaction remains very high.
Pros
- Rich caramel-chocolate flavor with a coffee twist
- Sugar-free and diabetic-friendly
- Made with real butter and cream for an authentic taste
- Convenient 2.35 oz packs, individually bagged
Cons
- May melt or stick to wrappers in warm storage
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.7/10
#3 Zolli Pops Sugar Free Lollipop Candy
Zollipops Sugar-Free Lollipops are a dentist-approved treat designed to support oral health while satisfying sweet cravings. Made with xylitol and erythritol, these fruity lollipops help neutralize acids and reduce cavity-causing bacteria. Gluten-free, vegan, and dye-free, they are suitable for kids, adults, and diabetics alike. These lollipops are perfect for travel, lunchboxes, or post-meal enjoyment, offering a guilt-free, healthy candy option.
Pros
- Sugar-free, keto, and diabetic-friendly
- Helps maintain oral health with xylitol and erythritol
- Gluten-free, vegan, and free from artificial dyes
- Individually wrapped for convenience and portability
- Natural fruit flavors that appeal to both kids and adults
Cons
- A small lollipop size may not satisfy longer cravings
- Sweetener taste may be noticeable for sensitive palates
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.6/10
#4 Altoids Sugar Free Mints Hard Candy
Altoids Arctic Wintergreen Sugar-Free Mints are renowned for their intense, refreshing flavor and long-lasting freshness. Packaged in compact, pocket-sized tins, these mints are ideal for on-the-go breath freshening without added sugar. Customers consistently praise their strong wintergreen taste and the convenience of the resealable tins, making them a popular choice for daily use and travel.
Pros
- Intense, long-lasting wintergreen flavor
- Sugar-free, suitable for low-carb and diabetic diets
- Compact, resealable tins are perfect for portability
- Convenient pack of 8 tins for daily use
Cons
- Flavor may be too strong for those preferring milder mints
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.5/10
#5 Live Savers Sugar Free Gummy Candy
Life Savers ranks among the best sugar-free gummy candy options, offering a sweet, fruity treat without added sugar. The soft, chewy texture and five-flavor variety are consistently praised by customers, while the 14.5 oz sharing-size bag ensures convenience for home, office, or social gatherings. Its vegetarian-friendly formula adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for everyday enjoyment or sharing with friends and family.
Pros
- Delicious mix of five fruity flavors
- Sugar-free, suitable for low-sugar diets
- Soft, chewy texture
- Convenient 14.5 oz sharing-size bag
- Vegetarian-friendly
Cons
- Not ideal for those sensitive to sugar alcohols
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.2/10
#6 ChocZero Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Candy
ChocZero’s Dark Chocolate Almond Keto Bark is a sugar-free treat made with 55% cacao, roasted almonds, and sea salt, sweetened naturally with monk fruit. Verified reviews prove the rich chocolate flavor, clean ingredients, and crunchy texture, making it a go-to snack for keto and low-carb diets. Portion-controlled pieces and no artificial sweeteners make it a guilt-free way to satisfy chocolate cravings.
Pros
- No sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners
- Crunchy almonds with smooth dark chocolate
- Individually wrapped for portion control
- Rich flavor with balanced sweetness
- Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free
Cons
- Sea salt can taste overpowering to some
- Easy to overeat despite portion size
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.0/10
#7 Dr John’s Sugar-Free Lollipop Candy
Dr John’s Healthy Lollipops are sugar-free, low-calorie candies made with natural sweeteners like erythritol, xylitol, and stevia. Vegan, keto, and gluten-free, they’re praised for their clean ingredients, tasty flavor variety, and dental-friendly benefits. Many enjoy them as a guilt-free treat without artificial colors or aftertaste, though some find them too hard or experience mild digestive discomfort if eaten in excess.
Pros
- Sugar-free, low-calorie, naturally sweetened
- Vegan, keto, and gluten-free
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Dental-friendly with xylitol and erythritol
- Convenient resealable bag
Cons
- Very hard texture, tough on sensitive teeth
- Can cause digestive issues if overconsumed
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 9.0/10
#8 Trident Chewing Gum Sugar Free Candy
Trident’s Sugar-Free chewing gum Pack includes 21 packs (294 pieces) in fruit and mint flavors. Sweetened with xylitol, it helps freshen breath and support dental health. Reviewers love the flavor assortment, portability, and lasting freshness, making it a popular everyday choice. Some note that the taste fades faster than expected, and the use of artificial sweeteners or colors may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
- Assorted fruit and mint flavors
- Sugar-free with xylitol for oral health
- Good flavor longevity
- Convenient, travel-friendly packs
Cons
- Flavor fades sooner for some
- Contains artificial sweeteners and colors
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 8.8/10
#9 Assortit Sugar Free Cinnamon Hard Candy
Assortit’s Sugar Free Cinnamon Hard Candy delivers a bold, fiery cinnamon flavor in a guilt-free, diabetic- and keto-friendly option. Each 1 lb bag includes about 60 individually wrapped pieces, praised for their strong taste, freshness, and value. Many reviewers enjoy the nostalgic “fire candy” kick, though some find the spice overwhelming. A convenient, low-sugar treat that satisfies cinnamon lovers while fitting into low-carb lifestyles.
Pros
- Strong, fiery cinnamon flavor
- Sugar-free and keto/diabetic friendly
- Individually wrapped for freshness
- Good value in a large bag
- Gluten-free and vegan
Cons
- Too spicy for some tastes
- Sugar substitutes may cause digestive issues
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 8.5/10
#10 Sunny Island Sugar Free Fruit Jelly Candy
Sunny Islans sugar-free fruit Jelly Candy comes in a 1-lb bag with about 110 individually wrapped Italian jellies. Flavors include lemon, orange, blackberry, and strawberry. The texture is soft, chewy, and fruity without being overly sweet, which many reviewers appreciate. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and uses natural colorings. Some users like it as a light snack or candy gift; others caution about possible aftereffects if eaten in large amounts.
Pros
- Soft, chewy texture
- Natural fruit flavors
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Individually wrapped
- Natural coloring and flavoring
Cons
- May cause digestive discomfort if overeaten
- Slight aftertaste from sweeteners
Price on Amazon | Our Rating 8.5/10
What Makes Candy “Sugar-Free”
The FDA defines sugar-free candy as any product with less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. These candies may still contain calories from other ingredients, but only trace amounts of sugar. To achieve sweetness without traditional sugar, candy makers use a variety of alternatives:
- Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose): These FDA-approved sweeteners provide intense sweetness with virtually no calories and do not raise blood sugar. They’re used in very small amounts, though people with PKU must avoid aspartame.
- Sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol, maltitol): These resemble sugar in taste and texture but have fewer calories and a lower glycemic impact. Overeating them may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea, but they remain a popular choice for diabetic-friendly candy.
- Novel and natural sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit, allulose): These plant-derived or innovative sweeteners deliver natural-tasting sweetness without major blood sugar spikes. They’re often featured in keto, vegan, and diabetic-friendly candies, though overall ingredients determine gluten-free status.
You will find a variety of candies made with such sweeteners to have your desired sweetness and be friendly to any diet and lifestyle plan that you may follow.
Health Benefits & Considerations
Sugar-free candies come with several benefits, but it’s important to weigh the considerations before making them a regular part of your diet.
- Blood Sugar Control: For people with diabetes, the best sugar-free candy for diabetics can help manage cravings while keeping blood sugar stable. They don’t cause sharp blood sugar spikes, helping you maintain more stable energy levels while still enjoying something sweet.
- Lower Calorie Count: If you’re watching your weight, sugar-free candies can be a helpful alternative. Since they’re lower in calories than traditional candies, they can satisfy cravings without derailing weight management goals.
- Oral Health: Regular sugary treats often contribute to cavities, but sugar-free candies are less likely to harm your teeth. Candies made with xylitol may even support dental health by reducing cavity risk and boosting saliva production.
- Digestive Tolerability: While sugar-free candies can be healthier in moderation, overindulgence may cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially with those made using sugar alcohols. Keeping portions moderate helps you enjoy the benefits without discomfort.
In summary, sugar-free candies can be a smart long-term alternative to traditional sweets. Just check the sweeteners used and enjoy them in moderation to fit your health and lifestyle needs.
Key Sweeteners Used in Sugar-Free Hard Candy
As discussed earlier, sugar-free hard candies often rely on alternative sweeteners to balance sweetness, texture, and health benefits. Below are the most common ones you’ll find:
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that tastes very similar to regular sugar but has about 40% fewer calories. It has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t raise blood sugar significantly, making it a safer choice for people with diabetes. Beyond sweetness, xylitol is famous for its oral health benefits: it stimulates saliva production, helps neutralize acids in the mouth, and reduces decay-causing bacteria, which lowers the risk of cavities.
Best For: People concerned about dental health or those managing blood sugar who want candy that tastes close to real sugar.
Erythritol
Erythritol is another sugar alcohol, but unlike others, it contributes almost no calories (about 0.2 calories per gram). It’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted unchanged, so it rarely causes digestive issues, even in larger amounts. This makes it one of the most stomach-friendly sugar alcohols. It also has no significant impact on blood sugar or insulin levels.
Best For: People who want low-calorie, diabetic-friendly candies with minimal digestive side effects.
Isomalt
Isomalt is made from beet sugar and is widely used in decorative sugar art, molded candies, and clear candy sculptures because of its glossy finish and stability. While it tastes less sweet than sugar, it’s often combined with other sweeteners to balance flavor. Since it’s non-digestible, it passes through the system with limited change, but eating too much may cause stomach upset.
Best For: Candy makers or enthusiasts who appreciate artistic, decorative candies that look beautiful while still being sugar-free.
Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It contains zero calories and doesn’t affect blood sugar, making it suitable for people with diabetes or those on weight-loss plans. Since it’s plant-based, it’s also popular among vegans. One limitation is that some people detect a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, though this can be masked when blended with other sweeteners.
Best For: People looking for a vegan, plant-based, zero-calorie option that supports weight control and stable blood sugar.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit extract, also known as luo han guo, is a natural sweetener from Southeast Asia. It’s 150-200 times sweeter than sugar but has no calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels. Unlike stevia, it typically doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste, which makes it a popular choice for candies. Monk fruit is often blended with erythritol to improve texture and balance sweetness.
Best For: Those who prefer a natural, clean-tasting, zero-calorie sweetener with no aftertaste.
Allulose
Allulose is a rare sugar found naturally in figs and raisins. It tastes almost identical to regular sugar but provides only about 10% of the calories. It doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin levels, making it safe for diabetics. Unlike many sugar alcohols, it doesn’t cause digestive distress in normal amounts. Because it behaves like sugar in recipes, it’s becoming increasingly popular in newer sugar-free hard candies.
Best For: Candy lovers who want the closest possible taste and texture to real sugar without the calories or blood sugar spike.
How to Choose the Right Sugar-Free Candy
Choosing the best sugar-free hard candy depends on your taste preferences, diet, and whether you want fruity, minty, or chocolate-based flavors. But choices must be made, and you need to think about your personal health goals and taste preferences when you make your final choice.
Check Ingredient Labels
You should keep an eye on what sweeteners are in your candies and the amount of sugar alcohol in them to see if they fit your dietary needs. Your go-to healthier options should always be xylitol and stevia. Carbohydrates can mess up your blood glucose levels, so keep an eye on that too.
Start with Small Portions
Too much of anything can cause digestive issues, and such is also the case for your beloved sugar-free hard candies. The little treats can still contain carbohydrates or even fat and calories. So, you need to always start with a small serving to make sure you do not go overboard and get a stomachache.
Look for Added Nutritional Benefits
If you are looking for nutritional perks, try sugar-free hard candy from brands like Dr. John’s. They include fiber and vitamins in their candies, which will help you boost your nutrition intake and overall wellness.
Assess Dietary Requirements
Only you know what diet you follow, and you should only buy sugar-free candies that fit your daily diet. As a vegan, you can go for candies with natural sweeteners like stevia. As a diabetic or keto-diet following individual, you can try candies containing monk fruit to prevent spikes in your blood sugar levels. If you like chewy treats, go for brands known for the best sugar-free gummy candy, such as Life Savers or Sunny Island. In case you are a beer lover enjoying a cold brew, pairing it with sugar-free chocolate (like ChocZero) can give you a balanced treat without the sugar crash.
The Bottom line
The best sugar-free candies are more than just a sweet alternative; they offer a way to satisfy cravings while supporting blood sugar control, weight management, and oral health. By choosing candies made with natural or safe sweeteners like xylitol, stevia, or monk fruit, you can indulge guilt-free and enjoy the sweet moments you deserve. Remember, moderation is key, and with the right choices, sugar-free treats can become a smart, delicious addition to any lifestyle.
FAQs on Sugar-Free Candies
Are sugar-free candies truly safe for diabetics?
Yes. Sugar-free candies use sweeteners that have minimal impact on blood sugar, such as xylitol, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, making them a safer choice for diabetics.
Can sugar-free candies cause digestive issues?
Overeating candies with sugar alcohols like xylitol or maltitol may cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Moderation is key to enjoying them without discomfort.
Are sugar-free candies calorie-free?
Not entirely. While lower in calories than regular candy, sugar-free options still contain small amounts of other ingredients, so portion control is important.
Which sugar-free candies are best for dental health?
Candies containing xylitol, such as Zolli Pops or Dr John’s, can help reduce cavity-causing bacteria and support saliva production, promoting oral health.
Do sugar-free candies taste different from regular candy?
Some may notice a slight aftertaste from certain sweeteners, but high-quality brands like Jolly Rancher, ChocZero, and Werther’s Original closely mimic traditional candy flavors.
Can children safely eat sugar-free candies?
Yes, but keep in mind that sugar alcohols in larger amounts can cause digestive discomfort. Choose small portions and candies made with kid-friendly sweeteners like xylitol or stevia.
Are sugar-free gummies as good as hard candy for diabetics?
Yes. Sugar-free gummies, like Live Savers or SUNNY ISLAND jellies, use sweeteners that minimally impact blood sugar, offering a chewy, flavorful option.
What is the best sugar-free candy for diabetics?”
The best sugar-free candy for diabetics includes options made with monk fruit, stevia, or xylitol, such as ChocZero, Zolli Pops, or Jolly Rancher.
Can people with diabetes still enjoy beer with sugar-free candy?
Yes, but moderation is key. Light or low-carb beers paired with sugar-free candies can offer a satisfying combo without causing big blood sugar spikes.