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There are many reasons why gummy bears have become increasingly popular in recent years. They have a range of flavors, are easy to carry around, and are small and chewy. This has led to a high need for sugar-free gummy bears too.
These sweets are a better option than regular gummies because they have little to no sugar, which leads to the question, what are sugar-free gummy bears made of?
The components required to manufacture them and how they differ from conventional gummy bears are discussed in this article. Read on.
What makes sugar-free gummy bears
Gelatin, water, and sugar substitutes are the main ingredients in your favorite sugar-free gummy candy. Gelatin, responsible for the chewy texture, is derived from animal collagen as a protein. It is also used to make other similar candies including marshmallows and jelly beans.
Water is added to dissolve the gelatin mixture and allow it to form a solution that can be poured into molds. Sugar substitutes are then added to make the gummy bears sweet without using regular sugar. Some of these sugar substitutes used are:
- Stevia
Stevia is a popular sweetener derived from plants. It is usually extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana leaves and is believed to give 200-300 times more sweetness than sugar. It also doesn’t contain any calories, making it an excellent option when it comes to gummies for diabetics or for people who are cutting down on sugar intake.
- Xylitol
Xylitol is another common ingredient for sugar-free candies. This sugar alcohol is mostly used as a substitute for candies that don’t use regular sugar. It gives similar sweetness but contains fewer calories than sugar. Besides being a sugar substitute, Xylitol is also believed to help reduce the risk of cavities.
- Erythritol
Erythritol is another common sugar substitute used to make sugar-free candies. One of the many reasons why it is popular is its digestive properties. It is said to be less likely to cause digestive issues as it is easier to digest.
- Sorbitol
Sorbitol is also used as a sweetener in place of sugar when making sugar-free products. It has fewer calories and less sugar, which makes it an excellent ingredient for sugar-free gummy bears.
How Sugar-free Gummy Bears Differ from Traditional Vitamins
There aren’t a lot of differences between multivitamin gummy bears and traditional vitamins. They are both meant for the same purpose, which is to supplement the body with the necessary nutrients. The major difference between the two is that gummies have less sugar than tablets and capsules.
Sugar-free gummies are made with sugar substitutes such as sorbitol instead, to sweeten them without having to use regular sugar.
Another key difference between the two is the texture. Sugar-free gummies are softer compared to regular gummies. They are also less chewy. This is because sugar substitutes and regular sugar don’t have the same texture.
Another difference is that gummies provide consumers with a range of options when it comes to flavors, colors, tastes, and shapes, something that traditional vitamins, may not provide.
Are Sugar-free Gummy Bears Healthy?
There is a reason why these are considered the best option when it comes to gummies for type 2 diabetics and people with certain health issues. One common reason is that they contain fewer calories and fewer additives, making them a healthier alternative to traditional gummies.
However, even though they have an advantage over traditional gummies, professionals recommend being consumed in moderation. Sugar substitutes are still sugar and may cause laxative effects and digestive problems if taken in excess.
Are gummy vitamins good for diabetics?
The only major difference between gummy vitamins and traditional vitamin supplements is that they are made to look and taste like gummy candies. But because they have fewer calories and less sugar content, they are the best type two gummies.
The fact that they are more convenient makes them highly beneficial to people with diabetes. Diabetics are almost always on medication every day and gummy vitamins make it easier for them to remember to take their vitamins regularly.
They are small and chewy, making them more appealing to people who have difficulty swallowing pills, dislike the taste of vitamin tablets, or have a sensitive stomach. Glucose gummies for diabetics are also an excellent option if you have medical issues.
On the downside, remember that everything with advantages has a disadvantage, and sugar-free gummy bears are not an exception.
To have more flavor, taste, and color, certain gummy vitamins may need more sugar. This is not appealing to diabetic people. Consuming excess sugar like this may cause a rise in blood sugar levels, which could lead to serious health complications.
The carbohydrate content in sugar-free gummy vitamins is also another concern. Whether in low levels or high levels, carbohydrates are still carbohydrates and contribute to the daily carbohydrate intake from other sources like food.
When consumed in large amounts by people with diabetes or those who are watching their carbohydrate intake, it may contribute to harming their health.
Another important thing to note is that gummy vitamins may not have the same nutrient levels as traditional vitamin supplements and may not be delivered and well absorbed by the body. Different nutrients are better absorbed by the body in different forms.
It is important to always consult with a healthcare professional before you add any new vitamin supplements to your diet. Doctors should provide guidance on which types of gummy vitamins are best for your individual needs and help develop a supplement regimen, appropriately.
Conclusion
Gummy vitamins make a convenient and tasty way to supplement your body with essential vitamins and minerals. But the question of whether they are good for people with diabetes still depends. Even though in small amounts, they still contain sugar and carbs which may be harmful to some level.
They also may not contain as many nutrients as traditional supplements, especially when it comes to fat and fat-soluble vitamins. If you have diabetes, it is important to consult with your doctor first before incorporating gummy vitamins into your supplement collections.