If you’re looking to buy sweets online, you’ll quickly come across terms like sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie and “natural flavours”. These descriptions don’t always mean what you, as a shopper, might expect. A sugar-free sweet can, for example, contain a lot of polyols, while a product with less sugar can still pack a fair number of calories.
With a few simple checks, you can compare products more practically. Look at the ingredients, nutritional values, allergens and the size of the packaging. Below, you’ll find the key points to consider, along with some popular choices for different occasions.
Sugar-free sweets contain little or no sugar, but they may be sweetened with maltitol, isomalt, erythritol, sorbitol or other sweeteners. These ingredients can affect the nutritional value and taste. What’s more, excessive consumption of some polyols can have a laxative effect. This is also stated on the packaging of products like Anta Flu.
So always check:
A product labelled “low GI” or “sugar-free” is therefore not automatically a low-calorie snack.
Vegan sweets contain no animal ingredients, but always check the current ingredients list. Some product descriptions use “vegetarian” when shoppers are specifically looking for vegan sweets. With gluten-free sweets too, it’s wise to check the packaging, especially for imported products.
Look out for possible allergens such as:
A statement that a product contains none of the 14 main EU allergens is helpful, but the packaging remains the most up-to-date source.
A large bag of sweets or a colourful jar might look appealing for a party, but also check the content per serving and the shelf life after opening. Individually wrapped sweets are practical for sharing, while a resealable bag can be more convenient for home use.
With jelly sweets and konjac jelly, texture is also important. A soft jelly snack eats differently to a firm fruit gum or lollipop. For young children, always follow the age warnings and usage instructions on the packaging.
If you want to buy sugar-free sweets, don’t just look at the front of the packaging. The ingredients list tells you which sweeteners have been used. Anta Flu Classic, for example, lists isomalt, maltitol and steviol glycosides among its ingredients. The nutritional information shows 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams and 97 grams of polyols.
With Corniche Sugar Free Ginger Fudge Lemon, E965 and E420 are used. According to the product information, it contains 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams, but it still provides energy. This illustrates why you should assess sugar and calories separately.
A serving makes comparison easier. Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs contains 338 kcal and 62 grams of sugar per 100 grams, according to the product information. The stated serving of 25 grams is roughly five sweets. This helps you estimate how much you’re actually eating, rather than just looking at the whole 280-gram bag.
Hethstia Konjac Jelly Passion Fruit states 3 kcal per 100 grams. The pouch contains 155 grams. With products like these, always check whether the nutritional information is given per 100 grams, per pouch or per serving.
For a birthday, treat or other occasion, content and presentation are often decisive. The ABC Animal Friends Jelly Straw Jar contains 800 grams of individually wrapped jelly sticks. The Colombina Gum Lollipops Watermelon are supplied in packs of 24. Sizes like these are practical for sweets for parties, a sweet bag or a treat where you want to divide portions.
Store sweets in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat and moisture. After opening, make sure to seal the bag, jar or pouch properly. For some jelly products, you also need to keep them refrigerated after opening and use them within a certain period.
Why this fits the profile: A familiar bag of soft fruit gums for anyone looking for a straightforward sweet choice without complicated comparisons. The stated serving is roughly five sweets.
The product information states the net weight, a serving size, three flavours and the nutritional value per 100 grams. This allows you to assess the content and sugar level in advance.
280 grams, strawberry, blackcurrant and cherry flavours; listed as vegan and gluten-free, with natural colourings and flavourings.
Why this fits the profile: A compact konjac jelly in a pouch for anyone looking for a light, soft snack with a fruit flavour and who values nutritional information.
The product information mentions an individual pouch of 155 grams and 3 kcal per 100 grams. This makes the quantity clearer than with a large sharing pack.
Passion fruit flavour, listed as gluten-free, ready to eat and to be kept refrigerated after opening.
Why this fits the profile: Ideal for anyone who wants individually wrapped throat lozenges to take with them, hand out or keep at work. The classic liquorice and menthol flavour is clearly described.
Each sweet is individually wrapped, and the product information explicitly states that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. This makes the usage information clear and specific.
120 grams, listed as sugar-free, vegan and gluten-free; contains isomalt, maltitol and steviol glycosides.
Why this fits the profile: A large jar of individually wrapped jelly sticks, perfect for birthdays, family visits or a sweet bag where sharing needs to be simple.
The sticks are individually wrapped, and the jar has a clearly stated net weight of 800 grams. For children, always check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging.
800 grams, multiple fruit flavours, soft chewy texture and individual wrapping for sharing and storing.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Check the full ingredients list, the type of sweetener and the nutritional value per 100 grams. Also look out for warnings about polyols. Sugar-free does not automatically mean the product contains no calories or can be eaten without limit.
Individually wrapped products are practical for handing out. A large jar, like the ABC Animal Friends Jelly Straw Jar, is suitable when you need lots of portions. For smaller treats, individually wrapped lollipops, such as the Colombina Watermelon lollipops in packs of 24, are easier to manage.
Store sweets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal bags and jars tightly. For jelly products, follow the specific instructions; an opened konjac jelly may need to be refrigerated and consumed within two days, according to the product information. Always check the best-before date and the label on the packaging.