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When you buy sugar-free sweets, it’s easy to focus only on the front of the pack. You’ll see terms such as “sugar-free”, “extra fresh” or “intense flavour”. But these tell you little about the sweeteners used, the portion size or whether the product suits your diet. A few simple checks can help you avoid a disappointing purchase.
In many sugar-free sweets, sugar is replaced with polyols such as sorbitol, maltitol, isomalt or xylitol. The label may therefore say 0 grams of sugar, even though the carbohydrate content is still relatively high. Always check the nutritional information per 100 grams, and look specifically for the “of which polyols” figure.
A large amount of polyols can also have a laxative effect. Several products state this explicitly on the packaging. So “sweets without sugar” doesn’t automatically mean you can eat as much as you like.
Sugar-free peppermint, menthol and salmiak can have a strong flavour. That’s great if you’re looking for an intense taste, but less suitable if you want a mild pastille. With sugar-free mints, the difference between peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus and liquorice is easy to notice.
Also look out for ingredients such as aspartame. Products containing aspartame are a source of phenylalanine and aren’t suitable for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). If in doubt, check the full ingredients list.
A tub or twin pack can be handy at home, in the car or at the office. But comparing the price per 100 grams or per pastille is a better way to judge value. Check the closure, too. A resealable bag or sturdy tin helps keep moisture out, but only if you close the pack properly after use.
Don’t just compare the sugar content: check which sweeteners are used, too. Sorbitol, for example, is found in Smint, Fisherman’s Friend and several other products. Klene uses ingredients including maltitol syrup and steviol glycosides. Corniche Ginger Chews Mint contains isomalt and sorbitol.
If you’re sensitive to certain sweeteners, it’s a good idea to start with a small pack. Look out for the warning about excessive consumption and a possible laxative effect.
For vegans and vegetarians, product claims are only useful if they’re confirmed on the packaging or in the product information. Fisherman’s Friend Salmiak is described as suitable for vegetarians and vegans according to the product information. Klene Sugar-Free Mint Licorice lists gelatine in its ingredients, so it isn’t suitable for a vegan diet.
It’s also sensible to check the label if you have allergies. The product information for several of the sweets mentioned doesn’t list any of the 14 major EU allergens, but always follow the packaging. Ingredients and packaging can change.
It’s worth taking extra care with sugar-free liquorice, sugar-free salmiak and products containing liquorice. Some product listings advise people with high blood pressure to avoid excessive consumption. That doesn’t mean you need to rule out a product altogether, but do take the warning on the label seriously.
Why it suits this shopper: The 110-gram bag is resealable, and its honey-like liquorice flavour is an approachable choice if you’re trying sugar-free liquorice for the first time.
The product information states that it contains 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams and clearly identifies maltitol syrup and steviol glycosides as sweeteners.
110 grams, resealable packaging, honey liquorice flavour and 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams according to the product details.
Why it suits this shopper: The sturdy tin and 50 pastilles per tin make this a practical choice for work, the car or your bag.
The packaging protects the pastilles when you’re out and about, and the ingredients list identifies the sweeteners used.
Peppermint flavour, two sturdy tins and 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams according to the nutritional information provided.
Why it suits this shopper: The multipack of three bags is ideal for fans of a distinctively salty flavour who want to split their supply between their bag, car and home.
The product information lists sorbitol, liquorice and salt, as well as warnings about excessive consumption and high blood pressure.
Three 25-gram bags, described as vegan and vegetarian in the product information, with less than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
For a spicy option, sugar-free ginger sweets such as Corniche Sugar Free Ginger Fudge Lemon or Corniche Sugar Free Ginger Chews Mint are worth considering. According to the product information, the first variety contains 7% ginger, 4% turmeric and lemon flavouring. The mint variety combines ginger with peppermint. These sweets have a bold flavour and aren’t necessarily a substitute for throat pastilles or medicines.
If you’re mainly looking for fresh breath, you could choose sugar-free peppermint or sugar-free mints from Smint, Wilhelmina or Fisherman’s Friend. For a salty flavour, Klene Salty Ovals, Double Salted Dices and Fisherman’s Friend Salmiak are natural categories to compare. When choosing sugar-free throat pastilles, always check that the product is actually sold as a pastille and read the usage information on the packaging.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
No. Sweeteners can lower the sugar content, but the product may still provide energy. Compare the figures per 100 grams. In the product information provided, for example, the values range from around 190 to 250 kcal per 100 grams.
That isn’t recommended. Many varieties contain polyols, and a high intake can have a laxative effect. Follow the information on the label, and start with a small amount if you’re trying a product for the first time.
Check the ingredients, sugar content, amount of polyols, flavour and portion size. Also look out for allergens, aspartame, gelatine, liquorice and the packaging closure. This will help you choose the right sugar-free liquorice, peppermint, ginger sweets or mints.
